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 complicates matters when you lose your keys. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. This may not be your most convenient option. You might consider 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 comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. You'll need to return the keys to your car that you haven't seen throughout the day. Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership as well as a valid photo ID as well as any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then order the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. This process could take upwards of two weeks, and will cost you at least $200 if you don't have a backup keys. Another option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at less than what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This can save you time and money. However, you will require an experienced locksmith who is reliable. If you have an extra key, you can try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you will need bring your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. Unless you have the benefit of a roadside service plan such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO, this will be an expensive and time-consuming option to get your vehicle back on the road. A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online retailer. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which could increase the cost of the replacement. If you do choose to buy a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Call an expert locksmith While a BMW key and fob might appear to be a minor thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to enhance security. BMW keys are fitted with transponder chips. These chips transmit a unique ID to the vehicle whenever they are inserted into the ignition. They can also be programmed to store personal settings, like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to steal, but it also means that they are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damage. It is crucial to be prepared for such a situation by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a trusted locksmith on your phone, and knowing the cost of a new key. To begin, it is essential to know the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle because the process of replacing the item will differ based on their specific design. If you have an old double-edged lock with the keyfob, you can generally find an alternative from a local hardware shop for less than $10. However, if you own an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to make sure the new fob is set up correctly to work with your vehicle. To safeguard against fraud or unauthorised key duplication The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This usually requires a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or title. It is crucial to understand that getting a replacement fob and key can take up to two full weeks. During this time, you will not be able drive your car. In this case it is recommended to purchase key protection insurance that will pay for the replacement of keys lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank You've been through a tiring, long day. You're just dying to get home and change into your comfy sweatpants and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced your car keys. It's the most awful feeling, and can make your evening miserable. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this problem and make sure you always have a spare. You can get a blank, new key made. This can be accomplished by a dealership or a locksmith. The process is simple and requires only just a few tools. To start, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, take off the trim panel to expose it. Then, clamp the blank and original in a vise. Then, use a chisel 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 has been cut then you can put it against a flame to blacken it with soot. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock. 4. Find a Replacement If your BMW includes smart keys (also called a proximity key), you'll want to replace it as well. These keys generate an electronic code to unlock your car doors and start the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they are not ideal. The dealer will have to purchase a new key, which could be costly. It could take up to one week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which will increase the cost. The good news is that it's not hard to find a replacement for the BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying them from a dealer and they can save you the hassle of traveling to the dealer to pick up a new key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when ordering an additional key. Online BMW key fobs also have a built-in battery. This is crucial because the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually degrade and need to be changed. If https://zenwriting.net/dreamaunt5/20-tools-that-will-make-you-more-efficient-with-bmw-car-key-cover is having issues, the fob could stop functioning altogether, which can be dangerous when you're driving. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement BMW's key fob through the manufacturer with no hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. It's never fun to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be particularly stressful. It is important to know what options you have in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key, so you can choose the appropriate one for your particular situation. In https://articlescad.com/7-tricks-to-help-make-the-most-of-your-bmw-key-replacement-111979.html , make an effort to be more cautious with your car keys so you do not lose them in the first place! If you do, make sure to look in your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places you don't typically keep them in.