Three Reasons Why You're BMW Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Three Reasons Why You're BMW Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob is equipped with a lot of functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start the engine.
But there are some secrets you might not be aware of. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is an incredibly small piece of plastic that has many buttons incorporated into its side. The majority of the buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, and some have additional functions. BMW owners, for instance can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is ideal for people who wish to cool down their car during a hot summer's day.
Another major function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a fantastic security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the vehicle, the driver needs to first turn off the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful in a situation where the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
Finally lastly, the BMW key fob can also be used to control the car's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob can be used to set the temperature of each person. The key fob on a hybrid BMW can be used to check the battery's charge status.
Dropping them in water is not recommended. It's best to store the key fob inside its protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service is available to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were once large, clunky rectangles of black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle opener. They were basic, but useful. Then BMW began to make them a little smaller and also added a plastic case around the base of the key that made it appear more elegant and less like a bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of keys that could poke through bags or pockets and made the keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your palm. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and see the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking!
If you're in need of an alternative, you can get the same great function with the BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone when you own an appropriate model. This feature is available for 2021 or later BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another cool new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that lets you start your car and control certain features using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control the climate control of your car as well as check the battery level and more! You can also see how much fuel remains in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.
If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process of obtaining an replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you with the process if you bring both your old key and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement in the event that your keys are stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which erases any programming on it and render it useless. 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 take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. It also lets you share the key with up to five others.
The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is in motion. The system utilizes an alarm to prevent unauthorized starting and disables the ignition switch.
BMW offers a range of optional security features. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor if the key fob does not remain close to your car. This feature is available on many of the brand's models and provides additional security.
Many of the more advanced BMW models have keyless access which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having manually use any buttons or insert an actual key. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In certain situations, you might have to press the lock on the fob three times to activate a remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people carry their BMW key fob in a pouch that blocks signals that reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the identifying signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their vehicles have been taken by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in an area that blocks signals or by using an app on your phone to block signals.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob fails or you have to purchase another one for your family. Luckily, purchasing the replacement BMW key fob and programming it get more info into your vehicle is easy and inexpensive. 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 model of BMW you drive.
To program the new key fob into your BMW first, ensure that there is no other key in the ignition. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Then you'll need to insert your new key fob in the ignition and turn it to position 1, then back to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Then, hold down 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 the key and turn on the vehicle. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This indicates that the new key fob was successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you might have a key blade on your key fob, or that isn't. Each fob has a different process to sync with your car, however the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob has to be placed into the ignition to start your vehicle.
If you own a BMW with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. After you have programmed an entirely new key fob simply insert it into the ignition of your BMW and press the start button.
While your BMW is a great way to get around Decatur, it is important that you keep your key fob in good working condition. If you are looking for a new BMW key fob, or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the best key fob for your needs and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.