Ten Taboos About BMW Keys You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but it can complicate matters when you lose your keys.
The first thing you should do if you've lost your BMW key is to contact the dealership. But this might not be the most convenient option. Instead, you may think about hiring the services of a locksmith.
1. Call the Dealership
You've had a long and exhausting day. You're just looking to get home and curl up in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one last stop to return your keys to your car that you've not seen since the beginning of the day.
Fortunately, bmw car key replacement have several options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership and an ID that is valid. If you have any other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then purchase the correct key for your vehicle and pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. This process could take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have an extra key.
Another option is to call the locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do it for only a fraction of the price of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an expert locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you will need bring your vehicle to a dealer to replace the lost fob. This will be expensive, time-consuming and expensive method of getting back on the road unless you have a roadside plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online retailer. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer, which can increase the overall 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. 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 designed to increase security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit a unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to keep personal settings such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes them highly safe and hard to steal however it also means that they are more complex to replace in the case of damage or loss.
It is essential to prepare for such a situation by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. To begin, it's important to identify the kind of key and fob you have in your car, because the process of replacing the item will differ based on the unique design of each.
If you have an old double-edged lock with an a keyfob, you could usually get the replacement from the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a keyfob that is programmable or specific programming you'll need to see a dealer or a locksmith to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will be required to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to guard against fraud and unauthorised key duplicates. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title.
It is important to know that the process of getting a new fob and key can take up to two weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your vehicle. It is therefore recommended to purchase a key protection policy which will cover the costs of replacing lost keys and also reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a lost key.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've had a long, tiring day. You're eager to go home and change into your comfortable sweatpants and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it could really ruin your evening plans.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you have a spare. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The process is simple and only requires a few tools.
To begin, you'll need locate the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. You can remove the trim once you've located the keyhole.
Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank together using a vice. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been shaped, you may hold it in a fire and make it black. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
If your BMW has smart keys (also called a proximity key), you'll want to replace it too. The keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then starts the engine. This is a fantastic anti-theft measure 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 costly. The dealer can 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 difficult to find an alternative to the BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for the replacement key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when you purchase an additional key.
Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is crucial because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually wear out and require replacement. If your battery is suffering from an issue, the key fob is likely to stop working entirely, which could be dangerous while on the road. If you have your government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can obtain an alternative key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble.
It's not fun to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be incredibly difficult. It's important to know what options you have when replacing the lost BMW key so you can pick the most appropriate option for your situation. Make sure you are more cautious in the future when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't lose keys! Make sure you check your pockets, your car and other places you aren't likely to keep them.