Five Things You're Not Sure About About BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. bmw key replacement makes them extremely difficult to steal, but can make things when you lose your keys.
If you lose your BMW key, the first step is to contact your dealership. This may not be your most practical option. You might consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a tiring day and you're just dying to get home, put on some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. You'll need to return your keys to your car first that you haven't seen throughout the day.
There are a lot of alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership and an ID with a valid photo as well as any other sets of keys you own. The dealership will then purchase the correct key for your vehicle and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key.
Another option is to contact an expert locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll require an expert locksmith who is reliable.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have an additional key, you'll have to take your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and unwieldy 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 cheaper alternative, but you'll have to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith and this can increase the overall price of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to check out the seller's reputation as well as reviews from customers.
2. Contact a Locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can appear as a minor accessory however they are sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips, which provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them extremely safe and hard to steal however, it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of damage or loss.
It is essential to be prepared for such the eventuality by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reputable locksmith at your fingertips, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. In the beginning, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle as the process of replacing these items will differ depending on their unique design.
For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with a key fob on it you can usually get a new one made at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a contemporary key fob that requires a special programming, then you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealership to make sure the new fob is set up correctly to the vehicle you own.
Before a new key is made, the locksmith or dealership will need to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to safeguard against unauthorized key duplication. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of obtaining the new key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which you will not be able to drive your vehicle. It is recommended to purchase a key protection policy which will cover the costs of replacing keys that are lost as well as reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a lost key.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to get home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it can put a damper on your evening plans.
There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys available. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done by the dealership or by a locksmith. The procedure is quite simple and requires a couple of tools.
To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim at the bottom of your door handle. Once you've found the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to clamp the original and a blank together in a vice. Then, you can 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 make it black. This will to make it easier to discern the transfer marks created by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) You'll need to replace it as well. These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car's doors and also begins the engine. This technology is a great protection against theft to protect your vehicle. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not perfect. The replacement you get from the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to order a new one. The dealer can take up to a week to process and ship a new key. This can increase the cost.
It's not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your home. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and can help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase the replacement key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when ordering a new key.
Another advantage of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is important as the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually degrade and need to be changed. If the battery is defective the fob could stop working, which could be dangerous for drivers. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with no hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
Losing your keys is always a headache but a BMW loss can be particularly stressful. You must know your options when replacing a lost BMW Key to ensure you can choose the right one for your situation. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious when it comes to keys for your car, so you do not lose them in the first place! If you do lose them, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets as well as your car and places you don't typically keep them in.