14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About BMW Key Fob

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob could have many functions. It can be used to do a variety of things, such as unlocking your doors, adjusting your windows as well as starting the engine.

There are some tricks you may not know about. Let's take a look some of the most useful ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small rectangle of plastic that has a number buttons embedded into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, however certain buttons have additional functions. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for those who wish to cool their vehicle in the heat of summer.

The BMW key fob can also be used to start your car. This is a fantastic security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on the latest BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is late to work and doesn't have the time to pull the door handle.

The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob can be used to determine the preferred temperature for each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charge status.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's a good idea to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians will do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were basic, but they served a purpose. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and put an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and less resemble an opener for bottles. The new design also reduced rough edges on the key which could pierce bags or pockets, and made the keys easier for you to hold.

BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and display the information about your vehicle on a tiny touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even lets you park remotely on hybrid models!

If you're in need of an alternative key fob, you can have the same great function by using the BMW Digital Key. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 and later BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.

Another cool new 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 manage your car's climate control and monitor battery levels. You can also see how much fuel remains in your car if it has this feature.

The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same regardless of whether you're using a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our experts will assist you with the process when you bring both your old key and the new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming on it and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key to position one and back in rapid succession, five times in the same row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car.  bmw keys replacement  with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.

The key fob connects to the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and clone the signal. In addition, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is moving while it's being transported. The system also incorporates an alarm built-in to stop unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.

BMW also offers a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and gives you security.

Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which allows drivers to get in and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In certain situations, you might have to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.

Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a pouch that blocks signals. This decreases the possibility that a third party broadcasts the identifying code from the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some people prefer to use a standard case, which does not have the feature, but it still protects the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to increase the signal that identifies. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into an area that blocks signals, or by utilizing an app on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase another one for your family. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 depending on the type 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 your new key fob in the ignition and turn it to position 1, then return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you have finished this, remove your key and turn the car on. The doors should unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade inside your key fob, or without. Each key fob has its own process for synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob will need to be inserted into the ignition to start your car.

If you own a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW then, you can insert it into the ignition and press start.

It is crucial to maintain your BMW key fob in good order. If you're looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob for your car and can upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.