The Main Issue With BMW Key Fob, And How You Can Repair It
The Main Issue With BMW Key Fob, And How You Can Repair It
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob probably has numerous functions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including unlocking your doors, controlling your windows as well as starting the engine.
But there are some secrets you might not have heard of. Here are some of the most effective.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but a few have more unique functions. For instance, BMW owners can activate an in-built function on their key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who wish to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into 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 feature is particularly useful when a driver is late for work and does not have time to open the door.
The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially convenient for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a safe case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will disable it, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
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. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like the key opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys that could poke through pockets or bags and made keys easier to hold.
BMW introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hands. It lets you lock and unlock your car, operate your air conditioning, and see the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!
BMW Digital Keys are a fantastic replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your car with your smartphone if you have a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 and more recent BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your car and operate some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control, check battery levels, and much more! You can also see how much gas you have left in your tank, should your car be 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 and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement in the event that your keys are 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 inoperable. This is accomplished five times by quickly turning the key from position one to zero and back. Then switch the key until it is at zero and remove it from 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 much more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.
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 attacks on relays even when it is in motion. The system uses an alarm to block unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a variety of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one feature that disables the starter motor when the key fob does remain within close proximity to your vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide an additional level of security.
BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or press any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in just one second. In some instances it may be necessary to press the lock button on the fob three times, and then switch on a separate remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch, which reduces the risk of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case that does not come with here this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This kind of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping the key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by using a signal blocker app on your smartphone.
Replacement
It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery dies, or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a new BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there isn't another key in the ignition. You should also close the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob into the ignition and swiftly move it from position 1 to zero, and then back again. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you have completed this, remove the key and then turn on the car. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade on your key fob or one that isn't. Each key fob has its own process for synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the metal key fob has to be put into the ignition to start your car.
If you have an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
It is important to keep your BMW key fob in working order. If you're looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.