So You've Bought BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
So You've Bought BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob has many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows, and even start the engine.
However, there are some secret techniques that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its side. Most of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and certain buttons have additional functions. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is perfect for those looking to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin 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, then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature of each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to monitor the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. 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 offered to deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky black rectangles that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like the key opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could poke into pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels. You can even see how much gas you have left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting an replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring both your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
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 useless. This is done five times by rapidly turning the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, turn it back to zero and then take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a easy way to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion 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 popular target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.
BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in a single second. In some instances, you may need to press the more info lock button on the fob three times to then turn on an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. 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 phone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you need to buy an extra one for your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Also, close the doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to zero, and then back to position 1. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was 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 for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob has to be put in the ignition to start your car.
If you own an 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 crucial to keep your BMW key fob in working order. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the perfect key fob for your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing a Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.