Ten BMW Keys Myths That Aren't Always True
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to take away, but it also complicates things when you lose keys.
The first thing you should do if you've lost your BMW key is to call the dealership. But this might not be the most efficient option. You could consider hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long and exhausting day. You're eager to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You'll need to return your car keys first that you haven't seen throughout the day.
Fortunately, you have several alternatives when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership and an ID valid. If you have any other keys, they'll also require them. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your car and connect it to your vehicle's computer chip. This process could take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have a spare key.
Another option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at less than the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you'll need to find an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you'll need bring your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. This can be expensive, time-consuming and costly way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers offer a cheaper alternative to visiting dealers. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith that could increase the price 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 improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror position, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they're damaged or lost.
It is essential to prepare for such an eventuality by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a trusted locksmith at your fingertips and knowing the price of replacing a key. It is important to first determine the kind of key or fob in your car, as the cost of replacing them will differ due to the unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with an a keyfob, you could generally find a replacement at a local hardware shop for less than $10. However, if you own an advanced key fob that requires a specific programming process, then you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealer to make sure the new fob is set up correctly to your vehicle.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will require proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle to protect against unauthorized key duplicates. This usually requires a copy your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to be aware that getting a new fob and key can take up to two weeks. In this time, you will not be able to drive in your car. Therefore it is advised to purchase key protection insurance which will pay for the replacement of keys that have been lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've been through a tiring, long day. You're just dying to go home and put on your sweatpants and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it could really affect your evening plans.
There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys available. You can request an uncut, new key made. This can be done by the dealership or locksmiths. keys for bmw is fairly simple and requires a couple of tools.
To begin, you'll need locate the key hole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. You can remove the trim once you've located the keyhole.
Then take the blank and the original using a vise. Use a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it over a flame to make it black with soot. This will help to make it easier to discern the transfer marks made by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes smart keys (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it too. These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car's doors and also starts the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect, as smart keys may still be lost. Getting a replacement from the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a brand new one. The dealer can take up to one week to process and send the new key. This will increase the cost.
It's not hard to replace a BMW keyfob. You can order BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and can also spare you the hassle of having to drive to the dealer to purchase a replacement key. If you want to avoid confusion, have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when ordering a new key.
Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important, because the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually degrade and require replacement. If the battery is having an issue, the key fob is likely to stop working entirely, which could be dangerous while traveling. Fortunately, you'll be able to get a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with little fuss provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be especially stressful. It is important to know what options you have when replacing the lost BMW Key so that you can select the appropriate one for your situation. In the future, try to be extra cautious with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in first place! If you do, be sure to check your pockets, your car, and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.