A Brief History History Of BMW Key Fob

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob probably has numerous functions. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.

There are a few tricks you might not be aware of. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob consists of an incredibly small piece of plastic with a number buttons embedded into its side. Most of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and 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 perfect for those who want to cool their vehicle in the heat of summer.

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 car, the driver has to first press the lock on the key fob, and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the vehicle. 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 to open the door handle.

The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly useful for those who travel with multiple people, since it is possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. If you own hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to determine the charging status of the battery in the vehicle.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob inside its case of protection when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will disable it, making it useless for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore full functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were once big, clunky rectangles in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them smaller and put a plastic case around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and less like a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough edges of the keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.

Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in the palm of your hand. The BMW key fob has an LCD screen that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, operate the air conditioning, and access the information about your vehicle. It even allows remote parking 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. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles made after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.

Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and control some of its features with your smartphone. The app allows you to control the climate control of your car and check the battery level. You can even check how much gas is left in your tank, if the car is equipped with this feature.

The procedure for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using a traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you in the process if you bring your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a car key replacement bmw BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement in the event that 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 will erase all programming and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one, then back in rapid succession five times in a row. Then switch the key to position zero and remove it from the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.

The key fob communicates with the vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system uses an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.

BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start is one such feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain close to your car. This feature is offered on a number of BMW models and provides additional peace of mind.

BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which allows drivers to access their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in a single second. In certain situations, you may need to press the lock button on the fob three times and then turn on the remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.

Some people prefer to 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 using it to gain access to the car. Some prefer a standard key case, which does not have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.

Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals who used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signals. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in a pocket that blocks signals or by using an app on your phone to block signals.

Replacement

Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you have to purchase another one for your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and inexpensive. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will cost 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 start programming a new keyfob. Close all doors of your vehicle. After that you'll need to insert your new key fob into the ignition and switch it to position 1 before turning back to position 0 five times rapidly. 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 car. You should hear your car's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Depending on the model of your car, you might have a key blade in your key fob or one that isn't. The procedure for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each one however, the steps are almost identical. The only difference is that the fob with a metal key in it needs to be inserted into the ignition when you wish to start the car.

If you own a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.

While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to get around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in good condition. If you're in search of an updated BMW key fob or a replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob to your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.