For Whom Is BMW Keys And Why You Should Consider BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but can make issues when you lose your key.
The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. But this may not be the most convenient option. Instead, you may want to consider a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long and tiring day. You're just looking to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and watch your favorite show. You must return your keys to your car first that you haven't seen all day.
There are several options to pick from in the event that you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as an ID that is valid. If you have other keys, they'll also require them. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and pair it with its computer chip. The process can take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if do not have an extra key.
Another option is to contact an expert locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do so for a fraction of the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. bmw spare key can save you time and money. However, you'll require a professional locksmith who is reliable.
If you have an extra key, you could try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have one, you'll have to get your car tow into the dealership for replacement of the key fob that was lost. This will be a costly, inconvenient and expensive method of getting back on the road unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online vendor. This can be a cheaper option, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith, which can increase the overall price of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online, make sure you check the seller's reputation as well as reviews from customers.
2. Call a locksmith
While the BMW key and fob may appear to be a minor thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys contain transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them extremely secure and difficult to take, but it also means that they are more complex to replace in the case of damage or loss.
As such, it is important to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping keys in a secure location and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. To begin, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle as the process of replacing the items will vary based on their unique design.
If you have an old double-edged key with a keyfob, you can usually get the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. But if you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll need to visit either an auto locksmith or a dealership to ensure that the new fob is properly adapted to work with your vehicle.
To safeguard 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 typically requires an original copy of your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of getting an additional key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your car. In this case it is recommended to purchase key protection insurance that will pay for the replacement of keys lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling, and can ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys on hand. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be done either by the dealership or an locksmith. The process is simple and only requires a few tools.
To begin, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you'll be able to take off the trim panel to expose it.
Then you can clamp the original and blank together in a vise. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar shape to the original. Make sure you file slowly and cautiously, as you don't want to scrape the original key. Once the blank has been formed, you can place it in a fire and make it black. This will to make it easier to discern the marks of transfer made by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW has a smart key (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it as well. The keys emit an unique electronic code that can unlock your car's doors and also start the engine. This is a fantastic anti-theft measure to protect your vehicle. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly and the dealer will have to purchase a brand new one. The dealer can take up to a week to process and ship a new key. This can add to the cost.
It's not hard to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. They're usually less expensive than buying them from a dealer, and can also spare you the hassle of traveling to the dealer to pick up a replacement key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when you purchase a new key.
Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. If the battery is faulty, the fob may stop working, which could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you can find a replacement BMW's key fob through the manufacturer with little fuss, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
It's never fun to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be particularly stressful. It's important to know what your options are when replacing a lost BMW key so you can pick the most appropriate option for your situation. In the future, try to be more cautious with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets as well as your car and places you don't typically keep them in.