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 have an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with many 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 tricks you might not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic, with a number of buttons integrated into its side. Most of them allow you to lock and unlock your car however, some are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate a hidden function on the key fob to lower all their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button two times. This is ideal for people who want to cool their vehicle on the scorching summer days.
The BMW key fob can be used to start your vehicle. This is a wonderful 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 press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful in situations where the driver is late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door.
Finally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can also be used to control the vehicle'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. The key fob of a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charging status.
While standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. It is best to store the key fob in its case that is protected when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will disable it, rendering it useless for thieves. This can be accomplished by contact with the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob could be purchased to restore functionality to your car.
Design
BMW key fobs were once huge rectangular black pieces that looked 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 appear more attractive and less like a key opener. The new design also reduced rough edges on the keys which could pierce pockets or bags, and made the keys more comfortable 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 view the vehicle's information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement if you need to replace your BMW key fob. Just use your compatible smartphone to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is available for 2021 and newer BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your vehicle and control some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you get more info remotely manage your car's climate control and check the battery level. You can also see the amount of fuel left in your car if it has this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining a replacement is similar. You'll need to bring your working 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 cover the cost of a replacement if your keys get stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from position one to zero and back. Then, you turn it back to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key is a convenient method to start your car. The fob pairs with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and much more. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob transmits encrypted signals to the vehicle. This makes it impossible for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion when it is being carried. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves.
BMW also offers a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob isn't within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available in several models from the brand and provides additional security.
A lot of the more sophisticated BMW models offer keyless access that allows drivers to get in and start the car without having to manually press any buttons or insert a physical key. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This reduces the chance that a third party broadcasts the identification code from the fob in order to gain access to the car. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob from scratches.
A few BMW owners reported that their vehicles were taken by criminals using signal amplifiers 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 an app that blocks signals on your phone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you have to purchase a spare one for a family. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase a new BMW fob, and program it into your car. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will typically cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming the new keyfob. It is also recommended to shut all doors in your vehicle. Next you'll need to insert your new key fob in the ignition and switch it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times quickly. Press the unlock button, then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and then turn on the vehicle. You should hear your vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Based on the model of your car, you could either have a key blade in 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 the metal key fob will need to be inserted in the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even easier. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur however, it is vital that you keep your key fob in a good condition. If you're in search of an entirely new BMW key fob, or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in selecting the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.