What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them difficult to steal, but can make things when you lose your keys. If you lose your BMW key the first step is to call your dealership. This may not be your most practical option. Instead, you may want to consider using a locksmith. 1. Call the Dealership It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, put on some comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and then watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that you must make one last stop and return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the start of the day. Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you have other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your car and pair it with your vehicle's computer chip. This process can take up to two weeks, and it will cost you around $200 if you do not have a backup key. Another option is to call an expert locksmith. https://articlescad.com/10-top-facebook-pages-of-all-time-about-bmw-spare-key-96460.html have the tools to cut a BMW key, and they can often do so for only a fraction of the price of the dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy. If you have an extra key, you could try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. This can be an expensive, unwieldy and expensive way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online seller. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith that could increase the cost of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank online, make sure you check the reputation of the seller as much 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 created to enhance security. BMW keys contain transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings such as mirror and seat positioning, radio presets, and many other things. This level of sophistication makes the keys incredibly secure and hard to take. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they are lost or damaged. It is important to prepare for such an eventuality by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reliable locksmith on your phone, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. It is essential to identify the type of fob or key in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will vary depending on its distinctive design. For instance, if you have a traditional double-edged car key with an attached key fob, you can typically get a new one from a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has an exclusive program it is necessary to see a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new key fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own. Before a new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will need to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This usually requires the copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title. It is crucial to realize that the process of getting an additional fob and key could take between two and three weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your car. It is therefore recommended to purchase a key protection plan that will cover the cost of replacing keys that are lost and will also pay for rental vehicles in the case of a loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank You've been through a long, exhausting day. You just want to go home, change into your comfy sweatshirt and watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced your car keys. This is the most painful feeling and could make your evening miserable. There are ways to get around the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys available. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done by a dealership or a locksmith. The process is fairly simple and involves a few tools. You'll first need to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the bottom of your door handle. You can take off the trim panel after you've found the keyhole. Next, you'll need to secure the original and the blank together in a vice. Then, use a file to shape the blank into a similar shape to the original. Be sure to do this slowly and cautiously, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it over a flame and blacken it. https://carstensen-sherrill.thoughtlanes.net/20-best-tweets-of-all-time-about-bmw-car-key-cover will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement If your BMW has a smart key (also known as a proximity key), you'll want to replace it too. These keys generate an electronic code that can unlock your car doors and start the engine. This is an excellent protection against theft to protect your vehicle. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they are not ideal. The dealer will need order a new key, which is costly. The dealer could take up to a week to process and send the new key. This will increase the cost. It's not impossible to replace the BMW keyfob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your home. These are often much cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer and can also spare you the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when you purchase the new key. Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is crucial, as the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually wear out and require replacement. If your battery has a problem, the fob is likely to stop working entirely, which could be dangerous while traveling. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an additional key fob to your BMW with little hassle. Losing keys is always a problem however, a BMW loss can be incredibly difficult. You should know your options when replacing the lost BMW Key, so you can choose the appropriate one for your particular situation. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your car keys so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do, be sure to check your pockets as well as your car and places where you're not likely to keep them.