In addition to the numerous improvements it makes every year, BMW also gives its devoted customers the BMW Digital Key, a special bonus that meets their practical demands. It is nothing less than a vehicle key app for iPhones that enables convenient keyless entry and exit from your BMW as well as engine starting. You have the option to share your key access with up to 5 more individuals using the digital key, which is safely stored in your ConnectedDrive app, My BMW app, or Wallet app! Now, that’s not something you can accomplish with a regular key fob so easily;
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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.
You only download the app from the automaker to your phone and connect.
How does the BMW digital key operate?
Your smartphone functions as a car key thanks to BMW Digital Key. Simply use the My BMW App to create the digital master key. Utilize your smartphone to conveniently unlock, lock, and start your BMW.
How can I set up my digital key for my BMW?
you use to make your primary key. 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.
Can I use a digital key to operate a BMW?
Compatible iPhone and Android Devices with the BMW Digital Key Numerous iPhones can be used with the BMW Digital Key as of this writing, but Android devices are not yet supported.
What does it signify when a BMW digital key is deleted?
Connected Drive by BMW. There, you can erase certain BMW Digital Keys or all of them. After that, using a deleted BMW Digital Key to unlock or lock your BMW or to start the engine is no longer possible.
Does the iPhone support the BMW digital key?
The 2023 X1 and a whole new electric SUV called the iX1 are two new vehicles that BMW introduced this week that would utilize its Digital Key Plus technology.
Without a physical key, eligible BMW automobiles can now be locked, unlocked, or started using an iPhone or Apple Watch thanks to Digital Key Plus. However, Digital Key Plus makes use of Ultra Wideband technology to detect when you are near the vehicle, allowing you to keep your iPhone in your pocket. The regular NFC version of the function requires the iPhone or Apple Watch to be held near the driver-side door in order to open the vehicle.
Additionally, Digital Key Plus enhances security by preventing relay attacks, in which a third party jams or intercepts the radio signal between the iPhone and the vehicle, thanks to Ultra Wideband’s precise location awareness.
With the digital keys stored in Apple’s built-in Wallet app, Digital Key Plus requires an iPhone 11 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. More BMW vehicles are gradually receiving the function, including the 2022 iX and the present 2023 X1 and iX1. A complete list of BMW vehicles that use the standard NFC-based Digital Key function is accessible on Apple’s website for models manufactured in 2021 and later.
The My BMW app can be used to set up Digital Key Plus, and up to five additional users may share digital keys. The functionality continues to function for up to five hours even if your iPhone’s battery goes out thanks to a Power Reserve mode.
How trustworthy is the BMW digital key?
How dependable is this feature, I wondered? What would happen if you left your keys at home for whatever reason, leaving you stranded?
When I was too lazy to walk back inside and get my key, I used my phone to drive about and do other things. The worst part was having to use the outdated bmw app to unlock the car. The new one is slightly quicker.
I only had my automobile for three days, but I made myself use my phone or watch as a key to test its dependability. So far, 100%. The only complaint is that it occasionally takes 5-7 seconds to unlock.
One thing I’ve observed is that even though my driver profile is linked to my digital key, I had to go back and accept the terms again in order to re-enable the drive recorder app and remote 3D view. Worth checking to make sure everything is working properly before trying to wow people with your 3D vision.
After using mine for a few months, I’ve discovered that the watch unlocks more quickly than the phone. It takes longer for the phone to reach its intended location.
If you use your watch to unlock, however, the guest profile is assigned. The phone will be on guest even after you plug it in and turn it on. The watch is really just another key. It’s okay if you set up your guest profile the same way you put up your primary key. Or if you change your profile before you go. I was initially unaware that the watch does not function as a key extender for the phone.
I did discover a significant problem, though, which makes me hesitant to use it to travel far from home. I won’t get into all the specifics because I already wrote a topic about it, but I have encountered problems using remote services. I eventually received an email informing me that my digital key had been erased, followed shortly after by another email inviting me to set up a digital key. I would have needed my wife to bring me a key if I had been away from home and had only my phone in order to unlock and restart the car.
How much is a digital key for a BMW?
