Is Technology Making BMW Key Fob Better Or Worse?

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you have an BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.

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

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is perfect for those who want to cool down their car during a hot summer day.

Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a wonderful security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, 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 running late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.

Lastly, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charging status.

While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It is best to store the key fob in its case of protection when it is not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore full functionality to your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky black rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced the rough key edges that could pierce bags or pockets, and made keys more comfortable to hold.

BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. 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. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!

If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.

The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and monitor battery levels. You can check how much fuel remains in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.

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

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you need to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is done five times by rapidly turning the key from position one to position zero and back. Then you can turn the key until it is at 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 or start the engine and much more. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.

The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and clone the signal. In addition, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.

BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is offered in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.

Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access that allows drivers to get in and start the vehicle without having to manually use any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.

Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not have the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.

A few BMW owners reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals using signal amplifiers to boost the identification signals. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in pockets that block signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you need to buy an extra one for your family. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.

To program a new key fob for your BMW, first make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to 0, and back to position 1. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, take off the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade in your key fob or one that isn't. Each one has a distinct process for synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.

If read more you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.

While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you choose the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.