What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are costly and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to steal, but it also complicates things when you lose keys. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose your BMW key is to contact the dealership. But this may not be the most practical option. You could think about hiring locksmiths instead. 1. Call the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to get back home, get into some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that you must make one last stop to return your vehicle keys that you haven't seen since the start of the day. You have a few options to choose from in the event that you require a replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID, and any other keys that you have. The dealership will then request the correct 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 don't have a spare key. Another option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for less than the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you time and money. However, you will require an expert locksmith who is trustworthy. If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have one, you'll have to get your car tow to the dealership to replace the key fob that was lost. This can be a costly, inconvenient and costly way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. Online sellers offer a cheaper alternative to visiting dealers. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer, which could increase the price 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 an expert locksmith BMW keys and fobs can appear to be insignificant, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips, which provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it also makes them harder to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing the spare key in a safe location and having a dependable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of a replacement key. It is important to first determine the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will differ in accordance with the distinctive design. For instance, if you have a classic double-edged car key that has an accessory key fob You can typically have an entirely new one at a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program it is necessary to visit a locksmith or a dealer to ensure the new fob is configured correctly to the vehicle you own. To protect against unauthorized key duplication To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This typically requires an original copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title. It is important to be aware that obtaining a replacement fob and key could take up to two full weeks. In this time you won't be able to drive in your car. As a result, it is recommended to purchase key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank It's been a long day and you just want to go home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and binge watch your favorite TV show. You realize you've lost your car keys. This is the most traumatic feeling you can ever experience, and it can really affect your evening plans. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this issue and make sure you always have a spare on hand. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done through the dealer or by an locksmith. The process is easy and requires only the use of a few tools. To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the bottom of your door handle. You can take off the trim once you've found the keyhole. Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank in a vice. Make use of a file to shape a blank to resemble the original. Be sure to file carefully and slowly so that you don't to scratch the original key. Once the blank is shaped, you may hold it in a fire and make it black. This will in revealing the transfer marks created by the lock. 4. Get a replacement If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it as well. These keys generate an electronic code that allows you to open your car doors and start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle secure. However, https://bentsen-mcfarland-2.blogbright.net/what-is-the-reason-bmw-key-1-series-is-the-right-choice-for-you-1726743320 's not perfect - smart keys are still lost. The replacement you get from the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to purchase a brand new one. The dealer could take up to a week to process and ship a new key. This can add to the cost. The good news is that it's not impossible to find an alternative to the BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your home. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for the replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also have a built-in battery. This is important as the battery inside a standard keyfob is eventually worn out and will require replacement. If the battery is faulty the fob might not function properly, and this could be dangerous while driving. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can obtain an alternative key fob for your BMW without much trouble. It's not fun to lose your keys, but losing the BMW key can be particularly stressful. You must know your options in the event of replacing a lost BMW Key to ensure that you can pick the appropriate one for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future with your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose them! If you do, be sure to check your pockets, your car, and places where you're not likely to keep them in.