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Smart technology, but BMW’s iPhone Digital Key Isn’t Really a Fob Replacement
You can use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a key thanks to CR-tested technology created by BMW and Apple.
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Today’s new cars typically come with a keyless fob that you may use to start your vehicle and unlock the doors without ever taking the fob out of your pocket. However, they can be heavy, they add to your load, and you run the risk of losing them. BMW has joined a small but increasing group of businesses that are providing a digital key that enables a motorist to use a smartphone to unlock the doors and start the car in order to address those difficulties.
The Comfort Access option, which is standard on some models and available as part of a costly options package on others, is a requirement for the BMW digital key. As long as the fob is present, users can start the engine inside the car and unlock doors when approaching it with it and an iPhone or Apple Watch. Despite the fact that the key functions, it takes some getting accustomed to, and this innovative addition doesn’t completely replace the fob.
According to Alex Knizek, an engineer at CR’s Auto Test Center, “there is an advantage to just being able to hop in your car when all you have is your smartphone, but the app doesn’t accomplish everything the fob does.” It’s convenient to have the option of using a phone, but he notes that the fob was easier to set up and use.
Which BMW models use digital keys?
Vehicles built after the summer of 2020 need BMW Comfort Access (SA 322). Vehicles manufactured beginning in 2022 require a BMW Digital Key (SA 3DK). Almost all BMW cars built after July 31, 2020, are compatible.
If my BMW has a digital key, how do I know?
Digital Key for iPhone is compatible with any BMW model equipped with Comfort Access (S322A), an automatic transmission, and iDrive 7.0 or higher. Additionally, practically all new BMW models will be compatible with this technology, including the following lineup of models created after July 2020:
- Series 1
- Series 2
- Series 3
- Series 4
- Series 5,
- Series 6
- Series 8
- X5
- X6
- X7
- M5
- M8
- X5 M
- X6 M
- Z4
Do you want to confirm that your car is compatible? If you notice a section called “Digital Key” with a checked box, it signifies your car is compatible. To join your vehicle to your account, log into the BMW Connected App or My BMW App with your BMW ID. Get in touch with your local BMW dealer if you want to confirm it in another way.
How can I obtain a digital key fob from BMW?
Choose the “Digital Key” tile from the My BMW App’s menu. Choose “Set Up Digital Key” from the list of options at the bottom of the “Welcome to Digital Key” screen. Inside your BMW, turn both car keys to the “Continue” position.
Is the BMW Display Key available?
BMW Display Key is regarded as an uncommon gadget because it goes beyond what is expected from a typical key fob. It was first released for the G11 7 Series and is now available for a few additional high-end models. It’s essentially a more sophisticated version of a BMW smart key with a full-color LCD touch screen and a 985-foot operational range. In addition to allowing you to remotely lock and unlock your doors, this device also gives you access to a wealth of vehicle-related data.
BMW digital keys are water resistant.
Most new car keys aren’t waterproof, have teeny hi-tech immobilizers inside, and cost more than $200 to replace.
Since more vehicles started using sensor keys more than ten years ago, surfers, beachgoers, and bushwalkers have had to deal with this problem. However, more and more automakers are coming up with creative solutions.
Three years ago, Jaguar and Land Rover offered a wrist strap with a key implanted inside it as an option on some models; today, BMW is making its waterproof slimline smartcard key accessible on its most cheap vehicle.
Although it is as thin as a credit card, the BMW Digital Key can take the place of a regular key.
It is an option on the new BMW 118i ($42,990) and standard on the new BMW M135 hot hatch ($63,990 including on-road costs).
The only drawback is the price: the optional Comfort Access package, which also comes with a foot motion sensor for the electric tailgate, is $731 more on the BMW 118i.
In December 2018, the BMW X5 and X7 SUVs received the BMW Digital Key. Since then, the 8 Series coupe and 3 Series sedan have also received the technology.
The least expensive vehicle in Australia with such technology is the BMW 1 Series. On some Android smartphones, the BMW Digital Key can also be used via near-field technology, although near-field technology is not yet supported on Apple devices.
It’s not necessary to put the Digital Key smart card in a sleeve, according to BMW, but it must be handled carefully to prevent it from bending or snapping.
What is the price of a BMW Display Key?
We had the chance to experiment with BMW’s newest keyfob at the media debut of the 2016 BMW 7 Series. The touch-sensitive key, also known as the BMW Display Key, is an optional accessory for the new 7 Series and is just $250 in the United States. The key has four buttons on the front for lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic for that small price—which is less expensive than many other BMW keyfob replacements.
The key has a full color touchscreen in the middle that allows you to swipe through various features, such as door locking status, toggle lighting, fuel range, and climate control scheduling. Although the U.S. regulatory bodies have not yet approved it, the BMW Digital Key can be used to self-park your 7 Series in Europe.
According to BMW, the key’s battery lasts for around a week and can be wirelessly recharged in the armrest of the vehicle. Even if the touchscreen is broken, you can still open the car with the key.
It’s incredible what BMW has accomplished with something we always considered to be a simple tool, and we anticipate that keyfobs of the next generation will become much smarter.
The cost of a BMW key fob
The price of a 2020 Toyota Sienna fob was comparable. Dealers, however, gave prices as low as $150 to replace a key fob for a 2017 Honda Accord. A number of BMW retailers claimed that the additional security features built into the 2020 X5 key fob justifies the roughly $500 they spend to replace and program one.
What happens if your BMW key is lost?
By purchasing an original, you can save the hassle of having to understand your car’s immobilizer, EWS, or CAS system. Simply choose the replacement BMW key that matches your vehicle’s series, and BimmerTech will handle the rest based on your VIN. If you need to replace your current one, they can even offer you an OEM touchscreen key fob for the most recent G Series.
One other thing to keep in mind is that in order to receive your BMW key fob, you must also send a copy of your current driver’s license and BMW registration documents. This is because, for security reasons, they won’t process orders without proof of vehicle ownership. Your replacement BMW key fob will be sent to your door in 5-7 business days after that. Due to security and logistics considerations, it may take a little longer for vehicles registered outside the US. In these cases, BimmerTech must first order the key from BMW, program it for your vehicle, and then deliver it to your address.
The 2022 X3 has a digital key, right?
My BMW Genius informed me that the 2022 X3s will no longer come standard with the BMW smart key owing to a lack of parts. BMW no longer offers the physical digital key card, but you will still be able to set up your iPhone as one.
When did BMW introduce remote start?
Since 2019, many BMWs sold in North America have had remote start as a feature. Additionally, certain BMW cars produced in 2018 can have remote starts retrofitted.
BMW didn’t start providing remote engine start until the release of iDrive 7.
Along with other other technical advancements like Apple CarPlay, the BMW iDrive 7 has an integrated feature that lets the owner of the car to remotely turn on the ignition, allowing you to start the engine from a distance.
Any BMW models offer remote starting?
There won’t be a remote start standard on the BMW automobiles produced as part of the 2021 lineup, but you can buy a BMW remote start retrofit kit for your particular model. There are three current models available: the F10, F15, and X5.