The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the standard key fob with a full-color touchscreen. It comes with a variety of useful features that can be accessible by a swipe of the finger.
The majority of BMW key fobs are able to withstand the daily moisture levels, so putting it in your pocket on a rainy day is unlikely to cause damage. But it is crucial to keep your battery up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob does much more than just unlock or start your car. It's also a powerful security device that helps protect both your vehicle and its contents against theft. That's why it's important to keep your BMW key fob charged and paired with your vehicle. It's also important to keep it in a safe location when not in use to ensure it isn't lost or stolen.
Almost certainly, you'll need to replace the battery on your BMW key fob at some moment. Luckily, the procedure for doing so is simple. First, locate the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and ensure it is off. Remove the key fob and carefully remove the battery. Replace it with a new one (size CR2032) then insert the cover back into the key fob. After the new battery is in place, hold and press the lock button until you hear a click (without activating the engine). Once you've done this, the doors will lock and unlock automatically, signalling that the BMW key fob has been programmed.
You might also be able to utilize the Comfort Access feature on your BMW that lets you open and close it by using a keyfob or a smartphone. To activate this feature, you'll need an iPhone compatible with the Apple Wallet application. Once you've got the two you can simply insert your iPhone into the Smart Key Tray in your BMW and follow the steps in the Wallet app.
You can follow the same method to program additional key fobs, or an alternative, but you might need to disable the existing ones first. Keep your BMW key fob out of water since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. Avoid exposing the key fob to direct sunlight, as it could permanently harm the display. If you're worried about your BMW key fob being hacked, or cloned know that the security of this device is built to be built into it. A sophisticated system makes sure that your vehicle will only unlock when it receives an unique identifying signal that is 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 in the app store of your smartphone or by using the BMW Connected App to log into the Digital Key area. Once you've logged in, you'll be able to see who has access and modify any restrictions that apply.
If you own a key with Smart Keys, you can make use of it to open your BMW's doors remotely and use Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you approach. You can also use the app to set your parking brake. You can also control some functions on your vehicle using the app, like changing the volume of your music or setting your climate control.
The key fob's inner key blade is a standard key size and you can use it to unlock the door manually, as well as utilize Comfort Access features. The key is resistant to water and therefore there's no need to worry about it getting wet. However, you should be careful not to expose the key to intense heat or direct sunlight as the key could overheat and cause permanent damage.
Follow these easy steps to program your BMW keyfob in order that it works with the application on your phone. First, you'll need to confirm that your phone is compatible for the Digital Key feature. You'll then need to download the BMW Connected App, and login using your iCloud account. Then, place your iPhone into the smartphone tray. Follow the prompts and activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you want to replace the battery in your BMW key fob you can do it quickly by removing the backplate and swapping out the CR2032 coin cell battery. You'll need to be careful when attempting to pry off the backplate as it's sealed with glue. If you're not confident doing it yourself, you can always call a professional automotive lock expert for assistance.
Proximity keys
Proximity keys are the latest advancement in keyless car entry systems. They don't require physical contact, but instead rely on a proximity sensor to identify the key. This allows the driver to unlock doors and even start the car. This is a convenient method, but it also poses some safety dangers.
The main problem is that they can be stolen as well, just like laptops and smartphones. Criminals can access the system and transmit the identifying signal to an accomplice who is in close proximity or make use of a signal amplifier to receive the signal. Some drivers keep their key fobs in a pouch that blocks signals or cover to combat this.
Another issue is that motorists might not realize they need to shut off the vehicle before leaving it. The vehicle being left on while at the grocery store or dropping it into the cup holder could cause it to run and cause theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also common for drivers to put their keys in the ignition after parking at home, thinking they have turned the car off. This can lead to theft or, in the case of a hybrid vehicle, carbon monoxide poisoning while the family is asleep.
If the key fob is lost or the battery dies it will not start, even if you own the key needed to open the door. It is essential to always have a spare key or a smart key duplicated, so that you or a trusted companion can access your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Fortunately, these issues are easily solved with the appropriate precautions. You can reduce the more info risk that proximity keys will cause problems by being aware of the location you keep your key fob, and making sure it's off and locked before you leave the car.
BMW's most advanced fob is the Display Key, which comes with a touchscreen display. This innovative key is also somewhat more vulnerable to theft, but it's still more secure than standard BMW fobs. Keep your brand new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it as you would a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you have a BMW with Remote Start you can use your key fob or the BMW Connected App to start your car prior to getting in. This allows you to warm your car up on cold Decatur mornings or cool down your cabin during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not have Remote Start, we can add it to your car by purchasing an OEM kit from our parts center.
The button located on the bottom of most BMW key fobs lets you to make an emergency duplicate of your keys. This is useful in times when your fob gets wet, or you're not in the vicinity of a locksmith. Some people keep an extra car key on their fobs to allow other family members to access their vehicles without calling our dealership for Comfort Access or keyless entry.
The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand an entire day of rain or a trip to the washing machine. However the BMW Display Key with touchscreen is a little more delicate and should not be left in the water for too long.
BMW key fobs are capable of storing up to three profiles. This allows you to customize your vehicle settings depending on the keys you have. When you unlock the correct fob, your iDrive system will set all the relevant settings, from the seat position to radio presets, for that profile. If you wish to switch drivers, you just need to press the lock button twice on your key fob.
If your BMW key fob doesn't work correctly, you'll require replacing the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover of the fob, take out the old batteries, and gently insert the new ones. You can purchase an alternative BMW battery from our parts department, or purchase one online. If your key fob is fitted with Comfort Access, you will also need to deactivate the feature and then code the vehicle to remove the current key profile before you pair it with another.