3 Reasons The Reasons For Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob

The BMW Display Key is a key fob that includes a full-color touchscreen. It has a variety of useful features that are accessible by swiping the finger.

The standard BMW key fobs are made to withstand normal moisture levels. So, keeping it in your wallet on a rainy day is unlikely to cause any damage. However, it is important to keep your battery current.

Keyless Entry

A BMW key fob does so more than just a way to unlock your car or start it. It's also an effective security device that helps protect both your vehicle and its contents from theft. That's why it's important to keep your BMW key fob charged and connected to your vehicle. Keep it in a secure location when not in use to avoid it from getting lost or stolen.

You'll almost certainly have to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point in its lifespan. Luckily, the procedure for doing so is simple. First look for your BMW key fob's ignition switch and ensure that it's off. Take the key fob off and carefully remove the battery. Replace the old battery with new (size CR2032) and then replace the key fob. Press and hold the lock key until you hear the click (without turning the engine on). Once you do that, your doors will automatically unlock and lock, indicating that your BMW key fob is now programmed to your vehicle.

Your BMW may also have a Comfort Access feature that allows you to open and close your car with an accessory key fob or mobile. To enable this, you'll need a compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you've got these things then simply place your iPhone into the Smart Key Tray of your BMW and follow the instructions in the Wallet app.

The same process can be used to program a replacement key fob or other however you'll need to disable any existing ones first. Keep your BMW keyfob away from water since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. This means avoiding exposing it to direct sunlight, as the display can be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure to UV light. If you're worried about the key fob of your BMW being hacked or cloned, know that it was designed with security in mind. A sophisticated system makes sure that your vehicle will only unlock when it receives an unique identifying signal that's constantly changing.

Smart Keys

A key fob that is equipped with Smart Keys functionality is able to unlock your car and then start it up without the requirement of an additional key or smartphone. You can also make use of the app on your smartphone to monitor who's been in your car and when.

You can download the app from your smartphone's app stores, or log in using the BMW Connected App. Once you've logged in, you'll be able to check who has access to the area and modify any restrictions that may apply.

If you have keys that have Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock your BMW's doors remotely. You can also use Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors as you come closer. You can even use the app to control your parking brake. You can also make use of the app to control certain functions of your car like changing your music volume or adjusting the temperature.

The key fob's inner key blade is a standard size key, and you can use it to open the door manually, as well as use Comfort Access features. The key is impervious to water and therefore there's no need to fret about it getting wet. It is recommended not to expose the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat as it could overheat.

Follow these easy steps to program your BMW keyfob so that it works with the app on your phone. First, you'll need to confirm that your smartphone is compatible for the Digital Key feature. Then you'll need to download the BMW Connected App and sign into your iCloud account. Then, place your iPhone into the smartphone tray. Follow the steps and activate the BMW Digital Key.

You can easily replace the CR2032 battery in your BMW keyfob by taking off the backplate. Be careful when prying off the backplate because it's secured with glue. You can always call an experienced locksmith in the automotive industry to assist you should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.

Proximity Keys

Proximity keys represent the latest advancements in keyless entry systems. They do not require physical contact but instead use a proximity detector to identify the key. This enables the driver to unlock doors and start the car. While this is practical, it comes with some security dangers.

A major issue is that, like smartphones and laptops they are also susceptible to being stolen. Criminals can hack the system to transmit signals that identify them to an accomplice nearby or use a simple amplifier to take in the signals. To stop this, some drivers choose to keep their keys in a pouch with a signal blocker or cover.

Another problem is that drivers may not remember to shut off the vehicle prior to leaving it. Leaving the vehicle on while shopping at the store or dropping it into the cup holder could cause it to run, resulting in theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. Many drivers put their keys in the ignition when they park at home, thinking that the vehicle is not running. This can result in theft, or in the case of a hybrid car, carbon monoxide poisoning while the family sleeps.

In addition, if the key fob gets lost or the battery fails unexpectedly, the car won't start, even if you have the key to open the door. It is crucial to have a spare smart key or spare key made to ensure that you or a trusted person can gain access to your vehicle in case of emergency.

This issue can be avoided by taking the proper steps. Be more aware of where you keep your key fob, making sure it is secured and off position before you leave from the car, and by using an alarm system to remind you of what you need to do, you can minimize the chance of proximity key-related issues.

BMW's most sophisticated fob is the Display Key, which comes with a touchscreen display. This unique key is slightly more susceptible to theft than conventional BMW fobs, but it is still more secure. Keep your new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it as you would a smartphone.

Remote Start

If you have a BMW equipped with Remote Start you can use your key fob, or the BMW Connected App to start your car before you go into. You can heat up your car in the mornings when it's cold in Decatur or cool down the cabin on Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not include Remote Start, we can include it in your car by purchasing an OEM kit in our parts center.

Most BMW key fobs feature an adjustable key blade along with the electronic control modules. This means that you can make an emergency copy of your key by pressing the button located at the base of the fob. This is helpful in the event that your fob gets wet or if you are not near an locksmith. Some people keep an extra car key on their fobs to allow other family members to access their cars without having to contact our dealership for Comfort Access or keyless entry.

The standard BMW key fob is extremely resistant to moisture, which means it's able to stand up to a day in the rain or a trip to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is a bit more fragile and should not be left in water for long.

BMW key fobs can hold up to three driver profiles, which means you can customize your vehicle's settings based on the keys you carry with you. Locking the correct fob using your iDrive system will set all the relevant settings, from seat location to radio presets for the profile you have selected. When you are ready to change drivers, you must simply press the lock button on the fob's key twice in a row.

If your BMW key fob doesn't work properly, you'll need to replace the battery (size check here CR2032) within. Remove the cover from the fob, take out the old batteries, and gently insert the new batteries. You can purchase an alternative BMW battery from our parts department or order one online. If your key fob comes with a Comfort Access feature, you'll also have to disable it and also code the car to erase the key profile you have already created before you can pair it with a different.