Troubleshooting Problems With BMW Keys

BMW keys were large black rectangles of plastic. They were put into the ignition to start and unlock the car. The digital key revolutionized everything.

But is it possible to hack? Can you use a non-genuine keyfob to activate Comfort Access in your BMW?

Keyless entry

If you've been driving a BMW car for some time, you are likely to be familiar with remote starting and keyless entry. These features are easy to use and also ensure that you're driving safely. You can lock and unlock your vehicle from the comfort of your home provided you have the appropriate apps on your phone. But, like all new technology keys have certain quirks that can be confusing.

Some BMW owners are concerned, for example, if their key fob could be stolen. BMWs are designed to be secure and are therefore virtually impossible to hack. The system operates by sending a unique identifying signal from your key fob to your vehicle, which is later verified and allowed to unlock. This means that a third party cannot clone or use a signal amplifier to access your vehicle.

Another issue that people ask is whether or whether the BMW fob will go to sleep. The fob will go into sleep if it is not pressed for a set amount of time. This is to help conserve battery power and prevent the car from opening when it's not supposed to. The key fob can be used to open the ignition by pressing it once more.

The BMW key fob, in addition to keyless entry, is able to lock and unlock a car or activate automatic transmission on vehicles that have manual shifting. The BMW key fob will also be able to control certain aspects of the car's comfort features, such as seat, mirror, and steering wheel adjustments. It can also store personal settings, such as the presets for radios and seat positions and permit owners to unlock their BMW using the MyBMW app on their mobile phones.

The BMW key fob can be used to unlock the trunk or to turn on a push button starter in certain models. To do this, simply press the button on the bottom of the fob until it beeps. Then, insert the key into the trunk opener and pull it down to unlock the trunk. The BMW key fob can also control the vehicle's climate control and media system.

Electronic immobilizer

The engine immobilizer is a key security feature that helps protect against theft of cars by ensuring that only the correct key is used to start the car. It does this by checking that the code on the key matches the one stored in the computer. The engine will only start when the codes are identical. This method has been used for over 20 years and has helped in reducing vehicle theft. This is also a reliable method to prevent hotwiring. Hotwiring is the act of bypassing ignition switches by connecting wires from the ignition coil to the fuel pump relay.

The immobilizer is a component of the key fob or key that has the transponder chip. The chip transmits a passcode from the key fob or key to the immobilizer system of the car that is integrated into the PCM (or BCM), instrument cluster or smart junction boxes or other modules. The immobilizer unit verifies the passcode and allows engine to start if the passcode is correct.

Modern transponder chips and keys use a cryptographic algorithms to ensure that codes are sent only once, and only by authorized keys or key fobs. These cryptographic algorithms were designed to be hard to decode by hackers. replacing bmw key protects against remote key replication, which is a frequent occurrence when cars are stolen.

It will sound an alarm if it does not recognize the code from the key or key fob. It will also disable the ignition coil, or injectors dependent on the type of engine in your vehicle. The engine will be turned on for a short period of time and then stop, making it impossible to drive the car away.


Immobilizers are a great safety device that has reduced vehicle thefts by preventing hot wiring. However, it's not foolproof and a number of thieves have devised ways to get around the immobilizer. One of these methods is using a laptop to identify the cryptographic algorithm, which can be done with an application that is specifically designed for this purpose.

Another option is to use a device to change the code on the transponder chip, or key. You can purchase a "transponder-reader" online. These devices aren't an effective method of removing the immobilizer, but they may help in some cases.

Replace the battery

If your BMW keyfob isn't performing like it used to, you may require an upgrade to the battery. It's simple to replace the battery in your BMW and shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes. The first step is to remove the key metal from the fob. Then, push the key into a deeper section to unlock the backing of the fob. Then, take out the batteries that were in use and replace them with fresh ones. You can purchase CR2450 batteries in most supermarkets and gas stations.

Based on the type of BMW key you have, there are different procedures for changing the battery. If you own a BMW Smart Key it uses an automatic battery that charges when it is inserted into the ignition. The battery cannot be replaced without cutting through the case. You'll need to contact your local BMW dealer.

Many BMW models between 2011 and 2017 use a sleek, slant-shaped battery which is also referred to as a watch battery. You can replace the battery by pressing a button close to the point where the key pops out of its case and taking off the cover. You will see a small groove appear in the opening. Utilize a screwdriver, or valet key to turn the groove counterclockwise to remove the cover. Once the cover is removed, you can take off the battery that is dead and replace it with a fresh one.

You will usually be able to tell if your BMW key fob's battery is failing when you notice that the signal range of the device has diminished. Normally you should be able to unlock your car from between 30 and 60 feet. If you're unable to get close to 20 feet, it's probably time to replace the battery.

A drained or faulty battery will also stop the remote starter from functioning. This is a critical safety feature in many automobiles, so you must change the battery as soon as you can. If you own a BMW with push button start, you'll have go to the dealer to program the new key fob and then sync additional fobs to the vehicle.

Replace the key

BMW is a lux automobile manufacturer that has a variety of models that come with various features. These vehicles are popular for their style, comfort and performance. Even the most expensive cars can have problems. The most common issue is the key fob. It could stop working at any moment. This can be a very painful experience, especially when you need to go to a location.

To address this issue, the most effective thing to do is replace the battery on your BMW key fob. It's a fairly easy process that can be done at home. The only drawback is that it can take some time. To make the process easier, you can order an additional fob and key on the internet from a company that is specialized in BMW keys. This will avoid the hassle of going to the dealership and waiting for a new key.

Based on the model of your vehicle There are different types of BMW key fobs. The most recent ones utilize a Smart Key, which is an advanced device that can lock and unlock your vehicle and even start it with the touch of one button. These are typically more durable than older BMW key fobs, however they will need to be replaced when the battery is dead.

Older BMWs that are still in many driveways in Decatur and surrounding areas, could be equipped with a Bladed Key or a Non-Comfort Access Key. The Bladed Key is a metal key that is inserted into the ignition. The Non-Comfort Access Keys were used on certain X3 E83 vehicles between 1996 and 2011. They use a key that has a side indent. You will need a screwdriver to remove the dead battery from this kind of key.

Then, you can insert the new battery into the clip or holder. Be careful not to scratch the plastic of the key fob or the circuit board inside. Once the replacement battery is installed, you can insert the key in the ignition and turn it to position 1. The lights and other accessories should be activated and the car should start. If this isn't working, you might have to repeat the procedure.