What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you own a BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. It can be used for many things, including unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows and even starting your engine.

But there are some hidden tricks that you might not have heard of. Here are a few of the best.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for those who want to cool off their car in the heat of summer.

Another major purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first push the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is running late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.

Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those who travel with multiple people as each key fob can be used to set the temperature for each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.

While the standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its case that is protected when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can provide a service that will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs used to be large black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW started to make them more compact and added an aluminum case around the key's base that made it appear more elegant and less resemble an opener for bottles. This new design also minimized the rough key edges that could poke through bags or pockets, and made keys easier to hold.

BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your palm. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and see the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!

If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is available for 2021 and later BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.

Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check the battery level. You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature.

The process of replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is done by turning the key from position one and back in rapid succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it to zero and then take off the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five people.

The key fob transmits encrypted signals to the vehicle. It is therefore extremely 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 when the fob is moving while it's being carried. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.

BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close to your vehicle. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and gives you peace of mind.

A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In certain situations, you might have 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 keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identification code from the fob to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, that does not come with this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.

Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who just used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your smartphone.

Replacement

It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need a click here spare for a family member. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and affordable. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, based on the type of BMW you drive.

Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Place your new key fob in the ignition and swiftly change it from position 1 to zero, and then back to position 1. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. 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 one that isn't. The process of synchronizing new fobs with your car is different for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the fob that has a metallic key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you want to start the car.

If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. After you've programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.

It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good order. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.