20 Fun Facts About BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?Your BMW key fob probably has many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start the engine.
However, there are some hidden tricks that you might not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with a number of buttons integrated into its side. Most of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but certain buttons have additional 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 two times. This is ideal for those who wish to cool down their car in the heat of summer.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This feature is a great security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially convenient for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. For this reason, it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, rendering it unusable for thieves. This can be accomplished by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be huge black, clunky rectangles that looked like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them smaller and also added a plastic case around the key's base that made it look more attractive and less resemble an opener for bottles. This new design also reduced the rough edges of keys which could puncture bags or pockets, and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a cool new key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car, check battery levels, and more! You can check how much fuel is left in your car if it has this feature.
The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring the original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs in the event that your 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 on it and make it unusable. This is done by turning the key to position one and then back in quick succession, five times in a row. Then, turn the key to zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
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 relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system employs an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides an additional level of security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry that allows drivers to access their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in a single second. In certain situations, you may need to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then switch on an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer the 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 cars have been stolen by criminals who just used a click here signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need a spare for a family member. It's affordable and easy to get a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your car. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 based on the type BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Also, close the doors of your vehicle. Then put your new key fob in the ignition, and switch it to position 1 before turning back to position 0 five times rapidly. 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 should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model, you may have keys that have a physical key blade inside it, or a fob without one. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your car differs for each, but the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key in it will need to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you've programmed the new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to travel around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in a good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a replacement BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you find the perfect key fob for your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.