Responsible For An BMW Key Fob Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
Responsible For An BMW Key Fob Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
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What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW it is likely that your key fob has numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few secrets you might not have heard of. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a tiny, rectangular piece of plastic that has several 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 instance can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
Another significant benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This feature is a great safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is running late to work and does not have time to open the door.
Finally, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is particularly helpful for people who travel with multiple people, as it is possible to set each individual's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the status of charging the battery in the vehicle.
Dropping them into water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a solution can be offered to disable it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians can do this. You can buy a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish the functionality of your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs were large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and also added a plastic case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and less like an opener for bottles. The new design also reduced rough edges on the keys that could get into pockets or bags and made the keys easier to hold.
Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all of your vehicle's functionality in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control 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 for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function by using a BMW Digital Key. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob, and then unlock your car! This feature is only available for BMW vehicles manufactured after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control the climate control of your car and check the battery level. You can even see how you've got gas left in your tank should your car be equipped with that feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of 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 that was stored on it and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key to position one, then back in quick succession five times in a row. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull off the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob is compatible with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even when it is moving. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It will disable the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close to your vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and offers security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually push any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in a single second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature more info on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker which minimizes the possibility of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature, but can protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to boost the identification signals. This type of attack, also known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob into pockets that block signals or by using 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 a spare one for a family. Thankfully, getting a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you an alternative key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you start programming a new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Next, insert your new key fob in the ignition and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Press the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn your car on. You should hear the doors unlock and lock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you might either have a key blade inside your key fob, or without. Each key fob has its own process to sync with your vehicle, but 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 car.
If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once 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 travel around Decatur, it is important to keep your key fob in good working condition. If you are looking for an entirely new BMW key fob, or a replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you find the right key fob to your car and even upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to allow keyless entry and engine starting.