What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with many functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows, and even starting the engine.
There are a few tricks you may not know about. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is a great option for those who want to cool their vehicle in the heat of summer.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first press the lock on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful in a situation where the driver is late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car and open the door handle.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the internal climate system. This is particularly convenient for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each person. If you have a hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put 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 more comfortable to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, provided you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car, check battery levels, and much more! You can even see how much gas is left in your tank if the car is equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement if your keys get 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 will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in quick bmw key fob replacement cost succession five times in one row. Then, turn the key until it is at zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals to the vehicle. This makes it impossible 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 in motion. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorized 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 of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is offered in many of the brand's models and offers peace of mind.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models come with keyless access, which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times within one second. In some cases it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times, and then switch on an additional remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case that does not come with this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals who used signal amplifiers to boost the identifying signals. This type of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you require an extra battery for a family member. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your car. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Next put your new key fob in the ignition and turn it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, take off the key and switch on the vehicle. The doors should unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the car model You may have keys that have an actual key blade in it, or a fob that doesn't have one. The process for syncing new fobs to your car differs for each however the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metallic key inside will need to be put into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can help you find the right key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.