7 Tips About BMW Keys That Nobody Will Tell You
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly and come with sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them difficult to take away however, it can also make things if you lose the key.
The first thing you need to do if you've lost your BMW key is to contact the dealership. But this might not be the most practical option. Instead, you might think about hiring using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and on your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one last stop and return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the start of the day.
There are several options to pick from when you require a replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership and a valid ID. If you own other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will order the right key for your car and then pair it with the computer chip. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have an extra key.
A locksmith can be a good alternative. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and they can often do so for only a fraction of the price of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll require an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have an extra key, you could try to use it to unlock your car. If you don't, you'll need to have your vehicle towed by a dealership to replace your lost key fob. If you don't avail of a roadside service plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and time-consuming option to get your vehicle back on the road.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting dealers. This is a less expensive option, but you'll need to get it programmed to the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer that could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online make sure you check the seller's reputation as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a locksmith
BMW keys and fobs might seem like insignificant accessories but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips which transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to store personal settings like seat and mirror position, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes them highly safe and hard to steal however it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage.
It is essential to be prepared for this kind of situation by keeping a spare key in a secure place and having a dependable locksmith on your phone, and understanding the basic cost of replacing a key. It is important to first identify the kind of key or fob in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will differ depending on its distinctive design.
For instance, if you have a classic double-edged car key that has an attached key fob You can typically have a new one made at the local hardware store for less than $10. But if you have a modern key fob that requires a special programming, then you'll need to visit either a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new fob is properly adapted to work with your vehicle.
To guard against fraud or unauthorised key duplicates The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This will usually require the copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to know that the process of obtaining the new fob and key could take as long as two weeks, during which time you will not be able to drive your vehicle. It is therefore recommended to purchase a key protection plan that will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and will also pay for rental cars in the event of a lost key.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a tiring day and you just want to get back home, put on some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and binge on your favorite show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling, and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys in your possession. You can have an uncut, new key made. This can be done by the dealer or by a locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and requires a couple of tools.
You'll first have to find the keyhole on your BMW. It's under the trim on the bottom of your door handle. You can take off the trim panel once you've found the keyhole.
The next step is to secure the original and the blank together in a vice. Then, use a file to form the blank into a similar form to the original. Make sure to file slowly and with care to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it in a fire and blacken it. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
You'll also want to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit a unique electronic code that can unlock the doors of your vehicle and then start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not perfect. Dealers will have order a new key, which could be expensive. bmw keys replacement can take up to a week to process and send the new key. This will increase the cost.
It's not hard to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your home. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for the replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with an inbuilt battery. This is crucial, as the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually wear out and will require replacement. If your battery has an issue, the key fob is likely to stop working completely, which could be dangerous while on the road. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with no hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
It's not fun to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be incredibly frustrating. It's crucial to know what options you have when replacing a lost BMW key so you can pick the most appropriate option for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't lose them! If you do lose them, make sure to look in your pockets as well as your car and places where you're not likely to keep them.