15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring BMW Key Fob
15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you may not be aware of. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded in its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are unique. 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 wish to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have 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 particularly convenient for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob inside its case that is protected when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.
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. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the key that could poke into 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 the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob comes with an LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use some features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car's climate control and check battery levels and much more! You can even see how you've got gas left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting an replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring both your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if 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 erases all programming and render it useless. This is done five times, by changing the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob is compatible 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. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. In addition, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital get more info Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.
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 doesn't remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is offered in many of the brand's models and gives you peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having to manually press any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which does not have the feature, but still protects the fob against scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by thieves who employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. 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 using a signal blocker app on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you need to buy a spare one for a family. Thankfully, getting an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob will 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 a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to 0, and back to position 1. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you have finished this, remove your key and turn your car on. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade inside your key fob or one without. The process for syncing new fobs to your vehicle is different for each one however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to get around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in good condition. If you are looking for an updated BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob to your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.