What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob could have many functions. You can use it for many things, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows and even starting your engine.

There are some tricks you may not know about. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle during the scorching summer days.

The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first turn off the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to open the door.

The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the 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 hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to check the charging status of the battery of the vehicle.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob inside its protective case when it is not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will disable it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will be able to do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW began to make them smaller and also added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it look nicer and less resemble the bottle opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the keys that could get into bags or pockets and made the keys easier for you to hold.

BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with small LCD screens that lets you lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the vehicle's information. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!

BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles made after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.

The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and monitor battery levels. You can also see how much fuel is left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.

The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. 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 need to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one, then back quickly, five times in the same row. Then switch the key to zero and remove it from the ignition.

Security

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

The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. Additionally the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being transported. The system also uses a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.

BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start car keys bmw is one such feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close to your car. This feature is offered in several models from the brand and offers security.

Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access that lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.

Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Some people prefer to use a standard case that does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals or by using an app on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase a spare one for a family. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650 based on the type BMW you drive.

Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming the new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to position zero, and then back to position 1. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn your car on. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Depending on the model of your car, you could have a key blade on your key fob, or without. The process for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each one however, the steps are nearly 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 equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. After you have programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your car 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 a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.