3 Reasons You're BMW Key Fob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?

Your BMW key fob is likely to have numerous functions. You can use it for many things, including opening your doors, controlling your windows, and even starting the engine.

But there are some hidden tricks that you might not have heard of. Here are a few of the best.

Functions

The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has several buttons incorporated in its side. Most of them unlock and lock the car however, some are distinct. For instance, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows simultaneously by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those who wish to cool down their car during a hot summer's day.

The BMW key fob can also be used to begin your car. This feature is a great security measure and blocks unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then the circular arrow. For newer BMW models, this feature can also be used to remotely start the vehicle. This is especially useful when the driver is in a hurry for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door.

Additionally it is worth noting that the BMW key fob can be used to control the vehicle's interior climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to determine the preferred temperature for each individual. If you own hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the charging status of the vehicle's battery.

While the standard BMW key fobs can withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a secure case when not in use. If you lose your key fob, we can offer a solution that will disable the device, rendering it inaccessible to thieves. Contacting our dealer or technicians can do this. A replacement for a lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your car.

Design

BMW key fobs were once huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple, but functional. BMW then made them smaller and also added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear more attractive and less like an opener for keys. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key that could poke into pockets or bags, and made the keys easier for you to hold.

Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the functions of your vehicle in your hand. It lets you lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display the information about your vehicle on a tiny touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models can have remote parking!

BMW Digital Keys are an excellent alternative if you want to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone when you own a compatible model. This feature is available for 2021 and newer BMW cars that use the iDrive 8 operating system.

The Connected Remote key is another innovative key from BMW that allows you to start your car and use certain functions using your smartphone. The app lets you remotely control your car’s climate control and check battery levels. You can see how much fuel is left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature.

No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting the replacement is the same. Our technicians will assist you in the process if you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also choose to purchase a BMW Key Protection plan, which will pay for the cost of a replacement if keys get lost or stolen.

If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first step is to reset the key, which will erase any programming that was stored on it and render it inoperable. This is done by turning the key from position one, then back in rapid succession, five times in one row. Then, turn it to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.

Security

The BMW Digital Key is a convenient way to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, read more and much more. You can also share the key with five people.

The key fob communicates with vehicle using encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to steal and replicate the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks, even if the fob is in motion while it's being carried. The system uses an alarm to stop unauthorised starting and disables ignition switch.

BMW also offers a range of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not near to the car. This feature is offered in many of the brand's models and provides additional peace of mind.

BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry, which lets users to start their vehicle without having manually insert a key or push any buttons. This feature is typically activated by pressing the lock button on the fob three times within one second. In some cases it may be necessary to press the button to lock the fob three times and then turn on the remote start feature within the dashboard or on the steering wheel.

Some people prefer to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to access the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature but will still protect the fob from scratches.

A few BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals using an amplifier for signal strength to boost the identifying 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 smartphone.

Replacement

It happens to everyone and it happens to you too - your BMW key fob battery dies, or you need an extra battery for someone in your family. It's affordable and easy to purchase a new BMW fob and then program it into your vehicle. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can sell you a replacement key fob. A new key fob is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the kind of BMW you drive.

To program the new key fob into your BMW, first make sure that there is no other key in the ignition. It is also recommended to shut the doors of your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition and swiftly turn it from position 1 to position 0, and back again. Then, press the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off the key and switch on the vehicle. You should hear your vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob was successfully programmed.

Depending on your car model, you may have keys that have a key blade that is physically inside it or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each key fob has its own method of synchronizing with your car, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that a key fob with a metal key in it needs to be placed in the ignition whenever you are ready to start your car.

If you have an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob into your BMW and inserted it into the ignition and press start.

While your BMW is a fantastic vehicle to travel around Decatur It is crucial to keep your key fob in good working condition. Patrick BMW's parts department can help you locate a new BMW fob or replacement. We can assist you in selecting the right key fob and upgrade your BMW to Comfort Access for keyless entry and engine starting.