7 Things About BMW Key Fob You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
7 Things About BMW Key Fob You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for example, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for those looking to cool down their car during a hot summer day.
Another important purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first press the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly beneficial when a driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door.
Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob may also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each individual. If you have a hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause serious damage. It is best to store the key fob in its protective case when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, rendering it unusable for thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky black rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear better and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key which could pierce bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and view vehicle information. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and use some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and much more! You can check how much fuel remains in your car if it has this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring your original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs in the event that your 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 render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back quickly, five times in a row. Then you can turn the key to zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible 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 moving. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on several models from the brand and gives you security.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry that allows drivers access and start their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In some cases it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then switch on a separate remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case that doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported here that their cars were snatched by criminals using signal amplifiers to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you have to purchase another one for your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to position 0, and then back again. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, remove your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might have a key blade on your key fob, or without. Each fob has a different process to sync with your car, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metallic key inside will need 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 an entirely new key fob simply insert it into your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
It is important to keep your BMW key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you select the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.