5 Qualities That People Are Looking For In Every BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal, but can make issues when you lose your key.
If you've lost the BMW key, the first step is to contact your dealer. This isn't the most practical option. You might consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long day and you're just dying to go back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and watch your favorite show. You have to return your keys to your car first, which you haven't seen all day.
Fortunately, you have several options for finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership and a valid ID. If you have other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then order the correct key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have an extra key.
Another option is to call a locksmith. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can typically do it at a fraction of the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it into your vehicle. This can save you time and money. But, you'll require a professional locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock the vehicle. But if you don't have one, you'll have to get your car towed by a dealership to replace your lost key fob. If you don't have the benefit of a roadside service plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be an expensive and time-consuming way to get your car back on the road.
A better alternative to visiting an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online retailer. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer that could increase the cost of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews.
2. Contact for a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob might appear like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys have transponder chips that transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positioning, radio presets, and many more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them more difficult to replace if they're lost or damaged.
It is essential to be prepared for an eventuality by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a reputable locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of a new 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 the keyfob, you can typically find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with a special program you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure the new fob is properly configured to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or the dealership will need to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle in order to guard against fraud and unauthorised key duplication. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title.
It is important to understand that the process of getting the new fob and key can take between two and three weeks, and during that time you will not be able to drive your vehicle. It is recommended to purchase a key protection plan that will cover the costs of replacing keys that are lost as well as reimburse you for rental cars in the event of a loss.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to get back home, put on some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and binge watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the most painful feeling and can ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid this issue and ensure that you always have a spare key in your arsenal. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be accomplished by the dealership or an locksmith. The process is simple and only requires just a few tools.
To begin, you'll need find the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, underneath the trim panel. You can remove the trim panel after you've located the keyhole.
Then take the blank and the original using a vise. 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 has been cut, you can hold it against a flame to make it black with soot. This will to make it easier to discern the marks of transfer made by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
It is also recommended to replace the smart key in case your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then begins the engine. This is an excellent anti-theft measure to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can get lost, but they are not the perfect solution. Getting a replacement from the dealership can be expensive and the dealer will have to purchase a brand new one. The dealer could take up to one week to process and ship a new key. This can increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer, and could save you the hassle driving to the dealership for a replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when ordering the new key.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is crucial because the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually degrade and need to be changed. If your battery has an issue, the key fob could stop functioning completely, which could be a risk when you're traveling. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an alternative key fob for your BMW with little hassle.
Losing your keys is always a headache however, losing a BMW loss can be incredibly difficult. replacement bmw keys is important to know what your options are when it comes to replacing the lost BMW key so you can pick the most appropriate option for your situation. In the future, you should try to be more careful when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in first place! If you do lose them, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets, your car, and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.