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What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them hard to steal, but complicates things when you lose your keys.
The first thing to do if you've lost your BMW key is call the dealership. This isn't the most practical option. You could think about hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to get home, change into comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything you must make one last stop and return your keys to your car that you've not seen since the beginning of the day.
There are a lot of alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership and an ID valid. If you have any other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will purchase the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. The process can take anywhere from two to three weeks and will cost you around $200 in the event that you don't have a backup keys.
Another option is to call a locksmith. keys for bmw are able to cut BMW keys at a fraction of the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you a lot of time and money, however, you'll need to choose a reputable professional locksmith.
If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If not then you'll need to get your car tow by a dealership to replace the lost key fob. This will be expensive, time-consuming and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This can be a cheaper option, but you'll need to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith that could increase the price of the replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank from the internet make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While the BMW key and fob may appear like a small thing to lose, they are in fact sophisticated pieces of technology designed to increase security. BMW keys are fitted with transponder chips. These chips provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are placed in 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 the keys incredibly secure and hard to take. However, it makes them harder to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged.
Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping the spare key in a secure location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith on your phone and knowing the basic cost of replacing a key. It is crucial to identify the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will differ depending on its distinctive design.
For instance, if own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with an accessory key fob you can usually get a new one from an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have a modern key fob that requires special programming, then you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealer to make sure that the new key fob is properly adapted to work with your vehicle.
To protect against fraud or unauthorised key duplication The locksmith will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.
It is important to know that the process of getting the new fob and key can take between two and three weeks, during which time you will not be able to drive your car. In this case it is advised to purchase key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing your lost keys and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unexpected loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a long day and you just want to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and on your favorite show. But then you realize you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it can really put a damper on your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid this issue and make sure you always have a spare. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and requires a couple of tools.
You'll first have to find the keyhole on your BMW. This will be located under the trim on the bottom of your door handle. You can remove the trim once you've found the keyhole.
Then you can clamp the blank and the original using a vise. Make use of a file to shape a blank to resemble the original. Be sure to file carefully and slowly so that you don't to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped and shaped, you can place it against a flame to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW includes smart keys (also called a proximity key) You'll need to get that replaced too. These keys emit an electronic code that opens your car doors and can start the engine. This is an excellent protection against theft to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Dealers will have to purchase a new key, which can be costly. The dealer can take up to one week to process and ship the new key. This can add to the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find a replacement for the BMW key fob. You can order BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your home. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will reduce the need to drive to the dealer for a replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when ordering a new key.
Another advantage of buying online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is crucial, as the battery in a regular key fob is likely to wear out and will require replacement. If the battery is having an issue, the key fob could stop functioning completely, which could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with no hassle provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
Losing your keys is always a headache but the loss of a BMW loss can be particularly difficult. It is important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing the lost BMW key, so that you can choose the best one for your situation. Try to be more careful in the future with your car keys, so that you don't lose them! If you do, make sure to check your pockets as well as your car and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.