15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook BMW Key Fob
15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW it is likely that your key fob has a lot of functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including opening your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are a few tricks you may not be aware of. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangular piece of plastic with a number buttons embedded in its side. Most of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but some have additional functions. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
Another major purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially useful when a driver is late for work and does not have time to turn the door.
Finally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is especially useful for people who travel with several people as each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
While standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its case of protection when it is not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can provide a service that will disable the device, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with 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 huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob comes with small LCD screens that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same functionality and features by using the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone when you own a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even see how much gas you have left in your tank if the car is equipped with this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional website key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming that was stored on it and render it useless. This is accomplished five times by rapidly shifting the key from position one to position zero and back. Then you can turn the key to zero and take it out of 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 and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. In addition the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW also offers a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't near to the car. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide an additional level of security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows drivers to access their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the fob's lock three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer the standard key case that does not come with this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by thieves who used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app 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. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to position zero, and then back to position 1. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn the car on. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it, or a fob that doesn't have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your car differs for each however the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be placed into the ignition to start your car.
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, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in working condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the correct key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.