A Peek Inside The Secrets Of BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to take however, it can also make things if you lose a key.
If you lose the BMW key first step is to contact your dealer. This may not be your most convenient choice. You could think about hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your cozy sweats. Grab some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything, you have to make one last stop to return your vehicle keys - which you haven't seen since the start of the day.
There are a lot of options for getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you own other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will then purchase the correct key for your car and then pair it with the chip in your car's computer. This process can take up to two weeks, and it will cost you at most $200 if you don't have a backup keys.
Another option is to call a locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and they can often do so for only a fraction of the price of a dealership. Locksmiths can program the blank key for your vehicle as well as cut it. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, however, you'll have to locate a reliable professional locksmith.
If you have a spare key, you may try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't, you'll need to have your vehicle towed to the dealership to replace your lost key fob. This will be an expensive, unwieldy and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online vendor. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith and this could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to buy a blank online make sure to check out the seller's reputation as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While the BMW key and fob might seem like an insignificant accessory to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to enhance security. BMW keys have transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them more difficult to replace if they're damaged or lost.
It is crucial to prepare for such a situation by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a trusted locksmith on your phone, and knowing the cost of replacing a key. It is important to first identify the type of key or fob in your car, as the cost of replacing them will differ in accordance with the unique design.
If you have an old, double-edged key with a keyfob, you can typically find a replacement at an area hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has an exclusive program it is necessary to go to a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new key fob is correctly configured to your vehicle.
To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This will usually require the copy of your driver's license and registration for your vehicle or title.
It is important to know that getting a new key and fob could take up to two weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive in your car. In this case it is advised to purchase key protection insurance which will pay for the replacement of keys lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of an unexpected loss.
3. Cut a Blank Key
It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to get back home, put on some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize you've lost the keys to your car. thekeylab.co.uk is the worst feeling ever, and it can affect your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealer or by a locksmith. The procedure is relatively easy and requires only a few tools.
To begin, you'll need locate the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to clamp the original and a blank together using a vice. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. Be sure to file slowly and cautiously, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank has been formed, you can place it in a fire and blacken it. This will help in revealing the transfer marks made by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
It is also recommended to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys generate an electronic code that allows you to open your car's doors and also start the engine. This is a fantastic security measure to keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect and smart keys can still be lost. The dealer will need order a new key, which can be costly. It can take up to one week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which can increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not hard to find a replacement for a BMW key fob. You can order BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for an additional key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when ordering a new key.
Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is important as the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If your battery is suffering from a problem, the fob will likely stop working entirely, which could be dangerous when you're on the road. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement for your BMW's key fob through the manufacturer with no hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's always a hassle to lose keys, but losing the BMW key can be particularly difficult. It is important to know what options you have in the event of replacing a lost BMW Key to ensure that you can pick the appropriate one for your needs. Try to be more careful in the future when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't lose keys! If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you wouldn't normally keep them.