What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW it is likely that your key fob has many functions. You can use it to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are a few hidden tricks that you might not be aware of. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinct. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle during the summer heat.
Another important benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a wonderful security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late to work and does not have time to open the door.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob can be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature for each person. If you own hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause significant damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its case of protection when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to restore your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added a case made of plastic around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less like the bottle opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could poke into bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and view vehicle information. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same functionality and features by using the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and more! You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. Our technicians will help you with the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back in rapid succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn the key until it is at zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. You can also share the key with five people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. Additionally the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion while it's being transported. The system also has a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of optional security features. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain close to your vehicle. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows drivers access and start their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may have to press the fob's lock three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which does not have the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order to check here boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your phone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. You should also close the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition, and quickly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and back again. Hold down the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, take off the key and then turn on the vehicle. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the car model You may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it, or a fob that does not have one. The process for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed an entirely new key fob simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.