10 Places Where You Can Find BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and feature sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but it can complicate issues when you lose your key.
If you've lost your BMW key, the first step is to call your dealer. But this may not be the most efficient option. You might want to consider using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long day and you just want to get home, put on some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. You have to return your car keys first, which you haven't seen all day.
Fortunately, you have several alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership, an ID with a valid photo as well as any other keys you own. The dealership will then request the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with your vehicle's computer chip. The process can take upwards of two weeks, and will cost you around $200 in the event that you do not have a backup key.
Contacting a locksmith is another option. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you will need to find a professional locksmith who is reliable.
If you have a spare key, you can try to use it to unlock your car. If you don't, you'll need to have your car tow into the dealership for replacement of the key fob that was lost. 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 an auto dealer is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online seller. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to match your vehicle, which will increase the cost of replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank from the internet be sure to verify the seller's reputation and customer reviews.
2. Call for a locksmith
BMW keys and fobs might appear as a minor accessory, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings, like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly safe and hard to steal however it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage.
It is essential to be prepared for an eventuality by keeping a spare in an area that is secure, having the number of a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the price of a new key. To begin, it's important to identify the kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle as the process of replacing the item will differ based on their specific design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with a keyfob, you can generally find a replacement at an area hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with a special program you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own.
To guard against unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This typically requires a copy your driver's licence or registration of your vehicle, or a title.
It is important to know that getting a new key and fob could take up to two weeks. During this time you won't be able drive your car. As a result it is recommended to invest in key protection insurance which will pay for the replacement of your lost keys and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unexpected 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 on your favorite show. Then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the most painful feeling and can ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys on hand. You can have a new, blank key made. This can be done either by a dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and requires a couple of tools.
To start, 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 panel. You can take off the trim panel once you've found the keyhole.
Then, clamp the blank and original using a vise. Make use of a file to shape a blank to resemble the original. Make sure you file slowly and carefully, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped, you can hold it over a flame to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
If your BMW includes smart keys (also known as a proximity key), you'll want to get that replaced too. These keys emit a unique electronic code that allows you to open your car's doors and also start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can be lost, but they are not the perfect solution. Finding a replacement at the dealership can be expensive and they'll need to purchase a brand new one. It could take up one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which will increase the overall cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find a replacement for the BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. 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 that you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. bmw series 1 key The Keylab is crucial because the battery inside a normal key fob is likely to wear out and will require replacement. If the battery is having issues, the fob will likely stop working completely, which could be dangerous while traveling. Fortunately, you'll be able to get a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with little fuss and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
The loss of keys is always a headache, but the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly stressful. You must know your options in the event of replacing a lost BMW Key, so that you can select the appropriate one for your particular situation. Make sure you are more cautious in the future, when it comes to your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose keys! If you do, make sure to look in your pockets, your car, and places where you're not likely to keep them in.