Are You Making The Most The Use Of Your BMW Key Fob?

Are You Making The Most The Use Of Your BMW Key Fob?

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What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you have a BMW it is likely that your key fob comes with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows, and even start the engine.

But there are some hidden tricks that you might not know about. Here are a few of the most effective.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic, with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. BMW owners, for instance, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their car during the summer heat.

The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This is a fantastic safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially useful when the driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door.

Lastly, the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for people who travel with several people since each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature for each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.

Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you have lost your key fob, we can offer a service which will deactivate the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more appealing and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.

Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view 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 functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, provided you have an appropriate model. This feature is available for 2021 and newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.

The Connected Remote key is another amazing new key from BMW that lets you start your car and control certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels and more! You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.

If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting a replacement is similar. You'll need to bring your working key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement in the event that 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 erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished five times by rapidly shifting the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it to position zero and take it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.

The key fob communicates with vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult 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 also has a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.

BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one such feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide additional security.

BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry that allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.

Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use here an ordinary key case that does not come with this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into pockets that block signals, or by installing an app on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase a spare one for a family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your car. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.

To program a new key fob for your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly move it from position 1 to position zero, and then back again. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed 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 has been successfully programmed.

Based on the car model, you may have keys that have an actual key blade in it, or a key fob without one. The process for syncing new fobs to your vehicle differs for each however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob needs to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.

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

It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in good order. If you're looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.