Five Things You Don't Know About BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them hard to take away and also makes things when you lose keys.
If you lose your BMW key the first step is to call your dealer. But this might not be the most practical option. You might want to consider a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your cozy sweats. Get some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You have to return the keys to your car that you haven't seen throughout the day.
Luckily, you have a variety of alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you have other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will purchase the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if do not have a spare key.
A locksmith can be a good alternative. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. In bmw replacment key to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you a lot of time and money, but you'll have to find a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll need to tow your vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost fob. This can be an expensive, unwieldy and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to going to an agent. This can be a cheaper 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 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
BMW keys and fobs may appear as a minor accessory but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys are fitted with transponder chips that transmit a unique ID to the vehicle whenever they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings, like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to take however it also means they are more complex to replace in the case of damage or loss.
It is essential to be prepared for such an eventuality by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a reliable locksmith at your fingertips and knowing the cost of a new key. To begin, it's important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your car, as the process of replacing these items will differ depending on their specific design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with the keyfob, you can usually get an alternative from an area hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has specific programming you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure that the new key fob is properly configured to your vehicle.
Before a new key is made the locksmith or dealer will be required to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to guard against unauthorized duplicate keys. This typically requires a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.
It is important to be aware that obtaining a replacement fob and key could take up to two weeks. In this time, you will not be able drive your car. As a result, 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 unexpected loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and on your favorite show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the most painful feeling, and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening.
There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys in your possession. You can get an uncut, new key made. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is easy and requires only just a few tools.
You'll first have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, under the trim. Once you've found the keyhole, remove the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to secure the original and the blank together using a vice. Then, use a file to form the blank to resemble to the original. Be sure to do this carefully and slowly, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped, you may hold it against a flame to then blacken it. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW has a smart key (also known as a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it as well. The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This technology is a great protection against theft to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they're not perfect. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a new key. The dealer could take up to a week to process and deliver the new key. This will increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative for the BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and they can also save you the hassle of having to drive to the dealership to pick up a new key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when you purchase a new key.
Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is crucial, as the battery in a regular key fob will eventually degrade and require replacement. If the battery is faulty the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous while driving. If you have a government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an alternative key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys but losing the BMW key can be especially stressful. It's crucial to know what your options are when it comes to 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, when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't lose them! If you do, be sure to check your pockets as well as your car and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.