14 Common Misconceptions About BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have? If you have a BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine. There are a few tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones. Functions The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with a number buttons embedded into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinctive. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for those looking to cool down their car in the heat of summer. Another major purpose 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 car, the driver must first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful in situations where the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door handle. Additionally lastly, the BMW key fob can be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with several people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature using their own key fob. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charging status. While the standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob in its case that is protected when it is not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution is available to disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore 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 basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them smaller and put an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less resemble an opener for bottles. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could poke into 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 lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and view the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking! If you're in need of an upgrade key fob, you can have the same great functionality with a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system. Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which lets you start your car and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and more! You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature. The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using a traditional 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 assist you with everything. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover replacement costs when keys are lost or stolen. If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming on it and render it inoperable. This is accomplished five times, by changing the key from position one to zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take off 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, start the engine, and more. You can also share the key with five others. The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and clone the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is in motion. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves. BMW also offers a range of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the car. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and gives you peace of mind. BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which 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 on the fob within one second. In certain situations it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times and then activate an additional remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel. Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, which does not have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches. A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals who used signal amplifiers to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This kind of attack is referred to as “Relay Attack” and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your phone. Replacement Everyone has had this experience – the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you'll need to purchase another one for your family. It's easy and affordable to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. bmw key replacement cost is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive. Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly change 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 the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed. Based on the model of your car, you may have keys that have a physical key blade inside it, or a key fob without one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your car differs for each, but the steps are similar. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be placed in the ignition to start your vehicle. If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start. It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in good order. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you locate the right key fob to your car and even upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.