What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW, chances are that your key fob is equipped with many functions. You can use it to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
But there are some secrets you might not have heard of. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and a few have more unique functions. BMW owners, for example, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
Another major function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially convenient for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. If you own a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the status of charging the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them smaller and also added a case made of plastic around the key's base that made it look nicer and a little less like an opener for bottles. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could poke into pockets or bags and made the keys easier for you to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning, and access vehicle information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 or more recent BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can even check how much gas you have left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
The process of replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement when keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming on it and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in rapid succession, five times in a row. Then you can turn the key to position zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being carried. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also offers a range of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the 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 lets drivers access and start their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which does not have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you need to buy another one for your family. Thankfully, getting the replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and inexpensive. You can buy an alternative from any dealer or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key website in the ignition. Close all doors of your vehicle. After that, insert your new key fob in the ignition, and move it to position 1 before turning return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn the car on. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the car model, you may have keys that have a key blade that is physically inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your car is different for each however the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be put in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.