What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you have a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with a lot of functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.

There are a few tricks you may not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinctive. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those who want to cool off their car in the heat of summer.

The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to 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. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door handle.

Lastly, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with several individuals, as it's possible to set each individual's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the status of charging the vehicle's battery.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a service can be offered to deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to restore the functionality of your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the keys which could puncture bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.

Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob features a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and display the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!

If you're in need of an alternative key fob, you can have the same great function by using the BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is available on 2021 or newer BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.

The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your car and use certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and more! You can even check how much gas is left in your tank, should your car be equipped with this feature.

The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will help you in the process if you bring your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement when keys are lost or stolen.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it useless. This is done five times by quickly changing the key from position one to zero and back. Then, turn it to zero and then take it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a easy method 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 allows you to share the key with up to five others.

The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is in motion. 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 when the key fob doesn't remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available on many BMW models and offers additional peace of mind.

BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows drivers access and start their car without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob within one second. In some cases, you may need to press the button to lock the fob three times and then turn on an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.

Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the signal bmw lost keys that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer a standard key case, that does not come with this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using signal amplifiers to boost the identification signals. 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-blocking app on your smartphone.

Replacement

It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery dies, or you need an extra battery for a family member. It's affordable and easy to purchase a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.

To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition and swiftly change it from position 1 to 0, and then back to position 1. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car, you could have a key blade inside your key fob or one that isn't. Each key fob has its own method of synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be put into the ignition to start your vehicle.

If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. After you've programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to your BMW's ignition and press the start button.

It is important to ensure that your BMW key fob in working order. If you're looking for a new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the correct key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.