7 Things About BMW Key Fob You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
7 Things About BMW Key Fob You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
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What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW it is likely that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start the engine.
There are some tricks that you may not know about. Here are a few of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with a number of buttons integrated into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is perfect for those looking to cool down their car on a hot summer day.
Another major function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first press the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is late for work and does not have time to turn the door.
Finally, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause serious damage. It's best to store the key fob inside its case that is protected when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement is available to deactivate it, making it unusable for 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 full functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be large black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW started to make them a little smaller and also added a plastic case around the key's base that made it look more attractive and less like a bottle opener. This new design also minimized the rough key edges that could poke through pockets or bags and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and see the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
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 unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 or more recent BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can even see how you've got gas left in your tank, should here your car be equipped with that feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting a replacement is similar. 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 choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if 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 shifting the key from position one to zero and back. Then, turn the key to zero and 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 and start the engine and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is in motion. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW offers a variety of optional security features. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain close to your car. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and gives you security.
A number of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access that allows drivers to get in and start the car without having to manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times within one second. In some cases you may have to press the fob's lock three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase another one for your family. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you the replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob to your BMW, first make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to 0, 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. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn the car on. The doors will lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob, or without. The process for syncing new fobs with your car differs for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metallic key inside will need to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. After you have programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to your BMW's ignition and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur It is crucial to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.