What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have? If you have an BMW you are likely to find that your key fob has a lot of functions. It can be used to unlock your doors, operate your windows and even start your engine. But there are some secret techniques that you may not know about. Here are some of the best. Functions The BMW key fob is a small rectangular piece of plastic that has many buttons built into its side. The majority of these buttons are used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and some 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 ideal for those who want to cool down their car during a hot summer day. The BMW key fob can be used to start your car. This feature is a safety measure that prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. To start the engine, the driver has to press the lock button on the key fob, then press the circular arrow. For the latest BMW models it can be used to remotely start the car. This feature is particularly useful when a driver is late for work and doesn't have time to open the door. The BMW key fob can also be used for controlling the internal climate system. This is especially helpful for those traveling with multiple individuals as each key fob is able to set 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 are able to withstand normal levels of moisture, dropping them in water can cause severe damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be offered to disable it, rendering it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or one of our technicians will be able to do this. A replacement for the lost BMW key fob can be purchased to restore functionality to your car. Design BMW key fobs were once big, clunky black rectangles that looked a bit like a bottle opener from the distance. They were basic, but they served a purpose. BMW then made them smaller and added a plastic casing around the base to make it appear better and less like a key opener. This new design also reduced rough edges on the key which could pierce bags or pockets and made keys easier to hold. BMW then introduced the Display Key which puts all the functionality of your vehicle in your hand. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and view the information about your vehicle on a tiny LCD touchscreen on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models have remote parking! BMW Digital Keys are a great replacement option if you have to replace your BMW key fob. You can unlock your vehicle using your smartphone provided you have a compatible model. This feature is only available to BMW vehicles built after 2021 with the iDrive 8 system. Another exciting new key from BMW is the Connected Remote Key, which allows you to start your car and use certain features using your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely manage your car's climate control and monitor battery levels. You can also see how much gas is left in your tank if the car is equipped with this feature. If you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob, the process of getting an replacement is the same. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will assist you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the costs of a replacement if your keys are 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 erases all programming and render it unusable. This is done five times by quickly changing the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn the key to position zero and take it out of the ignition. Security The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works with your smartphone or Apple Watch and works with BMW Connected Drive to unlock the vehicle or start the engine and more. It also allows you to share the key with up to five others. The key fob transmits encrypted signals to the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners, to intercept the signal. Additionally, the UWB technology in the BMW Digital Key prevents relay attacks even when the fob is in motion when it is being transported. The system also incorporates an inbuilt alarm system to block non-authorized starts and disables ignition switch, which is a common target for thieves. BMW offers a variety of security options that can be added. Passive Start is one of them. It disables the starter motor when the key fob does not remain in close proximity to your car. This feature is available on many of the brand's models and offers peace of mind. Many of the more advanced BMW models come with keyless access, which allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without having to manually push any buttons or insert the physical key. This feature can be 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 fob's lock three times to activate the remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel. Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a signal-blocking pouch that reduces the chance of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and using it to gain access to the car. Others prefer to use a standard key case, which doesn't have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches. A few BMW owners have reported that their cars have been taken by criminals who simply employed a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. 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 using an app that blocks signals on your phone. Replacement It happens to everyone It happens to everyone - your BMW key fob battery fails, or you need a spare for someone in your family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your car is simple and affordable. BMW authorized dealers or locksmiths can sell you the replacement key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 depending on the type BMW you drive. To program a new key fob to your BMW first, make sure that there isn't another key in the ignition. Also, close all doors in your vehicle. Insert your new key fob into the ignition, and quickly change it from position 1 to position 0, and back to position 1. Next, 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 your key and turn the vehicle on. The vehicle's doors unlock and lock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed. Based on the car model, you may have an ignition key fob with an actual key blade in it or a key fob that does not have one. The process for syncing new fobs to your car is different for each one, but the steps are similar. The only difference is that the key fob with a metal key in it will need to be inserted into the ignition when you want to start the car. If you own a BMW with Comfort Access the process is even easier. After you have programmed the new key fob, simply insert it into the ignition of your car and press the start button. It is important to keep your BMW key fob in working condition. If you are looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or a replacement for your existing one, contact the parts department at Patrick BMW. https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/bmw-car-keys/ can help you locate the right key fob to your vehicle, and we can even upgrade your BMW with a Comfort Access upgrade to enable keyless entry and engine starting.