This Is How BMW Keys Will Look Like In 10 Years' Time
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them difficult to steal, but complicates things when you lose your key.
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 efficient solution. You could consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day. You're eager to go home and unwind in your cozy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything you must make one last stop and give your keys back to your vehicle - which you haven't seen since the start of the day.
Fortunately, you have several options for finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership and an ID valid. If you have other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then purchase the correct key for your vehicle and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. This process can take upwards of 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 the locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it into your vehicle. This could save you a significant amount of time and money, but you'll need to find a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have a spare key, you could try using it to unlock your car. If you don't have an additional key, you'll need bring your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. If you don't have the benefit of a roadside service plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is a costly and inconvenient option to get your vehicle back on the road.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting an agent. This is a cheaper alternative however, it will need to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which will increase the cost of the replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank from the internet make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
BMW keys and fobs might appear to be insignificant but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips, which provide a unique identification to the vehicle when they are inserted into the ignition. more.. can also be programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to steal however, it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage.
Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing the spare key in a secure location and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of replacing a key. To begin, it is critical to know what kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle because the process of replacing these items will differ depending on the unique design of each.
For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key with an attached key fob you can usually get an entirely new one at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a keyfob that is programmable or an exclusive program it is necessary to see an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to your vehicle.
To safeguard against unauthorized key duplication To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle as well as your identity. 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 obtaining an additional fob and key can take as long as two weeks, during which you will not be able to drive your car. As a result, it is recommended to invest in 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 unexpected loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a long day and you're eager to go back home, put on some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and binge on your favorite show. You realize you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it can affect your evening plans.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to have a blank key cut. This can be done either through the dealer or by a locksmith. The process is easy and only requires just a few tools.
You'll first have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's under the trim on the lower part of the door handle. You can take off the trim once you've located the keyhole.
Then you can clamp the blank and original using a vise. Then, use a chisel to shape the blank to resemble to the original. Be sure to file slowly and cautiously so that you don't to scratch the original key. Once the blank has been cut and shaped, you can place it in a fire to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to see the transfer marks made by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
It is also recommended to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car doors and starts the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle safe. However, it's not perfect - smart keys are still lost. The replacement you get from the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to purchase a new key. It could take up a week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which can increase the cost.
It's not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered right to your doorstep. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer and will save you the hassle driving to the dealership for an additional key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when purchasing the new key.
Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include a battery. This is important, because the battery inside a normal key fob is likely to wear out and will require replacement. If the battery is damaged the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous while driving. If you have your government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can get an alternative key fob for your BMW without a lot of hassle.
Losing your keys is a constant problem however, the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly stressful. It's important to know what options you have when you need to replace a lost BMW key so that you can choose the best one for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future with your car keys, so that you don't ever lose keys! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.