This Is What BMW Keys Will Look Like In 10 Years' Time
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, but can make issues when you lose your key.
If you've lost the BMW key first step is to call your dealership. However, this isn't the most practical solution. You could think about hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Call the Dealership
You've had a long and exhausting day. You're eager to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You'll need to return your car keys first and you've not seen them throughout the day.
Luckily, you have a variety of options for getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership as well as an acceptable photo ID and any other sets of keys you have. The dealership will order the correct key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. This process can take up to two weeks, and will cost you at most $200 in the event that you don't have a backup key.
Another option is to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, however, you'll need to find a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have a spare key, you may try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you'll need to tow your vehicle to a dealer to get a replacement fob. This will be expensive, time-consuming and expensive way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online retailer. This is a cheaper alternative however it will have to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of the replacement. If you do choose to buy a blank online, be sure to check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Call for a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob could appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology designed to increase security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that send an electronic ID unique to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it makes them harder to replace if they are lost or damaged.
Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping the spare key in a safe location, having a reliable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. It is essential to identify the type of key or fob in your car, as the cost of replacing them will differ in accordance with the unique design.
For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key with a key fob on it You can typically have a new one made at an hardware store in your area 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 correctly configured to the vehicle you own.
Before a new key is made the locksmith or dealer will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle in order to guard against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This usually requires the copy of your driver's license and registration for your vehicle or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of getting the new fob and key can take as long as two weeks, and during that time you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. In this case it is recommended to purchase key protection insurance that will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen 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 sweatpants and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling and can ruin your evening plans.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you have a spare on hand. You can request an uncut, new key made. This can be done through the dealership or a locksmith. The procedure is quite simple and involves a few tools.
To begin, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, underneath the trim. You can take off the trim panel once you've found the keyhole.
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. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been shaped and shaped, you can place it against a flame to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) You'll need to replace it too. These keys emit a unique electronic code that allows you to open your car's doors and also start the engine. bmw replacement keys is a great anti-theft measure to protect your vehicle. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not ideal. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly and they'll need to order a new one. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which will add to your overall cost.
The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with a built-in battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. If the battery is damaged the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous for drivers. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can obtain an alternative key fob for your BMW without much hassle.
It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be especially difficult. It is important to know what your options are when you need to replace the lost BMW key so that you can select the best option for your needs. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your car keys so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to check your pockets, your car, and places you don't typically keep them in.