Everything You Need To Learn About BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but complicates things when you lose your key. If you've lost a BMW key first step is to call your dealer. This isn't the most convenient option. Instead, you might think about hiring using a locksmith. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to get back home, get into some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and then watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything, you have to make one last stop to return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the beginning of the day. Fortunately, bmw key replacement cost have several options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you own other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will then order the right key for your car and pair it with the chip in your car's computer. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have a spare key. Contacting a locksmith is another alternative. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at the cost of a fraction of what a dealership charges. Locksmiths can program the blank key for your vehicle in addition to cutting it. This will save you time and money. However, you will require an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy. If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock the vehicle. If not then you'll need to get your vehicle towed into the dealership for replacement of the lost key fob. Unless you have the benefit of an emergency roadside service plan, like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be a costly and inconvenient way to get your car back on the road. A good alternative to visiting an auto dealer is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online seller. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the seller's reputation and customer reviews. 2. Contact a Locksmith BMW keys and fobs may seem like insignificant accessories but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to remember personalized settings such as mirror and seat positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes keys incredibly secure and hard to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged. It is important to prepare for such a situation by keeping a spare in an area that is secure, having the number of a reliable locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of a new key. To begin, it's critical to know what type of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing the items will vary based on their specific design. For instance, if have a classic double-edged car key that has an accessory key fob You can typically have an entirely new one at the local hardware store for less than $10. However, if you own an advanced key fob that requires a special programming, then you'll need to visit either a locksmith or a dealership to make sure the new fob is set up correctly to the vehicle you own. Before a new key can be made the locksmith or the dealership will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to guard against fraud and unauthorised key duplicates. This will usually require the copy of your driver's license or registration of your vehicle, or a title. It is important to know that the process of getting a new fob and key could take between two and three weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. It is therefore recommended to purchase an insurance policy that protects your keys. It will cover the costs of replacing keys that are lost and will also pay for rental cars in the event of a loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank You've had a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and change into your comfortable sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling, and can make your evening miserable. There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to have a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The process is easy and only requires the use of a few tools. You'll first have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it. Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank in a vice. Use a file to form a blank to resemble the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it in a fire to make it black with soot. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a replacement If your BMW has a smart key (also known as a proximity key) You'll need to replace it too. The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This technology is an excellent anti-theft measure that keeps your vehicle secure. However it's not perfect, as smart keys are still lost. Dealers will have to order another key, which can be expensive. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which will increase the overall cost. It's not impossible to replace a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered right to your doorstep. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could save you the hassle driving to the dealership to purchase an additional key. To avoid confusion when purchasing replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy. Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is crucial because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. If the battery is faulty, the fob may not function properly, and this could be dangerous for drivers. If you've got your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can obtain an alternative key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble. It's never fun to lose keys, but losing the BMW key can be incredibly frustrating. It is important to know what options you have in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key, so that you can select the right one for your particular situation. In the future, try to be more cautious when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, be sure to look in your pockets, your car, and places where you're not likely to keep them.