You'll Never Guess This BMW Keys's Secrets
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but it also complicates things if you lose keys.
The first thing you need to do if you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. This might not be the most convenient option. You might consider hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long, exhausting day. You're just looking to get home and curl up in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that you'll need to make one final stop and return your keys to your car - which you haven't seen since the start of the day.
You have a few options to choose from when you require a replacement BMW key. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID, and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. This process could take up to two weeks and will cost you at most $200 if you don't have a backup keys.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at less than the cost of a dealership. A locksmith can program the blank key to your vehicle and cut it. This will save you time and money. However, you'll need to find a professional locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have a spare key, you could try using it to unlock your car. If you don't have an extra key, you'll need bring your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. If you don't avail of an emergency roadside service plan, like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is an expensive and time-consuming way to get your car back on the road.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting an agent. thekeylab.co.uk can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you decide to buy a blank online make sure to research the seller's reputation as well as reviews from customers.
2. Call for a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob could appear like a small thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys contain transponder chips which transmit a unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positions, 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.
As such, it is important to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping keys in a secure place and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts, and understanding the basic cost of a replacement key. To begin, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing the item will differ based on their unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with an a keyfob, you could generally find a replacement at a local hardware shop for less than $10. But if you have an advanced key fob that requires a special programming, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to guard against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This usually requires a copy your driver's licence and registration for your vehicle or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of obtaining an additional fob and key could take between two and three weeks, during which you will not be able to drive your car. In this case, it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing 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
You've been through a long, exhausting day. You're just dying to go home and change into your comfy sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you've ever experienced, and can affect your evening plans.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this problem and make sure you have a spare on hand. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure 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. Once you've located the keyhole, you'll be able to take off the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to fix the original and a blank together in a vice. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar form to the original. Make sure to file slowly and with care 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 discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW includes smart keys (also called a proximity key), you'll want to replace it as well. These keys generate an electronic code to unlock your car doors and start the engine. This technology is an excellent anti-theft measure that keeps your vehicle secure. Smart keys can be lost, but they are not the perfect solution. The dealer will need to order another key, which is expensive. The dealer could take up to a week to process and deliver a new key. This can increase the cost.
It's not impossible to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your home. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealer for the replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when you purchase a new key.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is important because the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually degrade and require replacing. If the battery is having issues, the fob will likely stop working altogether, which can be a risk when you're traveling. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with no hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be particularly stressful. It's crucial to know what options you have when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key so that you can choose the best one for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future, when it comes to your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose keys! Examine your pockets, your car and other places you don't normally keep your keys.