What You Should Be Focusing On Enhancing BMW Key Fob
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have? Your BMW key fob could have numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start the engine. There are a few tricks you may not be aware of. Here are a few of the best. 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, however certain buttons have additional functions. BMW owners, for example, can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their vehicle on the summer heat. The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This is particularly useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door handle. Finally, the BMW key fob may also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. bmw car key cover The Keylab on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status. While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. This is why it's best to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service is available to deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality. Design BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW began to make them smaller and put a case made of plastic around the base of the key, which made it look nicer and less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the keys that could pierce bags or pockets and made keys more comfortable to hold. Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access vehicle information. Even hybrid models have remote parking! If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. Simply use your smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system. Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and much more! You can even check how you've got gas left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature. Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring your original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if 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 useless. This is done five times, by shifting the key from one position to zero and back. Then, 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 pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others. The key fob transmits encrypted signals with the vehicle. This makes it difficult 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 also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves. BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor if the key fob doesn't remain close to your vehicle. This feature is available on many BMW models and provides additional peace of mind. BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows drivers to access their vehicle without having manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In some instances, you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel. Some people prefer to 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 allowing access to the car. Some prefer an ordinary key case which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches. Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using signal amplifiers to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack is known as “Relay Attack” and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your phone. Replacement It happens to everyone It happens to everyone – your BMW key fob battery fails or you need a spare for your family member. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive. To program a new key fob for your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. You should also close the doors of your vehicle. Next you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition and switch it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times quickly. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn the car on. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. 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 of synchronizing new fobs to your car is different for each however, the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob has to be inserted into the ignition to start your car. If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start. It is essential to maintain your BMW key fob in good in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you find a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you choose the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.