BMW Keys The Secret Life Of 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 extremely difficult to steal, but complicates things when you lose your key.
The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. But this might not be the most convenient solution. You could consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to go home, change into comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one final stop and return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the start of the day.
Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need proof of ownership as well as an ID with a valid photo and any other keys you own. The dealership will then order the right key for your vehicle and connect it to your vehicle's computer chip. This process can take anywhere from two to three weeks and will cost you at most $200 if you do not have a backup key.
Another option is to speak with the locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut a BMW key, and can often do so for less than the cost of the dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an expert locksmith who is reliable.
If you have a spare key, you may try using it to unlock your car. If bmw key replacement don't have an extra key, you'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. If you don't have the benefit of a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is a costly and inconvenient method of getting your car back on the road.
Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to visiting dealers. This is a cheaper alternative, but it will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online make sure to check out the reputation of the seller as much as reviews from customers.
2. Call a Locksmith
While the BMW key and fob may seem like an insignificant accessory to lose, they are in fact sophisticated pieces of technology created to enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that transmit a unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to remember personalized settings such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they are damaged or lost.
It is essential to be prepared for such the eventuality by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a trusted locksmith in your phone and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. To begin, it's critical to know what type of key and fob you have in your car, since the procedure for replacing these items will differ depending on their unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with a keyfob, you can generally find the replacement from the local hardware store for less than $10. However, if you own an advanced key fob that requires specific programming process, then you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to make sure the new fob is set up correctly to your vehicle.
To safeguard against unauthorized key duplicates The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle as well as your identity. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title.
It is crucial to understand that obtaining a replacement fob and key can take up to two full weeks. During this time, you will not be able drive your car. bmw car key is therefore recommended to purchase a key protection policy which will cover the costs of replacing keys that are lost and also reimburse you for rental cars in the event of a lost key.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to go home, change into some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. Then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it can affect your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid this problem and ensure that you always have a spare key in your arsenal. You can get a new, blank key made. This can be done by the dealership or locksmiths. The process is easy and only requires a few tools.
You'll first need to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it.
Next, you'll need to secure the original and the blank in a vice. Then, use a file to shape the blank into a similar shape to the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once bmw key has been formed, you can place it against a flame to make it black. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
It is also recommended to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car's doors and also starts the engine. This is an excellent protection against theft to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they are not perfect. The replacement you get from the dealership can be expensive 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 add to your overall cost.
The good news is that it's not hard to find a replacement for 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 could save you the hassle driving to the dealer for the replacement key. If you want to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when you purchase a new key.
Another advantage of buying online BMW key fobs is that they include a battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob is likely to wear out and need to be replaced. If the battery is damaged the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you can find a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with little fuss, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing a BMW key can be especially frustrating. It's crucial to be aware of your options when replacing a lost BMW key so you can select the best 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 the first place! Make sure you check your pockets, your car, and other places where you don't usually keep them.