Are You Getting The Most Of Your BMW Key Fob?

Are You Getting The Most Of Your BMW Key Fob?

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What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start the engine.

There are a few secrets you might not have heard of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its sides. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, some are distinct. 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 two times. This is perfect for those looking to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.

Another major purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a fantastic security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late for work and does not have the time to pull the door.

Finally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charge status.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob in its protective case when it is not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, rendering it useless to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear better and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges that could poke through bags or pockets, and made keys easier to hold.

BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob features small LCD screens which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and view the information about your vehicle. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!

BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. Simply use your smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.

Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and use certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can check how much fuel is left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.

Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs when keys are lost or stolen.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished five times by rapidly shifting the key from position one to zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and then start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.

The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals with the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system employs an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.

BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide an additional level of security.

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 push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times to then activate a separate remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.

Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some prefer an ordinary key case that does not come with this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals using signal amplifiers to boost the identification signals. This kind of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals, or by installing an application on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you need a spare for someone in your family. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.

Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert your new key fob in the ignition and move it to position 1 before turning back to position 0 five times quickly. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car, you might either have a key blade in your key fob, or that isn't. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be placed into the ignition to start your car.

If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. After you've programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.

It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in working order. If you're in search of a new BMW key fob, or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts website department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob for your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry and engine starting.