Why We Enjoy BMW Key Fob (And You Should Also!)

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start the engine.

There are some tricks you may not know about. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its side. Most of them unlock and lock the car however, a few are distinct. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those who want to cool their vehicle on a hot summer day.

Another major function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful in situations where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car and open the door handle.

The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for people who travel with several individuals as each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature for each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a replacement is available to disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges which could puncture 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 hands. The BMW key fob has a small LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display the information about your vehicle. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!

If you're in need of an upgrade for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great functionality by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle with your smartphone when you own a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 or later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.

Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and operate some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels. You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank, should your car be equipped with that feature.

If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting an replacement is the same. Our technicians will help you with the process when you bring the old and 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 will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly changing the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take it out of the ignition.

Security

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

The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables ignition switch.

BMW offers a variety 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 remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available in several models from the brand and provides additional security.

BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry that allows drivers access and start their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a 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 keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order 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 signal blocking pocket or read more by using an app that blocks signals on your phone.

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 an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will 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. You should also close all doors in your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition and swiftly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Hold the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Depending on your car model You may have an ignition key fob with a key blade that is physically inside it or a key fob that does not have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your vehicle differs for each, but the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.

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

It is essential to keep your BMW key fob in good condition. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob for your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW with an upgrade to Comfort Access to allow keyless entry and engine starting.