What You Need To Do With This 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 hard to steal, but it can complicate things when you lose your key.
The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. This might not be the most convenient option. Instead, you may think about hiring the services of 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 watch your favorite show. You'll need to return your car keys first that you haven't seen throughout the day.
Fortunately, you have several options for getting 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 that is valid. If you have other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will then purchase the right key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. The process can take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if do not have an extra key.
Contacting a locksmith is another alternative. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at the cost of a fraction of what a dealership charges. A locksmith can program the blank key to your car as well as cut it. This can save you time and money. However, you will need to find a professional locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you will need bring your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. This can be a costly, inconvenient and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside assistance plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A better alternative to visiting an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online seller. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll have to get it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer, which could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to research the reputation of the seller as much as reviews from customers.
2. Call a Locksmith
BMW keys and fobs might seem like insignificant accessories, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips, which transmit a unique ID to the vehicle whenever they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to remember personal settings, like seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to take however it also means they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage.
It is crucial to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing keys in a secure location and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of the replacement key. It is important to first identify the kind of key or fob that is in your car, as replacing them will be different in accordance with the unique design.
If you have an old, double-edged key with an a keyfob, you could generally find an alternative from the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has a special program, you will need to visit a dealer or a locksmith to ensure that the new key fob is properly configured to your vehicle.
Before bmw key fob replacement is made, the locksmith or dealership will be required to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's licence or registration of your vehicle, or a title.
It is important to be aware that getting a new fob and key can take up to two full weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive your vehicle. Therefore it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing your lost keys and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've been through a long, exhausting day. You're just dying to go home, put on your sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've lost the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling you've ever experienced, and can really ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys in your possession. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done either through the dealership or a locksmith. The process is simple and only requires a few tools.
To begin, you'll need find the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, beneath the trim. Once you've found the keyhole, you'll be able to remove the trim panel to expose it.
The next step is to secure the original and the blank together in a vice. Use a file to shape an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it against a flame to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to get that replaced too. The keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then begins the engine. This technology is a great protection against theft to protect your vehicle. However it's not perfect and smart keys are still lost. The dealer will need to purchase a new key, which can be expensive. It could take up to one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which will increase the overall cost.
It's not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. new bmw key can purchase BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and they can also save you the hassle of driving to the dealer to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy.
Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt 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 could stop functioning entirely, which could be dangerous when you're driving. Fortunately, you can get a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with no hassle provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
Losing keys is a constant problem however, a BMW loss can be especially frustrating. It's important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing the lost BMW key so you can select the best option for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future, when it comes to your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose keys! If you do, be sure to check your pockets, your car, and places where you're not likely to keep them.