What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows and even starting your engine.
There are some tricks that you might not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with a number of buttons integrated into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but certain buttons have additional functions. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle during the summer heat.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is running late to work and does not have time to turn the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
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 a little smaller and also added an aluminum case around the key's base that made it look nicer and less resemble a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key which could pierce bags or pockets and made keys easier for you to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. The BMW key fob has a small LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display vehicle information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can check how much fuel is left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back quickly five times in the same row. Then you can turn the key to position zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient method to start your car. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept 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 an alarm built-in to stop non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't in close proximity to the car. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry that allows drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times to then activate a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which doesn't have this feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to boost the identifying signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and affordable. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. After that, insert your new key fob into the ignition and turn it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times quickly. Hold down the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and switch on the vehicle. The doors will unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might have a key blade in your key fob or without. Each one has a distinct process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metal key in bmw replacement key fob it needs to be put into the ignition when you wish to start the car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you locate the right key fob to your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.