Then You've Found Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob ... Now What?
Then You've Found Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob ... Now What?
Blog Article
The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the standard key fob by including a full-color touchscreen. It comes with a range of useful features that can be accessed by swiping the finger.
Most standard BMW key fobs can withstand day-to-day moisture levels, so putting it in your pocket on a rainy day is unlikely to cause damage. However, it is important to ensure that your battery is up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob does so much more than a way to unlock your vehicle or start it. It's also an effective security device that protects both your vehicle and its contents from theft. It's therefore important to keep the BMW key fob charged and paired with your vehicle. Keep it in a secure location when not in use to avoid it from being lost or stolen.
It is likely that you will have to replace the battery in your BMW key fob at some point. The process is easy. First, locate your BMW key fob's ignition switch and make sure it's turned off. Then remove the key fob cover and remove it with care. Then, carefully remove the old battery. Replace it with a new one (size CR2032), and then carefully reinsert the key fob cover. After the new battery is in place, press and hold the lock button until you hear a click (without turning off the engine). Once you do that your doors will then unlock and lock, signalling that your BMW key fob is now programmed to your vehicle.
Your BMW may also have a Comfort Access feature, which allows you to open and close your car using a key fob or smartphone. To enable this, you'll need an compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you have those things, simply put your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray in your BMW and then follow the steps on the Wallet app to connect it to the key fob in your car.
The same process can be used to program a replacement key fob or other however you'll need to disable any existing ones before you can start. Keep your BMW keyfob away from water since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. Do not expose the key fob to direct sunlight as it could permanently damage the display. If you're worried about the key fob of your BMW being compromised or cloned, be aware that it's designed with security in mind. A sophisticated system will ensure that your vehicle will only unlock when it receives a unique identifying signal that's constantly changing.
Smart Keys
Smart Keys are key fobs that unlock and start your vehicle without the need of an additional key or smartphone. You can use your smartphone's app to track who entered your car when.
You can download the app from your phone's app stores, or log in via the BMW Connected App. After you have logged in, it will be possible to see who has access and alter any restrictions.
If you have keys with Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock the doors of your BMW remotely and make use of Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you come closer. You can even make use of the app to set your parking brake. You can also use the app to control certain functions of your car like changing your music volume or climate controls.
The key blade inside the key fob is of standard key size. It can be used both to unlock doors manually as well as with Comfort Access. The key is water-resistant and therefore you don't need to be concerned about it getting wet. It is best not to expose the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat because it could overheat.
Follow these 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 device is compatible with the Digital Key feature. You'll need to download the BMW Connected App, and log in with your iCloud account. Then, put your iPhone into the smartphone tray. Follow the steps and then activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you're looking to change the battery in your BMW key fob it is possible to do this quickly by removing the backplate and swapping in the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be careful when removing the backplate because it's secured with glue. You can always contact a professional automotive locksmith to assist you should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.
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. While this technology is convenient, it does present some security dangers.
The biggest issue is that they can be stolen, just like laptops and smartphones. Criminals can steal the system and transmit the identifying signal to an accomplice who is in close proximity, or they can simply use a simple signal amplifier to detect the signal. To stop this, some drivers decide to keep their keys in a signal-blocking pouch or cover.
Another problem is when drivers forget to turn off their vehicle before leaving. The vehicle being left running while at the grocery store or dropping it in the cup holder could cause it to run, resulting in 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 could lead to theft or, in the case of a hybrid vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning, while the family rests.
In addition, if the key fob gets lost or its battery goes out suddenly, the car will not start, even if you have the key to open the door. It is essential to always have a spare key check here or a smart key duplicated so you or a trusted person have access to your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
These problems can be avoided by taking the appropriate steps. You can reduce the risk that proximity keys could cause problems by being aware of the location you keep your key fob and making sure it's locked and removed before you leave your car.
BMW's most advanced fob is the Display Key, which comes with an interactive display. This unique key is somewhat more vulnerable to theft than traditional BMW fobs however, it's more secure. The best way to protect your new BMW Display Key is to treat it as a smartphone and keep it out of water.
Remote Start
If you have a BMW equipped with Remote Start you can use your key fob, or the BMW Connected App to start your car prior to getting in. You can heat your car in the mornings when it's cold in Decatur or cool down the cabin during Pekin commutes. If your BMW did not include 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 in addition to the electronic control modules. This means that you can make an emergency copy of your key by using the button on the bottom of the fob. This is helpful when your fob is soaked or if you are not in the vicinity of an locksmith. Some people keep a spare car key on their fob to allow family members to access their vehicles without calling our dealership for keyless or Comfort Access entry.
The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand the rigors of a day of rain or a trip to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen however, is a bit more fragile and should not be kept in water for long.
BMW key fobs can hold up to three driver profiles, which means you can customize the settings of your car based on the keys you have with you. The iDrive system will unlock the correct fob, which will then set all relevant settings for that profile, including the seat position and radio presets. Then, when you want to switch drivers, simply press the lock button on the key fob twice in a row.
If your BMW key fob doesn't work properly, you will require replacing the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover of the fob, take out the batteries that were in use, and gently insert the new ones. You can purchase an alternative BMW battery in our parts department or order one online. If your key fob is equipped with Comfort Access, you will also have to disable the feature and program the vehicle to remove the current key profile before you pair it with a new.