What's Holding Back The BMW Key Fob Industry?
What's Holding Back The BMW Key Fob Industry?
Blog Article
What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
If you own an BMW, chances are that your key fob comes with numerous functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, manage your windows and even start the engine.
There are a few tricks you might not know about. Here are some of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to unlock and lock the vehicle, but certain buttons have additional functions. BMW owners, for instance can activate a hidden function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button two times quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their vehicle during a hot summer's day.
Another significant function of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the car, the driver must first push the lock on the fob of the key and then press the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is particularly helpful in a situation where the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have 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 particularly useful for those who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each person's preferred temperature using their own key fob. For those who have a hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to determine the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle.
While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause severe damage. It is recommended to keep the key fob in its case that is protected when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be offered to deactivate it, making it useless for thieves. This can be done by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can then be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.
Design
BMW key fobs used to be huge, clunky black rectangles that looked a bit like an open bottle from a distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and put a plastic casing around the base to make it look more attractive and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced the rough key edges which could puncture bags or pockets and made 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, operate your air conditioning, and see vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement, you can get the same functionality and features by using a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your vehicle! This feature is available for 2021 or more recent BMW vehicles with the iDrive 8 operating system.
Another new and exciting key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your vehicle and operate some of its features with your smartphone. The app lets you remotely manage your car's climate control as well as check the battery level and more! You can also see how much fuel is left in your car if it is equipped with 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 assist you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for 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 you have to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it inoperable. This is done five times by rapidly turning the key from position one to zero and back. Then you can turn the key to position zero and take it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your car. The fob pairs 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 vehicle using encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents relay attacks even if it is moving. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of security options that are available, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor if the key fob is not within close proximity to the vehicle. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide additional security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in a single second. In some cases you may need to press the lock on the fob three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Some people keep their BMW keyfob in a bag that blocks signals. This reduces the chance of a third-party broadcasting the unique code that is on the fob to gain access to the vehicle. Some prefer using an ordinary case that does not come with the feature, but still protects the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were snatched by criminals using a signal amplifier to boost the identification signals. This type of attack is known as "Relay Attack" and can be prevented by keeping your key fob in a signal blocking pocket or by installing a signal blocker app on your smartphone.
Replacement
Everyone has had this experience - the battery in your BMW key fob goes out or you'll need to purchase a spare one for a family. Fortunately, finding the replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is simple and affordable. You can buy a replacement from any dealership or locksmith who is authorized by BMW. A new key fob can cost between $400 and $650 depending on the kind of BMW you drive.
To program a new key fob for your BMW first, make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. Close all the doors of your vehicle. Next put your new key fob into the ignition, and move it to position 1 before turning return to position 0 five times rapidly. Press the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. After you've completed this, remove your key and turn your car on. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that your new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on the model of your car, you might either have a key blade on your key fob or one without. Each one has a distinct process to sync with your vehicle, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is the metal key fob has to be placed in the ignition to begin your car.
If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. After you've programmed a new key fob, simply connect it to your BMW's ignition here and press the start button.
While your BMW is a fantastic way to travel around Decatur It is crucial to keep your key fob in good condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you locate a new BMW fob or a replacement. We can help you find the right key fob to your vehicle and can upgrade your BMW with the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.