The Most Common BMW Keys Mistake Every Beginner Makes

What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and come with sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but can make issues when you lose your key.
If you've lost a BMW key first step is to contact your dealership. However, this isn't the most efficient option. You might consider hiring locksmiths instead.
1. Contact the Dealership
You've had a long and exhausting day. You're eager to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Get some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You have to return your keys to your car first that you haven't seen throughout the day.
Fortunately, you have several alternatives when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, an acceptable photo ID and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your car and connect it to the computer chip of your vehicle. This process could take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have an extra key.
Another option is to call the locksmith. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut a BMW key, and they can typically do it at less than the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This could save you a lot of time and money, but you'll need to choose a reputable professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. Unless you have the benefit of an emergency roadside service plan, such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be a costly and inconvenient method of getting your car back on the road.
An alternative to going to a dealership is to buy an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This can be a more affordable option, but you'll need to have it programmed for your specific car by a locksmith or dealer that could increase the cost of the replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob might seem like an insignificant accessory to lose, they are in fact sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to remember personalized settings like seat and mirror position, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to take however it also means that they are more complex to replace in the case of damage or loss.
It is important to prepare for such the eventuality by keeping a spare key in an area that is secure, having the number of a reputable locksmith in your phone and knowing the price of replacing a key. It is essential to identify the kind of fob or key in your car, as replacing them will be different due to the unique design.
If you have an old double-edged lock with the keyfob, you can typically find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires specific programming process, then you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is correctly configured to work with your vehicle.
Before a new key is made the locksmith or the dealership will need to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle to protect against unauthorized key duplication. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of getting an additional key and fob might take up to two weeks, and during that time 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 also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of an unexpected loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've had a long, tiring day. You're eager to get home and put on your sweatshirt and watch your favorite show. But then you realize you've lost the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling ever, and it could really ruin your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys available. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be accomplished by the dealer or by a locksmith. The process is fairly simple and involves a few tools.
To begin, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, under the trim panel. Once you've found the keyhole, you'll be able to take off the trim panel to expose it.
Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank together using a vice. Then, use a chisel to shape the blank into a similar form to the original. Be sure to do this slowly and cautiously in order not to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it in a fire to make it black with soot. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
You'll also want to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys generate an electronic code that allows you to open the doors of your vehicle and then start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle safe. However, replacement bmw key 's not perfect - smart keys may still be lost. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a brand new one. It can take up to one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which can increase the cost.
It's not impossible to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered right to your door. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could save you the hassle driving to the dealership to purchase an additional key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when ordering a new key.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important, because the battery in a standard key fob is likely to wear out and will require replacement. If your battery has issues, the fob will likely stop working altogether, which can be dangerous while driving. If you have a government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can purchase a replacement key fob for your BMW with little trouble.
Losing keys is always a headache, but losing a BMW loss can be especially frustrating. It's crucial to be aware of your options when you need to replace the lost BMW key so you can pick the most appropriate option for your particular situation. In the future, try to be extra cautious with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in first place! If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your pockets, your car, and places you don't typically keep them in.