What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are costly, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to take away, but it also complicates things if you lose keys. If you've lost your BMW key, the first step is to contact your dealer. This may not be your most convenient option. You could think about hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long day and you're eager to go back home, get into some comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and then watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that you'll need to make one last stop to give your keys back to your vehicle that you haven't seen since the start of the day. https://graversen-hay-2.federatedjournals.com/8-tips-to-increase-your-bmw-1-series-key-game-1726309522 have a few options to choose from in the event that you require a replacement BMW key. https://le-gravgaard.hubstack.net/11-ways-to-fully-defy-your-bmw-car-key-1726309808 is to visit the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership as well as an ID with a valid photo as well as any other sets of keys you have. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and pair it with its computer chip. This process can take upwards of two weeks, and it will cost you at most $200 in the event that you don't have a backup keys. Another option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of what a dealership charges. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you will need to find a professional locksmith who is reliable. If you have a spare key, you can try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll have bring your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. This is a costly, inconvenient and expensive way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to visiting dealers. This can be a cheaper option, but you'll need to have it programmed to your specific car by a locksmith or dealer, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure to research the reputation of the seller as well as reviews from customers. 2. Call an expert locksmith BMW keys and fobs might appear to be insignificant, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys come 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 keep personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to steal however it also means they are more difficult to replace in the case of damage or loss. It is essential to prepare for such an eventuality by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a reliable locksmith at your fingertips and knowing the cost of replacing a key. To begin, it's essential to know the type of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing the item will differ based on the unique design of each. If you have an old, double-edged key with an a keyfob, you could usually get the replacement from an area hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has a special program it is necessary to visit a locksmith or a dealer to ensure the new fob is correctly configured to your vehicle. To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication The locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This typically requires a copy your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title. It is important to be aware that obtaining a replacement fob and key could take up to two weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive in your car. In this case it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will pay for the replacement of keys lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank It's been a tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. It's the most awful feeling, and can make your evening miserable. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this problem and ensure that you always have a spare. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The process is simple and requires only a few tools. You'll first have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. It's under the trim at the lower part of the door handle. Once you've found the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it. The next step is to secure the original and the blank in a vice. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar form to the original. Be sure to file slowly and cautiously so that you don't to scrape the original key. Once the blank has been cut and shaped, you can place it over a flame to blacken it with soot. This will in revealing the marks of transfer made by the lock. 4. Find a Replacement It is also recommended to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that opens your car's doors and also begins the engine. This is a fantastic protection against theft to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Dealers will have order a new key, which can be costly. The dealer can take up to one week to process and ship a new key. This can add to the cost. The good news is that it's not difficult to find a replacement for a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and can save you the hassle driving to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. If you want to avoid confusion, have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when you purchase the new key. Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important, because the battery in a regular key fob will eventually degrade and require replacement. If the battery is defective, the fob may cease to function, which can be dangerous while driving. If you've got your government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can purchase an additional key fob to your BMW without a lot of trouble. It's not fun to lose keys, but losing a BMW key can be incredibly stressful. You must know your options when replacing a lost BMW Key, so you can choose the best option for your particular situation. Try to be more careful in the future, when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't ever lose them! If you do, be sure to keep an eye on your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you're not likely to keep them.