What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them hard to steal, but complicates issues when you lose your keys.
If you lose your BMW key first step is to contact your dealership. This might not be the most convenient option. bmw car key The Key Lab could think about hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long, tiring day. You're just looking to get home and relax in your cozy sweats. Grab some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You'll need to return your keys to your car first and you've not seen them all day.
There are several options to choose from in the event that you require a replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership, a valid photo ID, and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will order the right key for your car and then pair it with the computer chip. This process could take anywhere from two to three weeks and will cost you at least $200 if you do not have a backup key.
Another option is to call the locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do it for less than the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll require an experienced locksmith who is reliable.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If not, you'll need to have your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of your lost key fob. This is a costly, inconvenient and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside emergency plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting an agent. This is a less expensive option 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 replacing the key. If you decide to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to check the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While a BMW key and fob may appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology created to enhance security. BMW keys are fitted with transponder chips that provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to remember personal settings, such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them extremely secure and difficult to take however it also means that they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage.
Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this kind of scenario by storing the spare key in a safe location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of the replacement key. It is crucial to identify the type of fob or key in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will vary depending on its unique design.
For instance, if you have a classic double-edged car key with a key fob on it You can typically have an entirely new one at an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have a contemporary key fob that requires specific programming process, then you'll need to visit either a locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is properly adapted to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will be required to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This will typically require an original copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title.
It is important to understand that the process of obtaining an additional fob and key can take up to two weeks, and during that time you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. It is therefore recommended to purchase a key protection plan that will cover the cost of replacing keys that are lost and will also pay for rental cars in the case of a loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
It's been a long day and you're just dying to get home, change into comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize you've lost your car keys. This is the most painful feeling and could cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The process is fairly easy and requires only a few tools.
To begin, you'll need locate the key hole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. You can take off the trim panel after you've found the keyhole.
Then, clamp the original and blank together in a vise. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank 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. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes smart keys (also called a proximity key) it is recommended 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. This technology is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not the perfect solution. The replacement you get from the dealer can be costly, and they'll have 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 online and have them delivered directly to your door. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and can help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealer for the replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and evidence of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also have a built-in battery. This is important as the battery inside a standard keyfob is eventually worn out and will require replacement. If your battery is suffering from issues, the fob is likely to stop working completely, which could be dangerous when you're driving. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement BMW's key fob from the manufacturer without much hassle provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
It's not fun to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be especially stressful. It is important to know what options you have when replacing the lost BMW Key so you can choose the appropriate one for your particular situation. In the future, you should try to be more careful with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets, your car, and places where you're not likely to keep them.