What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but complicates matters when you lose your keys.
The first thing to do in the event that you lose your BMW key is to contact the dealership. But this may not be the most efficient option. You might think about hiring a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and binge on your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything you'll need to make one last 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 be asked to show proof of ownership as well as an ID that is valid. If you have any other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will purchase the appropriate key for your vehicle and pair it with its computer chip. The 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.
A locksmith can be a good alternative. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for a fraction of what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, but you'll need to be sure to choose a reputable professional locksmith.
If you have a spare key, you could try using it to unlock your car. If you don't, you'll need to have your vehicle towed by a dealership to replace the key fob that was lost. This will be a costly, inconvenient and costly way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting an agent. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed for the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online make sure you check the seller's reputation as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can seem like insignificant accessories but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys have transponder chips that send an electronic ID unique to the car when inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to keep personal settings such as mirror and seat positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it also makes them harder to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged.
As such, it is important to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. To begin, it's critical to know what kind of key and fob you have in your car, since the procedure for replacing the items will vary based on their unique design.
For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key that has an accessory key fob you can usually get an entirely new one at a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to ensure that the new fob is set up correctly to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or the dealership will require proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to protect against unauthorized duplicate keys. This typically requires the copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to know that the process of getting an additional fob and key can take as long as two weeks, and during that time you will not be able to drive your vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in key protection insurance that will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. It's the most awful feeling and can ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys on hand. You can get a new, blank key made. bmw key replacement near me can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is easy and requires only a few tools.
You'll first have to find the keyhole on your BMW. This will be located under the trim on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, remove the trim panel to expose it.
Then take the blank and original in a vise. Then, use a file to shape the blank to resemble to the original. Be sure to file slowly and carefully in order not to scratch the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it in a fire and make it black. This will make it easier to discern the marks left 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 your car's doors and also starts the engine. This is a fantastic protection against theft to protect your vehicle. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they are not the perfect solution. The replacement you get from the dealer can be costly and they'll need to order a new one. The dealer may take up to one week to process and ship a new key. This can add to the cost.
It's not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered right to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of 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 purchasing the new key.
Online BMW key fobs also come with a built-in battery. This is important, because the battery inside a normal key fob is likely to wear out and need to be replaced. If the battery is having an issue, the key fob could stop functioning entirely, which could be dangerous when you're traveling. If you have a government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can obtain an additional key fob to your BMW without much hassle.
The loss of keys is a constant problem but the loss of a BMW loss can be particularly stressful. You must know your options when replacing a lost BMW Key, so you can choose the appropriate one for your needs. In the future, make an effort to be more cautious when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to look in your pockets as well as your car and places where you're not likely to keep them in.