The Hidden Secrets Of BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to take and also makes things if you lose a key.
The first thing you need to do if you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. This isn't the most convenient option. You might be thinking about a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to go back home, get into some comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything you'll need to make one last stop to return your vehicle keys - which you haven't seen since the beginning of the day.
Fortunately, you have several options for finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as an ID that is valid. If you own other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will purchase the right key for your car and pair it with its computer chip. This process could take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have an extra key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do so for only a fraction of the price of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you will need to find an experienced locksmith who is reliable.
If you have a spare key, you may try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you will need to tow your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. If you don't avail of a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be an expensive and time-consuming method of getting your car back on the road.
A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to buy a blank BMW key from an online seller. This is a cheaper alternative however it will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacing the key. If you do choose to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to check the seller's reputation and customer reviews.
2. Call an expert locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can seem like insignificant accessories, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys have transponder chips that send a unique electronic ID to the car when they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to remember personalized settings like seat and mirror position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it makes them harder to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged.
It is important to be prepared for such the eventuality by keeping a spare in a secure location, having the number of a reliable locksmith at your fingertips and knowing the price of the replacement of a key. It is important to first determine the type of key or fob that is in your car, as the cost of replacing them will vary depending on its unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with a keyfob, you can typically find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program it is necessary to go to a dealer or a locksmith to ensure that the new key fob is configured correctly to your vehicle.
Before a new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will be required to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle in order to safeguard against unauthorized key duplication. This usually requires the copy of your driver's license and registration for your vehicle or title.
It is important to know that obtaining a replacement key and fob could take up to two full weeks. During this time you won't be able to drive your vehicle. In this case it is advised to purchase key protection coverage that will pay for the replacement of keys that have been 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 day and you just want to get home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and binge watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. It's the most awful feeling you can ever experience, and it can really affect your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid this issue and ensure that you always have a spare. You can have a new, blank key made. This can be done by a dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and involves a few tools.
To start, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. This will be located under the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you'll be able to take off the trim panel to expose it.
Next, you'll need to clamp the original and a blank in a vice. Then, you can use a file to form the blank to resemble to the original. Make sure you file slowly and cautiously, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank is cut, you can hold it against a flame to make it black. bmw replacement key fob in revealing the transfer marks made by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
You'll also want to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect, as smart keys are still lost. The dealer will have to purchase a new key, which can be costly. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which can increase 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 sent directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and they can also save you the hassle of traveling to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering a replacement, make sure that you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy.
Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important as the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually wear down and require replacing. If your battery is suffering from an issue, the key fob will likely stop working completely, which could be dangerous while traveling. If you've got your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get a replacement key fob for your BMW with little hassle.
It's always a hassle to lose keys, but losing a BMW key can be incredibly difficult. You should know your options in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key to ensure that you can select the best option for your needs. In the future, make an effort to be more careful with your car keys so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to check your pockets, your car, and places you don't typically keep them in.