Everything You Need To Know About BMW Keys

What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them hard to steal and also makes things if you lose the key.
The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. But this might not be the most convenient option. You might consider hiring a locksmith instead.
1. Call the Dealership
You've had a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Grab some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything you must make one last stop and return your vehicle keys - which you haven't seen since the beginning of the day.
There are a variety of options to pick from when you need an replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership and a valid photo ID, and any other keys you have. The dealership will then order the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. This process could take between two and three weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key.
Another option is to call an expert locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at less than what dealerships charge. A locksmith can program the blank key to your car as well as cut it. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, but you'll need to find a reliable, professional locksmith.
If you have a spare key, you may try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll have to tow your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. This is an expensive, unwieldy and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to going to a dealer. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll have to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith and this could increase the cost of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to check out the reputation of the seller as much as reviews from customers.
2. Contact a Locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can appear as a minor accessory but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys come with transponder chips that provide a unique identification to the vehicle when they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes keys incredibly secure and hard to take. However, it makes them more difficult to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost.
It is crucial to prepare for such a situation by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a trusted locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of a new key. To begin, it's essential to know the kind of key and fob you have in your car, because the process of replacing the items will vary based on their unique design.
For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with an attached key fob, you can typically get a new one made at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a keyfob that is programmable or an exclusive program you'll need to go to a dealer or a locksmith to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to your vehicle.
To guard against replacement bmw keys or unauthorised key duplicates To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to know that the process of getting an additional fob and key could take as long as two weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your car. As a result it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've been through a long, exhausting day. You just want to get home and put on your sweatpants and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling, and can ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys on hand. You can have a new, blank key made. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is quite simple and requires a couple of tools.
First, you'll have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. You can remove the trim panel after you've found the keyhole.
Then, clamp the blank and original using a vise. Use a file to shape an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it over a flame to blacken it with soot. This will help make it easier to see the transfer marks created by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW has smart keys (also known as a proximity key) it is recommended to get that replaced too. The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This is an excellent protection against theft to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they're not ideal. The dealer will need to order another key, which is expensive. The dealer could take up to a week to process and ship the new key. This can increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find a replacement for the BMW key fob. You can order BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your residence. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will reduce the need to drive to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure that you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is important because the battery inside a regular keyfob will eventually degrade and require replacing. If your battery has issues, the fob is likely to stop working altogether, which can be dangerous when you're driving. If you have a government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can purchase an alternative key fob for your BMW without much trouble.
The loss of keys is a constant problem however, losing a BMW loss can be particularly stressful. It is important to know what options you have when replacing a lost BMW Key, so that you can pick the right one for your needs. Make sure you are more cautious in the future, when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't ever lose them! If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets as well as your car and places where you're not likely to keep them.