5 Qualities That People Are Looking For In Every BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal, but can make matters when you lose your keys.
The first thing you should do if you've lost your BMW key is call the dealership. However, this isn't the most practical solution. Instead, you might be thinking about using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long, tiring day. You're just looking to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and binge-watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything you'll need to make one final stop and give your keys back to your vehicle that you haven't seen since the start of the day.
There are a variety of options to pick from when you need a replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID as well as any other keys that you have. The dealership will then purchase the right key for your vehicle and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. This process could take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if do not have an extra key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for less than what dealerships charge. 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, however, you'll need to be sure to choose a reputable professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost fob. This will be an expensive, unwieldy and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A better alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online seller. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to match your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacement. If you do choose to purchase 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 like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology designed to enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that send an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings like seat and mirror positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes the keys incredibly secure and hard to steal. However, it also makes them more difficult to replace if they're lost or damaged.
As such, it is essential to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping the spare key in a secure location, having a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the fundamental cost of the replacement key. To begin, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle because the process of replacing these items will differ depending on their specific design.
If you have an old, double-edged key with the keyfob, you can typically find the replacement from the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program you'll need to see a dealer or a locksmith to make sure the new fob is properly configured to your vehicle.
To protect against fraud or unauthorised key duplication The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This typically requires an original copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title.
It is important to know that the process of getting an additional fob and key can take up to two weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your vehicle. It is recommended that you invest in an insurance policy that protects your keys. website will cover the costs of replacing keys lost and also reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a lost key.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long day and you're just dying to get home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. It's the most awful feeling you can ever experience, and it can put a damper on your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done by a dealer or by an locksmith. The process is simple and only requires a few tools.
To begin, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located in the lower part of the door handle, under the trim. Once you've found the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it.
Then take the original and blank together in a vise. Make use of a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is formed, you can place it over a flame and make it black. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also known as a proximity key) it is recommended to get that replaced too. These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps 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. The dealer can take up to a week to process and deliver the new key. This can add to the cost.
The good news is that it's not difficult to find an alternative for the BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them sent directly to your door. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and will save you the hassle driving to the dealership for an additional key. To avoid confusion when purchasing replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is crucial because the battery inside a standard keyfob is eventually worn out and require replacing. If the battery is faulty, the fob may cease to function, which can be dangerous when driving. If you have a government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can purchase an additional key fob to your BMW without much hassle.
The loss of keys is a constant problem but losing a BMW loss can be particularly frustrating. It's important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key, so that you can pick the most appropriate option for your situation. In the future, try to be more cautious with your car keys so you do not lose them in the first place! Check your pockets, car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.