What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you have a BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.

But there are some secret techniques that you may not know about. Here are a few of the best.

Functions

The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of them unlock and lock the car however, some are distinct. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who wish to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.

Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late for work and does not have time to open the door.

The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob is able to set the temperature for each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the charging status of the vehicle's battery.

While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause severe damage. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will disable it, making it unusable for thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were huge, clunky black rectangles that looked kind of like an open bottle from a distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW started to make them a little smaller and put an aluminum case around the key's base that made it look nicer and a little less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key that could poke into pockets or bags and made the keys more comfortable to hold.

BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your hands. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view the information about your vehicle on a tiny touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!

BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace the BMW key fob. Simply use your smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is only available to BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.

The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and more! You can see the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.

If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you with the process when you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement when keys are 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 done by turning the key to position one and then back in quick succession, five times in a row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.

The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals with the vehicle. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.

BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does 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.

Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having to manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some cases it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then activate an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.

Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch 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 people prefer to use a standard case, which does not have the feature, but still protects the fob against scratches.

Some BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your phone.

Replacement

It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out, or you need an extra battery for a family member. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is simple and affordable. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 depending on the kind of BMW you drive.

To program a new key fob for your BMW, first make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut all doors inside your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly move it from position 1 to position 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 have completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Depending on your car model, you may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it, or a fob that does not have one. The process for syncing new fobs to your car differs for each however the steps are similar. The only difference is the metal get more info key fob will need to be placed in the ignition to start your car.

If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have 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 way to get around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.