What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys

BMW cars are costly and come with sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but complicates matters when you lose your keys.


If you've lost your BMW key first step is to contact your dealer. This might not be the most convenient option. You could consider hiring locksmiths instead.

1. Contact the Dealership

It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, change into comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and then watch your favorite show. You must return the keys to your car that you haven't seen all day.

There are a lot of options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership as well as an ID that is valid. If you own other keys, they'll also require them. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with your vehicle's computer chip. The process can take anywhere from two to three weeks and will cost you at least $200 in the event you do not have a backup key.

A locksmith can be a good option. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This can save you time and money. But, you'll require an expert locksmith who is trustworthy.

If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have one, you'll have to get your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of your lost key fob. This will be expensive, time-consuming and expensive method of getting back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.

Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting dealers. This is a more affordable option, but it will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which will increase the cost of replacing the key. If you choose to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure you check the reputation of the seller as much as reviews from customers.

2. Contact TheKeyLab Links to an external site. and fobs may appear as a minor accessory, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys have transponder chips which transmit an unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to steal however, it also means that they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage.

It is important to be prepared for this kind of scenario by storing a spare key in a secure place and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of a replacement key. To begin, it's important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing these items will differ depending on the unique design of each.

If you have an old double-edged lock with a keyfob, you can generally find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure that the new key fob is properly configured to your vehicle.

Before the new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will require proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle to guard against fraud and unauthorised key duplication. This typically requires a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title.

It is important to know that getting a replacement key and fob could take as long as two full weeks. In this time, you will not be able drive your car. It is therefore recommended to invest in a key protection policy which will cover the costs of replacing lost keys and also reimburse you for rental vehicles in the case of a loss.

3. Cut a Blank Key

It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, change into some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the most traumatic feeling you've ever experienced, and could really ruin your plans for the evening.

There are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you always have a spare key in your arsenal. One option is to have a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The process is fairly simple and requires a couple of tools.

First, you'll have to find the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located in the lower part of the door handle, beneath the trim. You can remove the trim once you've located the keyhole.

Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank together using a vice. Make use of a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. Be sure to file carefully and slowly so that you don't to scrape the original key. After the blank has been shaped and shaped, you can place it in a fire to make it black with soot. This will in revealing the marks of transfer made by the lock.

4. Get a replacement

If your BMW includes a smart key (also known as a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it as well. These keys emit a unique electronic code to unlock the doors of your vehicle and then start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect and smart keys are still lost. The dealer will need to order another key, which can be costly. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which can increase the cost.

It's not hard to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your residence. These are often much cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer and they can save you the hassle of having to drive to the dealership to pick up a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure 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 in a normal keyfob will eventually wear down and need to be changed. If the battery is faulty the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous for drivers. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an additional key fob to your BMW without much hassle.

Losing keys is always a headache however, losing a BMW loss can be particularly stressful. It is important to know what your options are when you need to replace a lost BMW key, so that you can choose the best one for your needs. Be extra cautious in the future with your car keys, so that you don't ever lose them! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you don't normally keep them.