Ten Common Misconceptions About BMW Keys That Aren't Always True
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. The Keylab makes them difficult to steal, but it can complicate things when you lose your key.
If you've lost the BMW key first step is to call your dealer. However, this isn't the most practical solution. Instead, you might be thinking about using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long day and you're eager to go back home, get into some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and watch your favorite show. You have to return your car keys first and you've not seen them all day.
There are a lot of options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you own other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will then order the correct key for your car and pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. The process can take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have a spare key.
Another option is to call the locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for less than what dealerships charge. Locksmiths can program the blank key to your car and cut it. This can save you time and money. But, you'll require a professional locksmith who is reliable.
If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. But if you don't then you'll need to get your car tow to the dealership to replace the lost key fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and time-consuming method of getting your car back on the road.
Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to going to an agent. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer that can increase the overall price of the replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank online make sure you check the seller's reputation and customer reviews.
2. Call for a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob might appear like a small thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology created to improve security. BMW keys have transponder chips that transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to steal, but it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of damage or loss.
As such, it is important to be prepared for this kind of scenario by storing the spare key in a safe location, having a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the basic cost of replacing a key. It is important to first identify the kind of key or fob that is in your car, as replacing them will be different in accordance with the unique design.
For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with a key fob on it you can usually get an entirely new one at a 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 a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new fob is correctly configured to your vehicle.
Before a new key is made, the locksmith or dealership will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to safeguard against unauthorized key duplication. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.
It is important to understand that the process of obtaining the new key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. As a result, it is recommended to purchase key protection coverage that will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've had a long, tiring day. You're eager to go home and put on your sweatshirt and watch your favorite show. You realize you've lost your car keys. This is the most traumatic feeling you can ever experience, and it could really ruin your plans for the evening.
There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys available. You can get an uncut, new key made. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The process is simple and only requires the use of a few tools.
You'll first have to find the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located in the lower part of the door handle, under the trim. You can remove the trim panel after you've found the keyhole.
Then, clamp the blank and the original in a vise. Then, use a chisel to shape the blank into a similar form to the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it in a fire to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW has 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 can start the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect and smart keys can still be lost. Finding a replacement at the dealership can be expensive and they'll need to order a new one. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which can increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered right to your door. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob is likely to wear out and need to be replaced. If your battery has issues, the fob will likely stop working completely, which could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with no hassle provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's not fun to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be particularly frustrating. You should know your options in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key, so that you can select the best option for your situation. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't ever lose them! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you don't usually keep your keys.