BMW Digital Key: Is it free? Yes, the first year of use is cost-free. If you want to continue using the Digital Key For5 option after the first year, you will be billed $88 per year.
What model BMW has a smart key?
A clever piece of technology that links you to your BMW 5 Series is the BMW Display Key. You may use it as a remote control and touchscreen display in one to park your car, check your fuel level, adjust the cabin temperature, and check to see if your BMW 5 Series is locked.
What should I do if my BMW key is lost?
If you still have one key, you must bring your car, one piece of personal identification, one form of address identification, and the V5C logbook to your selected BMW Center*. You will need to make arrangements for your automobile to be delivered to your preferred Center along with the necessary documentation if you have lost both keys and are unable to access the vehicle.
* A photocard driver’s license cannot be used for both address identification and personal identification.
To keep you safe, our Centers are required to adhere to these security precautions. Additionally, you’ll have to sign for your new key upon picking it up.
What occurs if the battery in the BMW key runs out?
You won’t be able to use keyless entry or remote unlocking if your BMW has Comfort Access if the battery in your key fob has died. You can still enter and manually start your automobile, though.
Press and hold the key release button at the remote fob’s base while unlocking the door of your car, then slide out the internal key blade. This can be used in place of a standard key to unlock your car. You can locate a little hole on the bottom of the handle if the keyhole is hidden on your car door. Use the key blade to pry off the trim panel and expose the keyhole by inserting it into the hole.
Once you’re inside, put your remote key fob in the ignition slot or, if your car doesn’t have one, press it up against the steering column’s key markings. If your key fob dies, you will still be able to start your BMW using the start/stop button on the dashboard.
How can I make my digital key active?
- Go to the BMW Connected App and sign in.
- After selecting the “Digital Key” configuration button, click “Start configuring your Digital Key.”
- Verify that both key fobs are in the car.
- Click “Next”
- Select “Start Pairing.”
- Place your iPhone on the NFC-equipped smartphone tray and wait for the creation of the Digital Key.
When did BMW introduce remote start?
When did BMW adopt remote starting? BMW didn’t begin including remote starting in their list of standard equipment until 2019. Before 2019, it was possible to add a remote start feature to cars as long as they were automatic and had a matching remote that would link with the car.
Can you use your phone to start a BMW?
For Android smartphones, starting with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series and Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the BMW Digital Key is now accessible.
Does every BMW have a remote start?
Only a small number of nations and not all BMWs come equipped with remote start as standard.
If your BMW isn’t equipped with remote start, adding it requires an extra step, but if your vehicle is compatible, it can now be downloaded quickly through the ConnectedDrive Store.
If your automobile is a 2018 model or newer and doesn’t already have remote start, you probably can add it. The software, however, is incompatible with a few earlier models (such the 1 and 2 Series).
Most pre-2018 models were not factory equipped with remote start, and it is not feasible to retrofit it to incompatible vehicles.
How much is a remote start for a BMW?
A factory-installed remote start option can run a BMW about $500. Pre-2018 vehicles without the feature from the factory can have it added for $599 and above with a retrofit kit from BimmerTech.
Can you use your iPhone as a key fob?
Drivers can use their iPhone in place of actual keys with Car Key. You may use NFC technology to unlock a car door by holding your iPhone close to it, as Apple demonstrated during the WWDC 2020 keynote.
Put your iPhone in the NFC reader or wireless charger once you’re inside to start the vehicle. Thanks to the U1 chip, if you have an iPhone 11 or later, you don’t even need to take it out of your pocket to unlock the doors or start the car. According to Apple, this capability will be offered with new cars starting in the next year.
Car Key can function with simply a tap because authentication is not required by default. By using a special token exchanged between your iPhone and your car, Apple makes sure the process is secure. iOS uses information about your location and Apple ID to stop fraud.
If you’re uncomfortable with Express Mode, you can turn it off so that you must use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock and start the vehicle. This feature is considerably simpler to utilize when car keys are attached to Apple Watch.
Car Key continues to function for up to five hours even if your iPhone’s battery goes out thanks to Power Reserve mode.