What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to take away and also makes things if you lose keys. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. But this might not be the most convenient option. You could think about hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Contact https://list.ly/qrtyj96 've had a long and tiring day. You're just looking to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Get some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You'll need to return your keys to your car first that you haven't seen throughout the day. There are a lot of options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership as well as a valid ID. If you own other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will then request the correct key for your vehicle and pair it with the chip in your car's computer. This process could take upwards of two weeks and will cost you at least $200 in the event you do not have a backup key. Another option is to speak with an expert 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 the dealership. A locksmith can program the blank key to your vehicle as well as cut it. This can save you time and money. However, you'll require a professional 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 by a dealership to replace the lost key fob. This can be expensive, time-consuming and costly way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting an agent. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacing the key. If you choose to buy 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 may seem like an insignificant accessory to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology designed to enhance security. BMW keys are fitted with transponder chips that transmit a unique ID to the vehicle when they are inserted into the ignition. They can also be programmed to remember personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to steal however it also means they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage. As such, it is crucial to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping a spare key in a secure place, having a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the fundamental cost of a replacement key. It is essential to identify the type of key or fob that is in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will differ in accordance with the distinctive design. If you have an old double-edged key with a keyfob, you can generally find an alternative from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a modern key fob that requires a special programming, you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is set up correctly to work with your vehicle. To guard against fraud or unauthorized key duplication The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This will typically require the original driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title. It is crucial to understand that getting a new key and fob could take as long as two full weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive your vehicle. In this case it is advised to invest in key protection insurance that will cover the cost of replacing your lost keys and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and binge watch your favorite TV show. You realize you've lost the keys to your car. This is the most traumatic feeling ever, and it can really ruin your evening plans. There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys available. One option is to have a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The procedure is quite simple and involves a few tools. First, you'll have to find the keyhole on your BMW. It's under the trim at the bottom of your door handle. Once you've found the keyhole, take off the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and original using a vise. Then, you can use a file to shape the blank into a similar form to the original. Be sure to do this slowly and cautiously in order not to scrape the original key. Once the blank is shaped, you may hold it over a flame and make it black. This will help to make it easier to discern the marks of transfer made by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement You'll also want to replace the smart key in case your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then starts the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can be lost, but they are not the perfect solution. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to purchase a new key. The dealer could take up to one week to process and ship the new key. This can add to the cost. It's not hard to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them sent directly to your doorstep. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and can reduce the need to drive to the dealer for the replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and evidence of ownership. Another advantage of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important because the battery inside a standard keyfob is eventually worn out and require replacing. If the battery is defective the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with no hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be especially difficult. It is important to know what options you have in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key so that you can pick the best option for your particular situation. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in first place! If you do lose them, make sure to check your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you wouldn't normally keep them.