Hidden Features of Mini Cooper Replacement Key Key Fobs

Key fobs have been a long way since their beginnings as decorative trinkets. They can do anything from locking and unlocking doors to remote start of the car. Certain models have hidden features that owners might not know about.

If your car's key fob starts being a bit shaky, it's time to replace its battery. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do a lot more than unlock the car and start it. It also functions as a security device and theft deterrent. High-tech key fobs today are more reliable, efficient and secure than they have ever been. The high cost of these devices can be costly to replace them if you break or lose one.

A basic keyfob could cost only a few dollars, but it can cost upwards of $200 to program. The costs can be even more when you have a luxury vehicle or one with specific features. Some basic insurance programs or warranties will pay for a replacement mini keys key fob. However, the majority of people will need to pay hundreds of dollars from their own pockets in the event that this occurs.

Certain vehicles of recent years also come with keys that can be used as a smart-key. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking, and activating an alarm with the press of one button. They can also summon your car similar to Tesla's summon feature but they have to be in reach of the vehicle to work.

This kind of fob has a metal lock which folds up into the fob, like the switchblade. The key is kept in place when not in use using springs. It is removed at the touch of a button. A switchblade fob generally costs about the same as a standard key fob with a metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a physical key hidden

Modern key fobs provide more than just the capability to unlock and start a car. Newer models can do everything from rolling down windows, summoning the vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these nifty functions may not be useful for your daily commute however, they can be extremely helpful in certain situations.

Some key fobs contain a physical key, usually in the form a flat metal blade. These keys can be stored inside a small compartment of the key fob, or removed by pressing the button located on the base. An additional key is useful when you are on the run to get to your BMW and have lost your key.

The battery inside your key fob is bound to fail at some point, and this can be a huge headache for you. Fortunately replacing the battery of your key fob is easy and affordable. You can purchase a new battery from your dealer, a third-party retailer like BimmerTech, or even a hardware store or big-box retailers.

Some BMW mini key fob fobs also come with a Display Key that lets you manage your car via the key. You can determine if the doors are locked and plan when the air conditioner is scheduled to be turned on. You can also see the level of fuel up to 1,000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors

Key fobs today are loaded with more high-tech electronics than ever before, and this plastic device does much more than just lock and unlock the doors and remotely start the car. It may make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in the parking lot or act as an audio remote to control the radio stations in your car.

One of the most useful hidden functions is available on modern models that permit you to lower all the windows at once by pressing an icon on your key fob. This is ideal for a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just can't keep up. The button sequence to activate the feature isn't always clearly labeled however, so you may have to play around with different combinations until you discover the one that is suitable for your car.

If you like to keep your vehicle in a smaller space, the fobs of newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors of the vehicle after you lock it. To enable this feature, press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for a full 2 seconds.

Do you share your car with the gentle giant or someone who doesn't have the same length of legs as you? Then you might want to look into a car with keys that allow you to set a seat memory. Certain models, such as GMC's GMC can allow you to set up a seat preference and automatically remember it every time you start up the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection

With the increasing popularity of smart keys and smartphones for access to cars criminals have had an easy way to steal vehicles. These systems use wireless protocols that are prone to stealing. Criminals can spoof signals from your key fob or phone to unlock and start the car.

A key fob is a small electronic token that is programmable and offers one-factor authentication on the device for access to physical objects like a car, computer system, restricted zone or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor, which recognizes the information and commands and performs predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In many cases it is also a security token which supports multi-factor or two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to offer additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which can be a fingerprint scan or iris scan, or a voice print, for instance.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks allow users to unlock their doors using smartphones, or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This removes the need for traditional keys. These systems are popular with business owners due to their ability to allow administrators to manage access of users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.