What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as unlocking your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are a few hidden tricks that you might not know about. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic, with a number of buttons integrated into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on the key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is perfect for those looking to cool down their car during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This is a wonderful security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first turn off the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful in situations where the driver is late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is particularly convenient for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature of each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to determine the status of charging the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. For this reason, it's best to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, rendering it useless to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be big black, clunky rectangles that looked kind of like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. The new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could poke into bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning, and access vehicle information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
If you're in need of an alternative key fob, you can have the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels. You can even check how much gas you have left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs when keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times, by changing the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system also has a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and offers an additional level of security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which lets drivers to access their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In certain situations it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times and then activate a separate remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in pockets that block signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery dies, or you need a spare for a family member. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. You can buy an alternative from any dealer or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Place website your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to 0, and back to position 1. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, take off the key and switch on the car. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could have a key blade inside your key fob, or that isn't. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be put in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is essential to keep your BMW key fob in good order. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in selecting the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.