What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys

BMW cars are costly, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but it also complicates things when you lose keys.

If you've lost the BMW key first step is to call your dealership. But this may not be the most efficient option. Instead, you might be thinking about using a locksmith.

1. Contact the Dealership

You've had a long and tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your cozy sweats. Get some pizza and watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that you must make one last stop to return your keys to your car - which you haven't 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 visiting the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you own other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will order the right key for your car and match it to 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.

Another option is to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an expert locksmith who is trustworthy.

If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you'll have bring your vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is an expensive and unwieldy option to get your vehicle back on the road.

Online sellers offer a cheaper alternative to visiting a dealer. This is a less expensive option, but it will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacing the key. If bmw key replacement Links to an external site. do choose to buy a blank online make sure you check the seller's reputation and customer reviews.

2. Call a Locksmith

BMW keys and fobs might seem like insignificant accessories however they are sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips. These chips provide a unique identification to the vehicle when they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to remember personal settings like mirror and seat positions, 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 are lost or damaged.

As such, it is important to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing keys in a secure location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. It is essential to identify the type of key or fob in your car, as replacing them will be different depending on its distinctive design.

For instance, if you have a traditional double-edged car key with an accessory key fob you can usually get an entirely new one at an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires specific programming process, then you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or a dealership to make sure the new fob is properly adapted to your vehicle.

Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorised key duplicates. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.

It is important to be aware that getting a new key and fob could take as long as two full weeks. For this period, you will not be able to drive in your car. As a result it is recommended to purchase key protection coverage that will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.

3. Cut a Key Blank

It's been a tiring day and you're just dying to go home, change into some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling you've ever experienced, and can ruin your evening plans.

There are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you always have a spare key in your arsenal. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be done either by a dealer or by an locksmith. The process is simple and requires only the use of a few tools.

To start, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, underneath the trim. Once you've located the keyhole, take off the trim panel to expose it.

Then take the original and blank together using a vise. Use a file to form the blank in a way that it resembles the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been shaped, you may hold it in a fire and make it black. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.

4. Find a Replacement

If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it too. These keys generate an electronic code that can unlock your car doors and start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Getting a replacement from the dealership can be expensive and the dealer will have to purchase a new key. It can take up to one week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which can increase the overall cost.

It's not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are usually cheaper than buying them from a dealer and can also spare you the hassle of traveling to the dealer to purchase a replacement key. If you want to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when ordering an additional key.

Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is important because the battery inside a regular keyfob is eventually worn out and need to be changed. If the battery is defective the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous for drivers. Fortunately, you can get a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with little fuss provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.

Losing keys is always a problem, but the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly difficult. It is important to know what options you have when replacing the lost BMW key so you can select the best option for your particular situation. In the future, try to be more cautious with your car keys so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, be sure to keep an eye on your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.