What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. You can use it for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.

There are some tricks that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the most effective.

Functions

The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangle of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on a hot summer's day.

The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This is a wonderful security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to turn the door handle.

The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with several people, as it is possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.

While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause serious damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once big rectangular black pieces that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW began to make them a little more compact and added a plastic case around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and less like the bottle opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the keys that could poke into pockets or bags, and made the keys easier for you to hold.

BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and see the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!

BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your car with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.

The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and control some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.

If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. You'll need to bring your working key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys are stolen or lost.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming that was stored on it and render it useless. This is accomplished five times, by shifting the key from one position to zero and back. Then, you turn it back to zero and then take off the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.

The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving when it is being carried. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.

BMW also provides a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't in close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and offers additional peace of mind.

BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which lets drivers access and start their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.

Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which does not come with the feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.

Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using a signal-blocking app on your smartphone.

Replacement

Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you'll need to purchase another one for your family. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.

Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. After that, insert your new key fob in the ignition and move it website to position 1, then back to position 0 five times quickly. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you have completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Depending on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade in your key fob or that isn't. The process for syncing new fobs to your car differs for each however, the steps are similar. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metal key in it will need to be inserted into the ignition when you wish to start the car.

If you have an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. After you've programmed an entirely new key fob simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button.

While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in good working condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.