Is Tech Making BMW Key Fob Better Or Worse?
Is Tech Making BMW Key Fob Better Or Worse?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start your engine.
There are some tricks you might not be aware of. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangular piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car, but a few are distinct. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle during the scorching summer days.
Another major function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful in a situation where the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car and open the door.
Finally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. If you have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It is best to store the key fob inside its case of protection when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a solution which will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be big rectangular black pieces that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like a key opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key that could get into bags or pockets, and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in your hand. It lets you 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 offers remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an upgrade, you can get the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check the battery level. You can even 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 a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement in the event that your keys are 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 inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in rapid succession, five times in one row. Then, turn the key to position zero and then remove it from the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy 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 other people.
The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system uses an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is available on all models of the brand and gives you peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times within one second. In some cases you may have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer using a standard case that doesn't have this feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
It happens read more to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need a spare for your family member. It's easy and affordable to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. You can purchase a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert your new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times rapidly. Hold down the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have an ignition key fob with a physical key blade inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. Each fob has a different process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. 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 are ready to start your car.
If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in working in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department will help you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.