9 Signs That You're A BMW Key Fob Expert
9 Signs That You're A BMW Key Fob Expert
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with many functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
There are some tricks you might not be aware of. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic that has a number of buttons integrated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are unique. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is perfect for those looking to cool their vehicle in the heat of summer.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button 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 useful when a driver is late to work and does not have the time to pull the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charging status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. For this reason, it's best to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can offer a solution which will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW started to make them a little more compact and added a case made of plastic around the base of the key that made it look nicer and a little less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of keys that could poke through pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
Another exciting 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 and check the battery level. You can check the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting 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 a BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement if your keys get lost or stolen.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it useless. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from one position to zero and back. Then you can turn the key to position zero and remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient way to start your car. The fob is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to get the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion when it is being carried. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is available on several models from the brand and gives you security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. 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 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob here in a signal-blocking pouch, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Others prefer to use the 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 simply employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind 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 blocker app on your phone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery dies or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. It's easy and affordable to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly change it from position 1 to position zero, and then back to position 1. Hold the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, take off the key and turn on the vehicle. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have an ignition key fob with a key blade that is physically inside it, or a key 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 that the metal key fob has to be placed in the ignition to start your car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even easier. After you've programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in a good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can assist you in selecting the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.