Three Reasons Why You're BMW Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Fix It)

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

If you own a BMW, chances are that your key fob has many functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows, and even start your engine.

But there are some secrets you might not have heard of. Let's look at some of the most effective ones.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons unlock and lock the car however, a few are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on the key fob to lower all their windows at once by pressing the unlock button twice. This is a great option for those who want to cool their vehicle during a hot summer day.

The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This is a wonderful safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first push the lock 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 particularly useful when the driver is late for work and doesn't have time to open the door handle.

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

While standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause significant damage. It's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be provided that will deactivate it, making it inaccessible to thieves. This can be accomplished by contacting the dealer or one of our technicians. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your vehicle.

Design

BMW key fobs were once huge black, clunky rectangles that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance.  bmw smart key The Key Lab  were simple, but functional. Then BMW started to make them more compact and added an aluminum case around the base of the key, which made it look more attractive and less resemble the bottle opener. The new design also trimmed the rough key edges which could puncture bags or pockets, and made keys more comfortable to hold.

BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your palm. The BMW key fob comes with a small LCD screen that allows you to lock and unlock your car, control the air conditioning, and access vehicle information. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!

BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your car using your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available for BMW vehicles built after 2021 using the iDrive 8 system.

The Connected Remote key is a innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your vehicle and operate certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can even see how much gas is left in your tank, if the car is equipped with that feature.

Whether you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring the original key and the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase the BMW Key Protection Plan, which covers the cost of replacement if your keys get lost or stolen.

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 inoperable. This is done five times by quickly shifting the key from position one to zero and back. Then, turn it to zero and then take it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a easy way to start your car. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and is compatible with BMW Connected Drive. It can unlock the vehicle and start the engine. It also allows you to share the key with up to five other people.

The key fob connects to the vehicle via encrypted signals. It is therefore impossible for hackers and cloners to get the signal. Additionally to this, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even if the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system employs an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.

BMW offers a range of security features that are available as an option. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob doesn't remain within close proximity to your car. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.

BMW's most advanced models come with keyless entry that allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is usually activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times in the span of a second. In some instances, you may need to press the fob's lock three times to activate the remote start feature on the steering wheel or dashboard.

Some people choose to 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 using it to access the car. Some prefer using a standard case, which does not come with the feature, but it does protect the fob against scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by thieves who utilized a signal amplifier in order to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack, referred to as "Relay Attack", can be prevented by placing the key fob into a pocket that blocks signals or by using an application on your smartphone to block signals.

Replacement

Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you have to purchase another one for your family. Luckily, purchasing an alternative BMW key fob and programming it to your car is easy and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you a replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the model of BMW you drive.

Check to see if there is other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. You should also close all doors inside your vehicle. Then put your new key fob into the ignition, and turn it to position 1 and return to position 0 five times in rapid succession. Hold the unlock button and quickly press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, take off the key and switch on the car. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This indicates that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.

Based on the model of your car You may have an ignition key fob with a key blade that is physically inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. Each fob has a different process to sync with your vehicle, but the steps for each are almost identical. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you wish to start the car.

If you have a BMW with Comfort Access the process is much simpler. After you've programmed a new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button.

While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle 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 updated BMW key fob or replacement, you can contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can help you select the right key fob and also upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.