11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your BMW Key Fob
11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your BMW Key Fob
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you have an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start your engine.
However, there are some secret techniques that you may not be aware of. Let's take a look some of the most effective ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for example can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool off their car during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to start your vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first press the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to open the door.
Additionally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each person's preferred temperatures with their individual key fob. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. For this reason, 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 can be offered to disable it, making it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear better and less like a key opener. This new design also minimized the rough key edges that could pierce pockets or bags and made the keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and see the vehicle's information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of an upgrade key fob, you can have the same functionality and features with a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles made 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 features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and much more! You can also see how you've got gas left in your tank in the event that your car is equipped with this feature.
The procedure for replacing a BMW Digital Key is the same, whether you use an old-fashioned key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians check here will assist you with the process if you bring the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs 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 you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one, then back in rapid succession, five times in one row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a efficient way to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle and start the engine and more. It also lets you share the key with up to five other people.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. In addition, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion while it's being carried. 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 also offers a range of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is offered in many of the brand's models and gives you security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which allows drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in a single second. In certain situations it is possible to press the button to lock the fob three times to then activate an additional remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals which minimizes the possibility of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using signal amplifiers to increase the signal strength of the identifying signals. This type of attack, also 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 It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails or you need a spare for a family member. Luckily, purchasing an alternative BMW key fob and programming it into your car is simple and affordable. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. Then, insert the new key fob into the ignition and turn it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, remove the key and turn on the vehicle. The doors will unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob is successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade on your key fob or without. Each one has a distinct process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob needs to be inserted in the ignition to begin your vehicle.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you have programmed the new key fob, simply connect it to the ignition of your car and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur however, it is vital to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're looking for a new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob to your car and even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.