What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start your engine.

There are some tricks you might not know about. Here are some of the best.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. Most of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but 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 ideal for those who want to cool down their car during 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 car, the driver has to first turn off the lock on the key fob and then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models the feature can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is especially useful when a driver is late for work and does not have time to turn the door.

The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set the temperature for each person. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check on the battery's charge status.

While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause significant damage. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a new BMW key fob to repair the functionality of your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once large black, clunky rectangles that looked kind of like a bottle opener from the distance. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys that could pierce bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.

BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the features of your vehicle in your palm. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and view the information about your vehicle on a tiny touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models!

If you're in need of an alternative key fob, you can have the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.

The Connected Remote key is a cool new key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control, check battery levels, and more! You can even see how much gas is left in your tank, in the event that your car is equipped with that feature.

Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining the replacement is the same. You'll need to bring your working key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if 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 useless. This is accomplished five times by rapidly changing the key from position one to position zero and back. Then, turn the key to zero and remove it from the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. 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 others.

The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.

BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain in close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and gives you peace of mind.

BMW's more advanced models feature keyless entry, which allows drivers access and start their car without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob within one second. In certain situations, you might need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.

Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and allowing access to the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case which does not have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signals. This kind of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by using a signal blocker app on your smartphone.

Replacement

Everyone has experienced this - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you have to read more purchase an extra one for your family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it to your car is simple and affordable. You can purchase the replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.

To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all doors of your vehicle. Next, insert your new key fob in the ignition, and switch it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Hold the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you have finished this, take off your key and turn your car on. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car, you may either have a key blade inside your key fob or that isn't. The procedure for syncing new fobs with your car is different for each however, the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metallic key in it will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car.

If you own an BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. After you've programmed an entirely new key fob simply connect it to the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.

It is important to keep your BMW key fob in working order. If you are looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you locate the right key fob to your car and even upgrade your BMW with the Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.