Three Reasons Why Three Reasons Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Three Reasons Why Three Reasons Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Blog Article
The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the typical key fob by including an all-color touchscreen. It is equipped with a variety of useful features that are accessible by swiping the finger.
The standard BMW key fobs are designed to withstand normal humidity levels. So, keeping it in your wallet during a rainy afternoon is unlikely cause any damage. However, it is important to keep your battery current.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob can do so more than unlock or start your car. It's also a reliable security token that helps protect your vehicle and its contents from theft. It is important to keep your BMW key fob charged and connected to your vehicle. Keep it in a safe place when not in use to avoid it from being lost or stolen.
You'll almost certainly have to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point during its life. Luckily, the process for doing this is straightforward. First look for your BMW key fob's ignition switch, and make sure it's turned off. Remove the key fob and carefully remove the battery. Replace the old battery with new (size CR2032) and then replace the key fob. Press and hold the lock key until you hear a click (without turning on the engine). Once you've done this, the doors will be locked and unlock automatically, indicating that the BMW key fob is programmed.
You may also be able to use the Comfort Access feature of your BMW that lets you to open and shut it using a key fob or smartphone. To use this feature, you'll need an iPhone compatible with the Apple Wallet application. Once you've got these items you can simply insert your iPhone into the Smart Key Tray in your BMW and follow the instructions in the Wallet app.
The same procedure can be used to program replacement or additional key fob, though you may have to disable any existing ones before you can start. It is also essential to keep your BMW key fob clear of water since the touchscreen could be damaged by water. This includes avoiding exposure to direct sunlight as the display could be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure to UV light. However, if you're worried about your BMW's key fob getting hacked or cloned, know that it was designed with security in mind. A sophisticated system ensures your vehicle unlocks only when it receives a unique identifying signal that's constantly changing.
Smart Keys
A key fob that has Smart Keys functionality is able to unlock your vehicle and then start it up without the requirement of an additional key or smartphone. You can also use the app on your smartphone to track who has been in your car and at what time.
You can find the app on your smartphone's app store or by using the BMW Connected App to log in to the Digital Key area. Once you've logged in, it will be possible to view who has access and modify any restrictions.
If you own keys that have Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you come closer. The app can be used to set the parking brake. You can also make use of the app to control certain functions in your vehicle, such as changing the volume of your music or the temperature control.
The key fob's internal key blade is standard size key that you can use it to open the door manually, as well as use Comfort Access features. The key is impervious to water, so there's no need to be concerned about it getting wet. However, you should be careful not to expose the key to intense heat or direct sunlight because the key may overheat and cause permanent damage.
You can program your BMW key fob to work with the app on your smartphone by following a few simple steps. You'll first need to ensure that your device is compatible with the Digital Key feature. You'll need to download the BMW Connected App, and sign in using your iCloud account. Next, you'll need to place your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the steps to activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you're looking to replace the battery in your BMW key fob you click here can do it quickly by removing the backplate and swapping out the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be cautious when removing the backplate as it's sealed by glue. You can always call an experienced locksmith in the automotive industry for help should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.
Proximity Keys
Proximity keys are a recent evolution of keyless car entry systems. They do not require physical contact, but instead use a proximity detector to identify the key. This allows the driver to unlock doors and even start the car. This is a convenient method, but it also poses some security dangers.
A major issue is that, like smartphones and laptops they are susceptible to theft. Criminals could hack into the system to send signals that identify them to a nearby accomplice, or use a simple amplifier to take in the signals. Some drivers keep their keys in a pouch that blocks signals or cover to ward off this.
Another problem is that drivers may not remember to shut off the vehicle before leaving it. If they leave the car on while at the grocery store or dropping it in the cup holder could cause it to run, resulting in theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. Many drivers leave their keys in the ignition when they park at home, thinking that the car is off. This could lead to theft or, if you own an electric hybrid vehicle, carbon monoxide when your family is asleep.
If the key fob is lost or the battery fails, the car will not start even if you possess the key that opens the door. It is essential to have a spare smart key or spare key to ensure that you or a trusted person can access your vehicle in case of emergency.
These problems can be avoided with the right precautions. Be more aware of the location of your key fob, making sure it's secured and off position before you walk away from your vehicle and setting an alarm to remind you of the things you must do and reduce the risk of proximity key-related problems.
BMW's most sophisticated key, the Display Key with touchscreen display is the most advanced. The innovative key is somewhat more vulnerable to theft, however it's more secure than standard BMW fobs. Keep your brand new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it the same way you would treat a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you have a BMW with Remote Start you can use your key fob or the BMW Connected App to start your car before you go into. This allows you to warm up your car on chilly Decatur mornings, or cool your vehicle during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not include Remote Start, we can include it in your car by purchasing an OEM kit from our parts center.
The button located on the bottom of the majority of BMW key fobs enables you to make an emergency duplicate of your keys. This can be useful for instances when your fob becomes wet, or you're not in the vicinity of a locksmith. Some people keep a spare car key in their fobs to allow other family members to access their vehicles without calling our dealership for keyless or Comfort Access entry.
The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand a day of rain or a trip to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is more delicate and should not be left in water for long.
BMW key fobs can store up to three profiles. This lets you customize your vehicle settings depending on the keys you own. Locking the correct fob using your iDrive system will set all relevant settings, from the seat position to radio presets for that profile. When you want to change drivers, all you need to do is to press the lock button twice on the fob.
If your BMW key fob isn't working properly, you will need to replace the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover from the fob, remove the old batteries, then gently replace the new batteries. You can purchase an alternative BMW battery in our parts department or purchase one online. If your key fob is equipped with Comfort Access, you will also have to disable the feature and then code the vehicle to delete the current key profile before you pair it with a different.