What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but it can complicate things when you lose your key. The first thing to do if you lose your BMW key is to contact the dealership. This might not be the most convenient choice. 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 eager to go back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and watch your favorite show. You'll need to return your car keys first that you haven't seen all day. Luckily, you have a variety of alternatives when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID as well as any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then order the right key for your vehicle and then pair it with your vehicle's 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 speak with a locksmith. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do so for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you lots of time and money, but you'll need to find a reliable, professional locksmith. If you have a spare key, you could try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you'll need bring your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. This is expensive, time-consuming and expensive way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. Online sellers offer a cheaper alternative to going to dealers. This can be a more affordable option, but you'll need to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith that could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank from the internet make sure you check the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews. 2. Contact for a locksmith While a BMW key and fob might appear like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology created to enhance security. BMW keys come with transponder chips that transmit a unique ID to the vehicle whenever they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they're damaged or lost. It is essential to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping keys in a safe location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of a replacement key. To begin, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle, because the process of replacing these items will differ depending on their specific design. For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with a key fob on it You can typically have a new one made at a local hardware store for less than $10. If https://overby-keating.blogbright.net/what-is-key-replacement-bmw-and-how-to-utilize-it have a keyfob that is programmable or a special program you'll need to see a dealer or a locksmith to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own. Before a new key is made the locksmith or the dealership will require proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle to guard against fraud and unauthorized key duplication. This typically requires the original driver's license, vehicle registration or title. It is crucial to understand that getting a replacement key and fob could take up to two weeks. For this period, you will not be able 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 unforeseen loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key You've been through a tiring, long day. You're eager to get home and change into your comfortable sweatpants and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that you've lost the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling you can ever experience, and it can really put a damper on your evening plans. There are ways to get around the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys in your possession. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be done by the dealer or by a locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and requires a couple of tools. To begin, you'll need find the key hole 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 located the keyhole. Then you can clamp the blank and original in a vise. Then, use a file to shape the blank into a similar shape to the original. Make sure to file slowly and with care to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped then you can put it in a fire to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement It is also recommended to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car doors and begins the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not the perfect solution. The dealer will need to order another key, which could be costly. It could take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which will add to your overall cost. The good news is that it's not difficult to find an alternative for a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for an additional key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership. Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is important, because the battery in a standard key fob will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. If your battery is suffering from a problem, the fob will likely stop working completely, which could be a risk when you're driving. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement for your BMW's key fob through the manufacturer with no hassle provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go. It's never fun to lose keys, but losing a BMW key can be particularly difficult. It's important to be aware of your options when replacing the lost BMW key, so that you can pick the most appropriate option for your situation. In the future, try to be more careful when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in the first place! If you do lose them, make sure to look in your pockets, your car, and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.