Why You'll Need To Learn More About BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and feature sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal however, it can also make things when you lose the key.
If you've lost your BMW key the first step is to call your dealership. However, The Keylab isn't the most convenient solution. Instead, you might want to consider a locksmith.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a tiring day and you're just dying to get home, change into comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and then watch your favorite show. You must return your car keys first and you've not seen them throughout the day.
There are a lot of 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, a valid photo ID as well as any other sets of keys you have. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your car and pair it with the chip in your car's computer. This process could take between two and three weeks and cost you $200 if don't have an extra key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Many locksmiths have the tools to cut a BMW key, and can typically do it at less than the cost of dealerships. Locksmiths can program the blank key to your vehicle as well as cut it. This could save you a significant amount of time and money, however, you'll have to locate a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock your vehicle. But if you don't then you'll need to get your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of the lost key fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside service plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and time-consuming method of getting your car back on the road.
Online sellers offer a cheaper alternative to going to an agent. This is a less expensive option, but you'll need to have it programmed for the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer and this could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While a BMW key and fob may appear like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that send a unique electronic ID to the car when inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to remember personalized settings like seat and mirror positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes keys incredibly secure and hard to steal. However, it makes them more difficult to replace if they're damaged or lost.
It is essential to be prepared for such an eventuality by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reliable locksmith in your phone and knowing the price of a new key. It is essential to determine the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will differ due to the unique design.
If you have an old, double-edged key with a keyfob, you can usually get a replacement at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with specific programming, you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure that the new key fob is configured correctly to the vehicle you own.
Before a new key is made the locksmith or the dealership will need to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorized key duplication. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.
It is important to understand that the process of getting the new key and fob might take between two and three weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your car. In this case, it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and provide you with 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 eager to get home and put on your sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling you've ever experienced, and can ruin your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys available. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done either through the dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is quite simple and requires a couple of tools.
First, you'll need to find the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, under the trim. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to fix the original and a blank together in a vice. Then, use a chisel to shape the blank to resemble to the original. Make sure to file slowly and with care to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is formed, you can place it against a flame to blacken it. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW has smart keys (also known as a proximity key) it is recommended to get that replaced too. The keys emit an unique electronic code to unlock your car doors and start the engine. This technology is a great anti-theft measure to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Getting a replacement from the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a new key. It can take up to one week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which can increase the cost.
It's not impossible to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase 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 could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase an additional key. To avoid confusion when purchasing replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with an inbuilt battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob is likely to wear out and require replacement. If the battery is defective the fob could stop working, which could be dangerous when driving. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement 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 a BMW key can be particularly frustrating. It's important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key so that you can choose the best one for your situation. In the future, you should try to be extra cautious when it comes to keys for your car, so you do not lose them in the first place! Make sure you check your pockets, your car and other places you don't usually keep your keys.