The People Closest To BMW Keys Uncover Big Secrets
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and come with sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal however, it can also make things when you lose the key.
The first thing you need to do if you've lost your BMW key is call the dealership. But this may not be the most practical solution. You could consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long and tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one final stop and return your keys to your car that you've not seen since the start of the day.
Luckily, you have a variety of options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you own other keys, they'll also require them. The dealership will order the right key for your car and pair it with its computer chip. This process could take between two and three weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have a spare key.
Another option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at less than what dealerships charge. A locksmith can program the blank key to your vehicle as well as cut it. This can save you time and money. However, you'll need to find a professional locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have a spare key, you may try using it to unlock your vehicle. If not have one, you'll have to get your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of your lost key fob. If you don't avail of a roadside service plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is a costly and inconvenient option to get your vehicle back on the road.
An alternative to going to a dealership is to buy an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a more affordable option however, it will need to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of replacement. If you choose to buy a blank online be sure to verify the seller's reputation and customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While a BMW key and fob might seem like an insignificant accessory to lose, they are in fact sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes keys incredibly secure and hard to take. However, it makes them harder to replace if they're damaged or lost.
It is important to prepare for such the eventuality by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a trusted locksmith in your phone and knowing the price of the replacement of a key. It is crucial to identify the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will vary depending on its distinctive design.
For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key that has an attached key fob, you can typically get a new one made at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a keyfob that is programmable or specific programming, you will need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure the new fob is properly configured to your vehicle.
Before a new key can be made the locksmith or the dealership will be required to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorised duplicate keys. This usually requires a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of getting an additional key and fob might take up to two weeks, during which you will not be able to drive your vehicle. Therefore it is recommended to purchase key protection coverage that will pay for the replacement of your lost keys and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.
3. Cut a Blank Key
You've had a long, tiring day. You're just dying to go home, change into your comfy sweatpants and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling ever, and it can really affect your evening plans.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you have a spare. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is relatively simple and involves a few tools.
To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, under the trim. Once you've found the keyhole, you'll be able to remove the trim panel to expose it.
Then, clamp the original and blank together in a vise. Make use of a file to shape an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been shaped, you may hold it against a flame to make it black. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also known as a proximity key) You'll need to replace it as well. The keys emit an electronic code that opens your car's doors and also starts the engine. key for bmw is a fantastic anti-theft measure to keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect and smart keys may still be lost. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to purchase a new key. It could take up a week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which will increase the overall cost.
The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative to the BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered right to your door. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and can save you the hassle driving to the dealership for a replacement key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when purchasing the new key.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is crucial because the battery in a standard key fob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If the battery is damaged the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous when driving. Fortunately, you can get a replacement for your BMW's key fob through the manufacturer with no hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's always a hassle to lose keys, but losing the BMW key can be incredibly frustrating. It is important to know what your options are when replacing the lost BMW key so you can choose the best one for your particular situation. Try to be more careful in the future with your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose keys! Check your pockets, car and other places you aren't likely to keep your keys.
