14 Common Misconceptions About BMW Key Fob
14 Common Misconceptions About BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
There are some tricks you may not be aware of. Let's look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated in its side. The majority of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who want to cool their vehicle on a hot summer's day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to prevent 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. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This is particularly helpful in situations where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car and open the door handle.
Lastly it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can also be utilized to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature of each person. If you own a hybrid BMW key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. It is recommended to keep the key fob inside its case of protection when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can offer a service that will deactivate the device, making it useless to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to restore your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that from a distance looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could get into bags or pockets and made the keys more comfortable to hold.
BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. The BMW key fob comes with small LCD screens that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning and view the information about your vehicle. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
If you're in need of an upgrade for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great functionality by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle by using your smartphone, if you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and use certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car and monitor battery levels. You can check the amount of fuel left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. You'll need to bring your working key along with 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 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 you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it inoperable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back in quick succession five times in a 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 vehicle. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and more. You can also share the key with five other people.
The key fob is encrypted and transmits signals to the vehicle. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal 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 has an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the car. This feature is available in several models from the brand and provides additional peace of mind.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access which allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in a single second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using a standard case, lost bmw key which does not have the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were stolen by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to increase the signal that identifies. 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 smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. It's easy and affordable to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob costs between $400 and $650 based on the model of BMW you drive.
Make sure there is no other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition, and turn it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times quickly. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off your key and turn the car on. The doors will lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the car model depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has an actual key blade in it, or a key fob without one. Each key fob has its own process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you are ready 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 and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you select the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry or engine starting.