5 Reasons To Be An Online BMW Keys Buyer And 5 Reasons You Shouldn't
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and feature sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to take away however, it can also make things when you lose the key.
The first thing to do if you've lost your BMW key is call the dealership. But this may not be the most efficient solution. Instead, you may think about hiring using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long day and you're eager to go back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and binge on your favorite TV show. You have to return your keys to your car first, which you haven't seen all day.
There are a variety of options to choose from when you need a replacement BMW key. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll need proof of ownership, an acceptable photo ID, and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your vehicle and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have a spare key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at a fraction of what a dealership charges. A locksmith can program the blank key to your vehicle as well as cut it. This will save you time and money. However, you will need to find an expert locksmith who is reliable.
If you have an extra key, you may try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you will need bring your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside service plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and time-consuming way to get your car back on the road.
Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to going to an agent. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll need to have it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith, which could increase the cost of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank online make sure you check the seller's reputation as well as customer reviews.
2. Call an expert locksmith
BMW keys and fobs might appear as a minor accessory but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys come with transponder chips, which transmit a unique ID to the vehicle whenever they are inserted into the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings, such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it makes them harder to replace if they are damaged or lost.
It is important to be prepared for this kind of situation by keeping a spare key in a safe location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith on your phone and knowing the basic cost of a replacement key. To begin, it is essential to know the kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing these items will differ depending on the unique design of each.
For instance, if own a traditional double-edged vehicle key that has a key fob on it you can usually get an entirely new one at a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with a special program you'll need to go to a dealer or a locksmith to make sure the new fob is configured correctly to the vehicle you own.
To guard against fraud or unauthorized key duplication To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This typically requires the copy of your driver's license or registration of your vehicle, or a title.
It is crucial to understand that getting a replacement fob and key could take up to two full weeks. During this time you won't be able to drive in your car. In this case it is advised to purchase key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to go home, change into some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the most painful feeling and could ruin your evening plans.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this issue and make sure you always have a spare. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be accomplished by a dealer or by a locksmith. The process is fairly easy and requires only a few tools.
First, you'll have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, underneath the trim. You can remove the trim panel after you've located the keyhole.
Then you can clamp the original and blank together in a vise. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. Be sure to do this slowly and cautiously, as you don't want to scrape the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it against a flame to blacken it with soot. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key), you'll want to get that replaced too. These keys generate an electronic code that can unlock the doors of your vehicle and then start the engine. This technology is a great anti-theft measure to keep your vehicle safe. However, it's not perfect - smart keys may still be lost. The dealer will have order a new key, which is costly. bmw replacment key can take up to a week to process and ship the new key. This can add to the cost.
The good news is that it's not difficult to find an alternative for a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealer for an additional key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with a built-in battery. This is important as the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually degrade and need to be changed. If the battery is having issues, the fob could stop functioning entirely, which could be dangerous while traveling. If you have a government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can get a replacement key fob for your BMW with little hassle.
It's not fun to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be particularly difficult. It's crucial to be aware of your options when replacing the lost BMW key so that you can choose the best one for your situation. Make sure you are more cautious in the future with your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't lose keys! If you do, make sure to check your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.