Ballingnash1684
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal, but can make things when you lose your key.
If you've lost your BMW key, the first step is to contact your dealership. This isn't the most convenient option. You might want to consider a locksmith.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long day and you're just dying to go home, put on some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and on your favorite TV show. You have to return your keys to your car first and you've not seen them all day.
You have a few choices to consider when you need a replacement BMW key. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership as well as an ID valid. If you have any other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will order the correct key for your vehicle and pair it with its computer chip. This process could take between two and three weeks and cost you $200 if don't have an extra key.
Contacting a locksmith is a different alternative. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at less than what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, but you'll have to locate a reliable professional locksmith.
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 a dealer to get a replacement fob. This will be expensive, time-consuming and expensive way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to going to a dealer. This can be a cheaper alternative, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as reviews from customers.
2. Contact bmw key
While the BMW key and fob could seem like an insignificant accessory to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology designed to increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that send an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings such as mirror and seat position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes the keys incredibly secure and hard to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost.
It is crucial to be prepared for such an eventuality by keeping a spare key in an area that is secure, having the number of a reliable locksmith in your phone and knowing the price of a new key. It is important to first identify the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will vary due to the unique design.
If you have an old double-edged key with an a keyfob, you could typically find an alternative from an area hardware store for less than $10. But if you have an advanced key fob that requires a special programming, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to make sure that the new key fob is set up correctly to the vehicle you own.
Before the new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will need to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorised key duplication. This usually requires an original copy of your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title.
It is crucial to realize that the process of obtaining a new key and fob might take up to two weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your car. As a result it is advised to invest in key protection insurance that will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss.
3. Cut a Key Blank
You've had a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and change into your comfy sweatpants and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the most painful feeling and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening.
There are ways to avoid the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys on hand. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done either through the dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is relatively easy and requires only a few tools.
You'll first have to find the keyhole on your BMW. This will be located under the trim on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it.
Then take the original and blank together using a vise. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been cut, you can hold it against a flame to then blacken it. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a Replacement
You'll also want to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car's doors and also begins the engine. This is a great anti-theft measure that keeps your vehicle safe. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they are not perfect. Finding a replacement at the dealership can be expensive and the dealer will have to purchase a new key. bmw replacement key may take up to one week to process and ship a new key. This can increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find a replacement for a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered right to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying them from a dealer and they can also save you the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy.
Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they include a battery. This is crucial because the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If your battery has an issue, the key fob could stop functioning entirely, which could be dangerous while traveling. If you have a government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an alternative key fob for your BMW without much hassle.
Losing your keys is a constant problem but the loss of a BMW loss can be especially stressful. You must know your options in the event of replacing a lost BMW Key so that you can select the best option for your particular situation. In the future, you should try to be more careful when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in the first place! Examine your pockets, your car and other places you don't usually keep your keys.