10 Things Everyone Hates About BMW Key Fob
10 Things Everyone Hates About BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you might not be aware of. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its sides. 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 people who want to cool their car during the scorching summer days.
The BMW key fob can also 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 press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature for each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charging status.
While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause severe damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and put an aluminum case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and less like an opener for bottles. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key which could pierce pockets or bags, and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hands. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and control certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank if the car is equipped with that feature.
The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our experts will assist you in the process if you bring both your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that 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 erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly turning the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your car. The fob is compatible 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 people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using 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 relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.
BMW offers a range 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 available on many of the brand's models and gives you security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows drivers access and start their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case that does not come with this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a website signal blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you'll need to purchase a spare one for a family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. You can purchase an alternative from any dealer or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Place your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to zero, and then back again. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob or that isn't. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your vehicle differs for each, but the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key inside will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.
If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you have programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to get around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in a good condition. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob, or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.