If You've Just Purchased BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
If You've Just Purchased BMW Key Fob ... Now What?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.
There are some tricks you may not be aware of. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those who want to cool down their car on a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a great security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first push the lock on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late for work and doesn't have time to open the door.
Lastly, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly useful for people who travel with multiple people, since it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charging status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It is recommended to keep the key fob in its protective case when it is not in use. If you lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that from a distance looked like a bottle opener. They were simple but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like the key opener. The new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could get into pockets or bags and made keys easier for you to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. The BMW key fob has a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and display vehicle information. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is only available to BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a amazing new key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use some features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and check battery levels. You can check the amount of fuel left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
The process of replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if your 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 will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in quick succession, five times in the same row. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and start the engine. 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 extremely difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch which is a frequent target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on all models of the brand and offers peace of mind.
A number of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having to manually press any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker, which reduces the risk of a third party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some people prefer to use an ordinary case that doesn't have this feature, but it still protects the fob against scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by thieves who employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals, or by installing an application on your smartphone to block signals.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need an extra battery for a family member. It's easy and affordable to purchase a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 based on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure get more info that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to position 0, and then back to position 1. Hold down the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and turn on the car. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might have a key blade inside your key fob or that isn't. Each fob has a different process to sync with your car, but the steps for each are identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.
If you have an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. After you have programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to get around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in a good condition. If you're looking for an updated BMW key fob, or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.