5 Tools That Everyone Involved In BMW Key Fob Industry Should Be Using

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, manage your windows, and even start your engine.

However, there are some secret techniques that you may not know about. 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 several buttons incorporated into its sides. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, a few are distinct. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is a great option for those who want to cool off their car in the heat of summer.

Another significant purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a safety measure to ensure that no one is able to gain access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver must press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.

The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially useful for those who travel with multiple people since each key fob can be used to set the preferred temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to monitor the battery's charge status.

Dropping them in water is not recommended. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case 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 can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore full functionality to your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once large rectangular black pieces that looked kind of like an opener for bottles from a distance. They were basic, but useful. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it look more appealing and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of the key that could poke into bags or pockets and made the keys more comfortable to hold.

BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your palm. The BMW key fob has a small LCD screen which allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the air conditioning and view the information about your vehicle. It even offers remote parking on hybrid models!

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

The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that lets you start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and check battery levels and more! You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.

No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring your original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the 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 thing you have to do is reset the key. This erases all programming and render it unusable. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and back in quick succession, five times in a row. Then, you turn it back to position zero and take off the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a easy method to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the car and then start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.

The key fob communicates with vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore extremely difficult for hackers and cloners to get the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being transported. The system also uses an alarm built-in to stop non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.

BMW also offers a range of security options available including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob isn't within close proximity to the car. This feature is offered in all models of the brand and gives you security.

A number of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the car without having to manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is usually activated by pressing the fob's lock button three times in the span of a second. In some cases you may need to press the fob's lock 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.

Some people carry their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This minimizes the risk of a third-party broadcasting the unique code that is on the fob in order to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not have the feature, but it does protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been stolen by thieves who employed a signal amplifier read more to boost the identifying signal. This type 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 phone.

Replacement

It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery dies, or you need an extra battery for your family member. It's simple and inexpensive to get a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your car. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, based on the model of BMW you drive.

To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. You should also close the doors of your vehicle. Put your new key fob in the ignition, then quickly turn it from position 1 to 0, 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've completed this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. You should hear your car's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car, you may have keys that have a physical key blade inside it, or a fob without one. Each fob has a different process for synchronizing with your car, however the steps for each are identical. The only difference is the metal key fob will need to be put into the ignition to start your car.

If you have an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. After you've programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.

While your BMW is a fantastic way to travel around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good working condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you choose the correct key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.