What's Holding Back What's Holding Back The BMW Key Fob Industry?
What's Holding Back What's Holding Back The BMW Key Fob Industry?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob has numerous 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 a few secrets you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangular piece of plastic that has a number buttons embedded in its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car, but a few are distinct. For instance, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is ideal for those looking to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.
The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your car. This is a wonderful security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to start the vehicle remotely. This feature is especially beneficial when a driver is late to work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.
The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature for each person. If you have a hybrid BMW key fob, it can be used to determine the state of charge of the vehicle's battery.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a solution can be provided that will disable it, making it useless for thieves. This can be done by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality.
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 started to make them a little more compact and added an aluminum case around the base of the key that made it look more attractive and less resemble a bottle opener. The new design also trimmed rough edges on the key that could get into 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 comes with an LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access the information about your vehicle. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are an excellent alternative if you want to replace the BMW key fob. You can unlock your car by using your smartphone, when you own a compatible model. This feature is available on 2021 and newer 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 use some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels and more! You can also see how much gas is left in your tank, should your car be equipped with that feature.
Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting an replacement is the same. You'll have to bring your original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also choose to purchase an 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 done by turning the key from position one and then back in quick succession five times in a row. Then, turn 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 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 relay attacks even if it is in motion. The system uses an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW also provides a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't in close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and provides additional peace of mind.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which lets drivers to access 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 of the fob in a single second. In some cases click here it is possible to press the lock button on the fob three times and then turn on an additional remote start feature in the dashboard or on the steering wheel.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker, which reduces the risk of a third-party broadcasting the signal that identifies the fob and using it to access the car. Some prefer the standard key case which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by criminals who just utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. 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 installing an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you'll need to purchase an extra one for your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a replacement BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. You can buy an alternative from any dealer or locksmith that is authorized by BMW. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW, first make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Close all doors in your vehicle. Then, insert the new key fob into the ignition and move it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Next, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. Once you've completed this, remove your key and turn your car on. The doors will unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you may have a key blade inside your key fob, or without. Each key fob has its own process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob that has a metallic key in it will need to be put into the ignition when you wish to start the car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a fantastic way to get around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in a good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can help you select the best key fob for your needs and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.