Why Is BMW Keys So Popular?
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly and come with sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them difficult to take and also makes things when you lose a key.
If you've lost your BMW key, the first step is to call your dealership. However, this isn't the most convenient option. Instead, you may be thinking about the services of a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day. You're just looking to get home and curl up in your cozy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and binge-watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything you must make one last stop to give your keys back to your vehicle that you've not seen since the beginning of the day.
Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership as well as an ID with a valid photo as well as any other keys you own. The dealership will order the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. The process can take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at the cost of a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, but you'll have to locate a reliable professional locksmith.
If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. But if you don't have one, you'll have to get your car tow to the dealership to replace the lost key fob. This is a costly, inconvenient and costly way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to going to a dealer. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to match your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacing the key. If you do choose to purchase a blank online, be sure to check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob could appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys have transponder chips that send an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted into the ignition. bmw keys replacement are programmed to remember personalized settings such as mirror and seat position, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it makes them harder to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged.
Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for this kind of scenario by storing the spare key in a secure place, having a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the fundamental cost of replacing a key. It is crucial to identify the kind of key or fob in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will differ due to the distinctive design.
For instance, if have a classic double-edged car key that has an accessory key fob you can usually get a new one from an hardware store in your area for less than $10. But if you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is properly adapted to work with your vehicle.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will be required to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle in order to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This typically requires an original copy of your driver's license, 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. For this period, you will not be able to drive your vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage that will cover the cost of replacing your lost keys 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're just dying to get back home, put on some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling you've ever experienced, and could really affect your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid this problem and make sure you have a spare. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or by a locksmith. The process is easy and requires only the use of a few tools.
To begin, 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 panel. Once you've found the keyhole, remove the trim panel to expose it.
Then, clamp the blank and the original using a vise. Use a file to form a blank to resemble the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it against a flame to blacken it with soot. This will help to make it easier to discern the transfer marks created by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
You'll also need to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that opens your car doors and begins the engine. This is an excellent protection against theft to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not ideal. Dealers will have to purchase a new key, which is expensive. It could take up to one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which will increase the cost.
It's not impossible to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered right to your doorstep. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase an additional key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when purchasing a new key.
Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually wear out and will require replacement. If your battery is suffering from a problem, the fob will likely stop working entirely, which could be dangerous while traveling. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer without much hassle and if 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 especially difficult. You must know your options when replacing the lost BMW Key so that you can select the right one for your situation. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your keys to your car so that you do not lose them in the first place! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.