What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have? Your BMW key fob probably has numerous functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, control your windows and even start the engine. There are some tricks you may not know about. Let's take a look at some of the most useful ones. Functions The BMW key fob consists of a small rectangular piece of plastic with many buttons incorporated into its sides. Most of them unlock and lock the car, but a few are unique. For example, BMW owners can activate an invisible function on their key fob to lower all of their windows at once by pressing the unlock button two times. This is perfect for those looking to cool down their car on a hot summer day. Another major purpose of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the vehicle. This feature is a great security precaution that prevents unauthorised entry into the vehicle. To start the engine, drivers must first press the lock button on the key fob and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the vehicle. This is particularly useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have time to get out of the car to get the door. The BMW key fob is also capable of controlling the interior climate system. This is particularly convenient for those traveling with multiple people since each key fob is able to set the preferred temperature of each person. For those who have hybrid BMW key fob can be used to check the status of charging the battery of the vehicle. While the standard BMW key fobs are able to withstand normal levels of humidity, dropping them into water can cause severe damage. This is why it's a good idea to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you happen to lose the key fob, a service can be offered to disable it, rendering it unusable for thieves. This can be accomplished by calling the dealer or one of our technicians. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to repair your car's functionality. Design BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, looked like a bottle opener. They were simple, but useful. Then BMW started to make them more compact and added a case made of plastic around the base of the key, which made it look nicer and less like the bottle opener. This new design also reduced the rough edges of keys that could pierce bags or pockets, and made the keys easier to hold. Then BMW introduced the Display Key, which puts all the features of your car in the palm of your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and see vehicle information on a small LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. It even allows remote parking on hybrid models! If you're in need of an alternative for your BMW Digital Key, you can enjoy the same great function with a BMW Digital Key. You can use any smartphone compatible to replace the BMW key fob and then unlock your car! This feature is available on 2021 and more recent BMW vehicles that are equipped with the iDrive 8 operating system. Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key that allows you to start your car and control certain functions using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car's climate control and check battery levels and much more! You can check the amount of fuel left in your car, if it's equipped with this feature. The process for replacing the BMW Digital Key is the same whether you're using the traditional key or a BMW Digital Key. Our technicians will assist you with the process when you bring both the old and new one to Patrick BMW. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection Plan, which will cover the cost of replacement in the event that your keys are 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 it has and render it useless. This is accomplished by turning the key from position one and then back in quick succession, five times in one row. Then you can turn the key until it is at zero and take it out of the ignition. Security The BMW Digital Key is a efficient method to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and start the engine. You can also share the key with five other people. The key fob communicates with the vehicle via encrypted signals. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and replicate the signal. In addition to this, the UWB technology used in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is moving while it's being carried. The system also uses an inbuilt alarm system to block unauthorized starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves. BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one feature that will disable the starter motor if the key fob does remain close to your car. This feature is available on a variety of BMW models and can provide an additional level of security. A number of the more advanced BMW models offer keyless access, which lets drivers enter and start the vehicle without having to manually press any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature is activated by pressing three times on the lock button on the fob in a single second. In some instances, you may need to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate the 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 people prefer to use a standard case that doesn't have this feature, but still protects the fob from scratches. Some BMW owners have reported that their cars have been stolen by criminals who just employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This kind of attack, known as "Relay Attack", can be avoided by putting the key fob in an area that blocks signals, or by installing an app on your phone to block signals. Replacement It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery goes out or you need an extra battery for a family member. It's affordable and easy to purchase a replacement BMW fob, and then program it into your vehicle. You can buy the replacement from any dealership or locksmith authorized by BMW. https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/bmw-car-keys/ is likely to cost between $400 and $650, depending on the type of BMW you drive. To program the new key fob into your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Also, close all doors inside your vehicle. After that you'll need to insert the new key fob into the ignition, and move it to position 1 and back to position 0 five times rapidly. Hold down the unlock button and then press the BMW logo on your BMW keyfob. Once you've completed this, remove the key and then turn on the vehicle. The doors should unlock and lock, which indicates that your new key fob is successfully programmed. Based on the model of your car depending on the model of your car, you could have an ignition key fob with a key blade that is physically inside it or a key fob that doesn't have one. Each one has a distinct method of synchronizing with your vehicle, but the steps for each are nearly identical. The only difference is that the key fob that has a metal key in it needs to be put into the ignition when you want to start the car. If you own an BMW equipped with Comfort Access, the process is even more straightforward. Once you have programmed your new key fob in your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start. It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in good in good working order. Patrick BMW's parts department can assist you find a replacement BMW fob or replacement. We can help you locate the perfect key fob for your car and even upgrade your BMW by introducing the Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.