What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, however certain buttons have additional functions. BMW owners, for example can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first press the lock on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is late to work and does not have the time to pull the door handle.
Lastly, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially useful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob can be used to set the temperature of each person. If you own hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to determine the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added a case made of plastic around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and a little less like the bottle opener. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could get 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. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and view the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent replacement option if you have to replace your 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 more recent BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and operate certain functions 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 the amount of fuel 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 a 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 step is to reset the key, which erases any programming that was stored on it and make it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back quickly five times in the same row. Then, turn the key to position zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals to the vehicle. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. In addition the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system also has an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available in several models from the brand and gives you security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models offer keyless access which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery dies or you require an extra battery for a family member. It's simple and inexpensive to get a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650 based on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming check here the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Then put your new key fob into the ignition, and turn it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times rapidly. Press the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn the car on. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade on your key fob or one that isn't. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car is different for each one however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metal key inside will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is important to maintain your BMW key fob in working in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.