Are You Getting The Most Value From Your BMW 3 Series Key Fob?

The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob

The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the ordinary key fob with an all-color touchscreen. It comes with a variety of helpful features that are accessible with a swipe of a finger.

The standard BMW key fobs are built to withstand normal moisture levels. So, putting it in your wallet during a rainy afternoon is unlikely cause any damage. However, it's important to keep your battery current.

Keyless Entry

A BMW key fob is so more than just a way to unlock your car or start it. It's also a highly secure security device that can help protect both your vehicle and its contents from theft. It is important to keep your BMW key fob charged and connected to your vehicle. Keep it in a secure place when it's not in use to prevent it from being lost or stolen.

Most likely, you'll need to replace the battery in your BMW key fob at some time. Luckily, the procedure to do this is easy. First, locate your BMW key fob's ignition switch, and make sure it's off. Remove the key fob and carefully remove the battery. Replace it with a brand new one (size CR2032) and then put the cover back on. Press and hold the lock key until you hear the click (without turning on the engine). Once you have done this, your doors will unlock and lock instantly, indicating that the BMW key fob is programmed.

Your BMW may also have a Comfort Access feature that allows you to open and close your car with an accessory key fob or mobile. To activate this feature you'll require an compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you've got these items you can simply place your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray inside your BMW and then follow the instructions on the Wallet app to pair it with the key fob in your car.

The same procedure can be used to program a replacement key fob or other however you'll need to disable any existing ones first. Keep your BMW keyfob from getting wet since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. This includes avoiding exposing it to direct sunlight since the display can be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure to UV light. However, if you're worried about your BMW's key fob being stolen or copied, remember that it was designed with security in mind. A sophisticated system ensures that your vehicle only unlocks when it receives a unique identification signal, which is continuously changes.

Smart Keys

A key fob with Smart Keys functionality is able to unlock your car and start it up without the requirement of a separate key or smartphone. You can also make use of the app on your smartphone to track who has been in your car, and when.

You can download the app from your smartphone's app stores or sign in via the BMW Connected App. Once you've logged in, it is possible to determine who has access and modify any restrictions.

If you own keys that have Smart Keys, you can use it to unlock the doors of your BMW remotely and use Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you are approaching. The app can be used to set the parking brake. You can also make use of the app to control certain functions of your car like changing the volume of your music, or the temperature control.

The key fob's blade is a standard key size and you can use it to unlock the door manually as well as use Comfort Access features. The key is water-resistant which means you don't have to be concerned about it getting wet. But it is important to avoid exposing the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat because the key may overheat and cause permanent damage.

Follow these steps to program your BMW keyfob so that it can work with the application on your phone. First, you'll need to confirm that your phone is compatible with the Digital Key feature. You'll need to download the BMW Connected App, and sign in using your iCloud account. Then, place your iPhone in the tray for your smartphone and follow the instructions to complete activating the BMW Digital Key.

You can easily replace the CR2032 battery in your BMW keyfob by taking off the backplate. Be cautious when removing the backplate since it's bonded with glue. If you're not confident doing it yourself, you can contact a professional automotive locksmith for help.

Proximity keys

Proximity keys are the most recent technology in keyless entry systems. They don't require physical contact but instead rely on a proximity sensor to identify the key. This allows the here driver to open doors and start the car. This is convenient, but it also poses certain safety dangers.

The biggest issue is that they are easily stolen as laptops and smartphones. Criminals can hack the system to transmit identifying signals to an accomplice nearby or use a basic amplifier to detect the signals. Some drivers keep their key fobs in a pouch that blocks signals or cover to ward off this.

Another issue is that motorists might forget to turn off the vehicle prior to leaving it. If you leave the vehicle running at the shop or place it in a cup holder, it can start to run and cause carbon monoxide or theft. Many drivers forget to put their keys in the ignition when they go to park at home, believing that the vehicle is off. This can result in theft, or in the case of a hybrid vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning as the family sleeps.

If the key fob is lost or the battery fails it will not start even if you possess the key that opens the door. It is vital to always keep a spare key or a smart key duplicated, so that you or a trusted person have access to your vehicle in the event of emergency.

These problems can be avoided with the right steps. You can lessen the chance that proximity keys can cause problems by being more aware of the location you keep your keys and making sure it's locked and removed before you leave the car.

BMW's most advanced fob is the Display Key, which comes with an interactive display. This unique key is slightly more susceptible to theft than conventional BMW fobs however it is more secure. Keep your new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it as you would treat a smartphone.

Remote Start

If you have a BMW with Remote Start, you can use the BMW Connected app or your key fob to start your car before you even get inside. You can heat up your car in the mornings when it's cold in Decatur or cool the cabin during Pekin commutes. If your BMW didn't have Remote Start, you can add it by purchasing an OEM kit from our parts center and scheduling it at your convenience.

The button at the base of many BMW key fobs enables you to create an emergency copy of your keys. This is useful in occasions when your fob is wet, or when you're not in the vicinity of an locksmith. Some people keep an extra car key on their wallets to allow family members to access their vehicles without having to call our dealership for Comfort Access or keyless entry.

The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand a day of rain or a trip through the washing machine. However the BMW Display Key with touchscreen is a bit more delicate and should not be kept in water for too long.

BMW key fobs hold up to three driver profiles, meaning you can customize the settings of your car based on the keys you have with you. Unlocking the correct fob with your iDrive system will set all the relevant settings, from the seat location to radio presets for that particular profile. When you are ready to switch drivers, you can simply press the lock button on the fob's key twice in one row.

If your BMW key fob isn't functioning properly, you will have to replace the battery (size CR2032) within. Remove the cover from the fob, take out the old batteries, and gently insert the new batteries. You can purchase a new BMW key battery from our parts department, or you can buy a replacement online. If your key fob comes with a Comfort Access feature, you'll also need to deactivate it and then code the car to erase your current key profile before you can pair it to another.