The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the typical key fob with an all-color touchscreen. It has a variety of useful features that are accessible by simply swiping your finger.
The standard BMW key fobs are made to withstand normal moisture levels. Therefore, keeping it in your wallet on a rainy day is unlikely to cause any damage. However, it's important to keep your battery up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob is so more than just a means 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 paired with your vehicle. Keep it in a secure place when not in use to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
It is likely that you will have to replace the battery on your BMW key fob at some time. Luckily, the procedure for doing so is simple. First find the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and ensure it's off. Remove the cover for your key fob and carefully remove the previous battery. Replace the old battery with new one (size CR2032) and then replace the key fob. Press and hold the lock key until you hear a click (without turning on the engine). Once you've completed this, your doors will be locked and unlock automatically, indicating that the BMW key fob has been programmed.
You might also be able to use the Comfort Access feature on your BMW, which allows you to open and shut it with a keyfob or smartphone. To activate this feature, you'll require an iPhone compatible with the Apple Wallet application. Once you have those things you can simply place your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray of your BMW and then follow the instructions on the Wallet app to connect it to your vehicle's key fob.
You can use the same procedure to create additional key fobs or a replacement, but you might have to deactivate the current ones first. It is also essential to keep your BMW key fob away from water since the touchscreen could be damaged by it. Be sure to not expose the key fob to direct sunlight since it can permanently cause damage to the display. If you're concerned about your BMW key fob being hacked or cloned, you should be aware that the security of this device is designed into it. A sophisticated system makes sure that your car only unlocks when it receives a unique identifying signal, which continuously changes.
Smart Keys
Smart Keys are key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the requirement of an individual key or smartphone. You can use your smartphone's app to keep track of who has entered your car when.
The app is available in the app store of your smartphone or by using the BMW Connected App to log into the Digital Key area. Once logged in you'll be able view who has access and change any restrictions that apply.
If you have a key with Smart Keys, you can use it to open the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors as you are approaching. The app can be used to set the parking brake. You can also control some features of your vehicle with the app, like setting the volume of your music, or adjusting your climate controls.
The key fob's inner key blade is standard size key that you can use it to open the door manually as well as use Comfort Access features. The key is water resistant and therefore you don't need to worry about it accidentally getting wet. But it is important to avoid exposing the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as the key can overheat and cause permanent damage.
Follow these simple steps to program your BMW keyfob so that it can work with the app on your phone. First, you'll need that your device is compatible for the Digital Key feature. Then, you'll have to download the BMW Connected App and sign in with your iCloud account. Then, you'll need place your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the instructions to activate the check here BMW Digital Key.
If you're looking to change the battery in your BMW key fob you can do it quickly by removing the backplate and swapping in the CR2032 coin cell battery. You'll need to be careful when attempting to pry off the backplate, since it's sealed with glue. If you're not confident doing it yourself, contact a professional automotive locksmith for help.
Proximity Keys
Proximity keys are the newest development in keyless entry systems. They don't require physical contact, but instead rely on a proximity detector to identify the key. This enables the driver to unlock doors and start the car. This is convenient, but it also poses some security dangers.
The main issue is that, similar to smartphones and laptops they are susceptible to theft. Criminals are able to hack into the system to send the identifying signals to an accomplice nearby or use a simple amplifier to receive the signals. To prevent this, some drivers choose to keep their key fob in a pouch that blocks signals or cover.
Another problem is when drivers do not switch off their car prior to leaving. If you leave the car running at a shop or place it in a cup holder it could start to run and cause theft or carbon monoxide. It is also typical for drivers to put their keys in the ignition after leaving home, thinking they have turned the car off. This can lead either to theft or, if you have an electric hybrid vehicle, carbon monoxide while your family is sleeping.
If the key fob is lost or the battery fails and the car won't start even if you possess the key that opens the door. It is essential to have a spare smart key or spare key so that you or a trusted person can access your vehicle in case of emergency.
Fortunately the problem can be resolved with right precautions. By being more aware of the location of your key fob, and making sure that it's secured and off position before you leave from your car and using an alarm to remind you of things you have to remember and minimize the chance of proximity key-related problems.
BMW's most sophisticated fob is the Display Key, which comes with an LCD touchscreen. This innovative key may be somewhat more vulnerable to theft than traditional BMW fobs however, it's more secure. The best way to secure your brand new BMW Display Key is to treat it as a smartphone and keep it away from water.
Remote Start
If you own a BMW equipped with Remote Start you can use your key fob, or the BMW Connected App to start your vehicle before you get in. You can warm your car up in the mornings, when it's cold in Decatur or cool the cabin on Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not come with Remote Start, we can add it to your car by purchasing an OEM kit from our parts center.
The majority of BMW key fobs feature keys that can be removed as well as electronic control modules, which means that you can create a backup copy of your key by pressing the button located at the bottom of the fob. This is handy if your fob gets soaked or if you're not near an locksmith. Some people also keep a spare key on the fob so that other family members can get into their cars without having to call our dealership for keyless entry or Comfort Access.
The standard BMW key fob is highly resistant to moisture, so it is able to withstand an afternoon in the rain or an excursion to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is a bit more fragile and should not be kept in water for too long.
BMW key fobs hold up to three driver profiles, so you can customize your vehicle's settings based on which keys you have with you. The iDrive system unlocks the correct fob, and then set the appropriate settings for that profile, including the seat position and radio presets. When you want to change drivers, all you need to do is to press the lock button twice on your fob.
If your BMW key fob isn't functioning correctly, you'll have to replace the battery (a size CR2032) inside. Take off the cover of your fob, remove the old battery, then insert the new one with care. You can purchase the replacement BMW battery in our parts department or order one online. If your key fob comes with Comfort Access, you will also need to deactivate the feature and then code the vehicle to delete the current key profile before you pair it with another.