7 Secrets About BMW Keys That Nobody Will Tell You
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them hard to steal, but it can complicate issues when you lose your key.
The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is to contact the dealership. This may not be your most convenient option. You could consider hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to go back home, get into some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and binge on your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that you'll need to make one last stop to return your keys to your car that you've not seen since the beginning of the day.
Luckily, you have a variety of options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as a valid ID. If you own other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key.
Another option is to call an expert locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for less than the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it into your vehicle. This can save you a lot of time and money, but you'll need to be sure to find a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you could try to use it to unlock your car. But if you don't then you'll need to get your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of the lost key fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be a costly and inconvenient way to get your car back on the road.
An alternative to going to a dealership is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online retailer. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer that could increase the price of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank online make sure to research the seller's reputation as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can seem like insignificant accessories, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to store personal settings such as mirror and seat position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes them extremely safe and hard to steal however it also means they are more difficult to replace in the case of damage or loss.
Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping the spare key in a safe location and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of replacing a key. It is crucial to determine the type of key or fob in your vehicle, since replacing them will be different in accordance with the unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with the keyfob, you can usually get an alternative from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with specific programming it is necessary to see a locksmith or a dealer to ensure the new fob is configured correctly to the vehicle you own.
To guard against fraud or unauthorized key duplicates The locksmith will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's licence or registration of your vehicle, or a title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of obtaining an additional fob and key can take as long as two weeks, and during that time you'll be unable to drive your car. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase key protection insurance which will pay for the replacement of keys lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a tiring day and you just want to get home, change into some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and on your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling and can make your evening miserable.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys in your possession. You can have a new, blank key made. This can be done either by a dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is quite simple and involves a few tools.
To begin, you'll need find the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim at the bottom of your door handle. You can remove the trim once you've found the keyhole.
Then take the blank and original in a vise. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar form to the original. Be sure to file slowly and carefully in order not to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it against a flame to make it black with soot. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW has smart keys (also called a proximity key) You'll need to replace it as well. The keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then begins the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect, as smart keys are still lost. Dealers will have order a new key, which could be expensive. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which can increase the overall cost.
The good news is that it's not difficult to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them sent directly to your doorstep. bmw key programmer are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and will reduce the need to drive to the dealership for a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is crucial because the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually wear down and require replacing. If the battery is defective, the fob may cease to function, which can be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you can find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with no hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be particularly frustrating. It is important to know what options you have when replacing the lost BMW Key, so you can choose the appropriate one for your needs. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose keys! Make sure you check your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep your keys.