What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW it is likely that your key fob has many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
But there are some secrets you might not have heard of. Let's look at 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 allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those who wish to cool off their car on a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This is a security measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first push the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the internal climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob is able to set the temperature for each person. If you have a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like an opener for keys. This new design also minimized the rough edges of keys that could poke through pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with a small LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and view vehicle information. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone if you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles built after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even check how much gas you have left in your tank should your car be equipped with this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. Our experts will assist you with the process when you bring both 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 it has and make it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back in quick succession, five times in a row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your car. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and then 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 difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is moving. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of security options 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 offers security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case that does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by check here thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you need to buy a spare one for a family. It's simple and inexpensive to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. You can buy an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Next you'll need to insert your new key fob into the ignition, and move it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Next, press 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 the key and switch on the vehicle. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have keys that have a key blade that is physically inside it, or a fob that does not have one. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each however the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good order. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob for your car and even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.