What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob probably has many functions. You can use it for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.

There are some tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. Most of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, some are distinct. For example, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those looking to cool down their car during a hot summer day.

The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to open the door.

Finally, the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for 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 have lost your key fob, we can offer a solution that will disable the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and less resemble an opener for bottles. This new design also minimized the rough key edges that could pierce pockets or bags and made the keys easier to hold.

Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning and display vehicle information. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!

If you're in need of an alternative for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same functionality and features with the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, provided you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles built after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.

Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with this feature.

If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you in the process if you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if keys get stolen or lost.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming it has and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and then back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five others.

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 relay attacks even if it is moving. The system also has a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.

BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does remain close to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and offers an additional level of security.

A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models come with keyless access which allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In some cases it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times and then activate a separate remote start feature within the dashboard or on read more the steering wheel.

Some people keep their BMW key fob in a case that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.

Replacement

Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you have to purchase an extra one for your family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending 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. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Then put the new key fob into the ignition and turn it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. 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, remove your key and turn your car on. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Based 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 to your vehicle is different for each, but the steps are similar. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be inserted in the ignition to start your car.

If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.

It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in working condition. If you're in search of an updated BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you locate the right key fob for your car, and we can even upgrade your BMW by introducing an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry and engine starting.