So You've Bought BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
So You've Bought BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have a BMW it is likely that your key fob is equipped with many functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.
There are some tricks you may not know about. Let's look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its sides. The majority of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is perfect for those who wish to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first press the lock on the key fob, and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is especially useful in a situation where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door.
Additionally, the BMW key fob may also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob is able to set the temperature for each individual. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob we can offer a service that will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were simple but functional. Then BMW began to make them smaller and put a case made of plastic around the base of the key, which made it appear more elegant and less like the bottle opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys that could pierce pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone if you have an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
The Connected Remote key is a cool new key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can also see how much gas is left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. You'll need to bring your working key along with 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 the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one, then back in rapid succession five times in a row. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of 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 or start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers additional peace of mind.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry that allows users to start their vehicle without having manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in a single second. In some cases you may 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 carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need a spare bmw new key for a family member. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob, and program it into your vehicle. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you might either have a key blade inside your key fob or without. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be inserted into the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in working in good working order. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.