15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring BMW Key Fob
15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few secrets you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are unique. BMW owners, for example can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for those who want to cool their car during a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This is a security measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful in a situation where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for people who travel with several people since each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. It's best to store the key fob inside its protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge rectangular black pieces that looked like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW started to make them smaller and also added a case made of plastic around the key's base that made it look nicer and less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges that could pierce pockets or bags and made the keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and view the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an alternative, you can get the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you in the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement if your keys get 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 it has and render it inoperable. This is accomplished five times, by changing the key from position one to position zero and back. Then you can turn the key to position 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 communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept 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 incorporates an alarm built-in to stop unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on several models from the brand and provides additional security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models have keyless access which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some cases, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times to then activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by thieves who used a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals, or by installing an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you require a spare for a family member. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can 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 more info other key in the ignition. You should also close all doors in your vehicle. Then put your new key fob in the ignition and switch it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Hold down the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and turn on the vehicle. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you may have a key blade on your key fob, or without. Each one has a distinct process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be put in the ignition to start your car.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is essential to ensure that your BMW key fob in working in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you locate the perfect key fob for your car and can upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.