11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your BMW Key Fob
11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start the engine.
There are a few secret techniques that you may not know about. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is perfect for those who want to cool down their car on a hot summer day.
Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late to work and does not have the time to pull the door handle.
Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially convenient for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will disable it, rendering it unusable for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky black rectangles that looked like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW started to make them smaller and put a plastic case around the base of the key that made it look nicer and less like an opener for bottles. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key which could pierce bags or pockets and made the keys easier for you to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the information about your vehicle on a tiny touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace the BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available on BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check the battery level. You can check the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. Our experts will assist you in the process if you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement in the event that your 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 make it unusable. This is accomplished five times by quickly changing the key from position one to zero and back. Then switch 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. It is compatible with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and then start the engine. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. In addition, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also has an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW offers a range of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on all models of the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which lets drivers access and start their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting more info the key fob in an area 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 fails or you need a spare for a family member. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. Then, insert your new key fob into the ignition, and switch it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. 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 vehicle. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may have a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a fob without one. Each one has a distinct method of synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you are ready to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is important to ensure that your BMW key fob in working in good working order. If you are looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the perfect key fob for your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.