How Many Keys Does a BMW Have?
2 Answers
BMW comes with two car keys. Card Key: The new BMW 3 Series comes with a card key that eliminates the need for a traditional key. This card resembles a bank card or hotel room card and has a unique identification number. Simply place the card near the door, and it will automatically unlock the door and adjust the side mirrors. Similarly, to start the car, you don't need a key; just place the card in the designated spot to start the vehicle. This feature can also be linked to your phone's NFC function. Once the phone reads the information from the card, you can start the car using the phone's NFC. Mechanical Key: The mechanical key can generally only unlock the driver's side door. Other doors must be opened manually from inside the car. Therefore, when parking, make sure there is enough space on the driver's side to avoid being unable to open the door when necessary. Each car has its own lock cylinder, usually hidden under a decorative cover on the door handle. Lift the cover to reveal the keyhole.
I've been driving BMW cars for many years. A standard new car usually comes with two keys: a main key that you carry with you daily, and a spare key that can be kept at home as a backup. It's like carrying a wallet when you go out—always have a spare just in case. If the main key is lost, the BMW service center can remotely deactivate the old key for theft prevention, but getting a new one will cost several thousand dollars and requires a bunch of documentation. Nowadays, smart keys can even remotely start the air conditioning to pre-cool the car in summer, making it very convenient before getting in. However, key designs vary across different model years—some older models have mechanical keys, while newer ones mostly come with smart keys featuring displays and more functions. When storing your key, it's best not to keep it in your pocket as it can get damaged easily; using a dedicated keychain is a safer option.
