An Easy-To-Follow Guide To BMW Key Fob
An Easy-To-Follow Guide To BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have many functions. You can use it for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are some tricks that you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its sides. Most of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, however some have additional functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool their vehicle on a hot summer day.
Another significant benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful in situations where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charge status.
While standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It's best to store the key fob in its case of protection when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a service can be offered to disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like the key opener. This new design also minimized the rough key edges that could pierce pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and see the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is available for 2021 or later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can also see how much fuel remains in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you in the process if you bring both your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys are lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you need to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one, then back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient way to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is in motion. The system utilizes an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW also offers a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and offers peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some cases it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times to then turn on a separate remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, which does not have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals who used an amplifier for signal strength to increase the signal strength of 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 an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails or you need a spare for someone in your family. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly change it from here position 1 to 0, and back again. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the vehicle. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a fob that doesn't have one. Each fob has a different process to sync with your vehicle, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be inserted in the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can assist you in selecting the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.