The Story Behind BMW Keys Can Haunt You Forever

What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but it can complicate matters when you lose your keys.
If you lose your BMW key the first step is to contact your dealership. This might not be the most convenient choice. Instead, you may think about hiring the services of a locksmith.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long day and you just want to get back home, get into some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and binge on your favorite TV show. You'll need to return the keys to your car that you haven't seen throughout the day.
There are a variety of options to choose from when you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need proof of ownership as well as an ID with a valid photo and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then order the right key for your car and pair it with its computer chip. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if don't have a spare key.
Another option is to call the locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can often do so for a fraction of the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, however, you'll have to choose a reputable, professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an additional key, you'll need to tow your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. This can be a costly, inconvenient and expensive method of getting back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
A good alternative to visiting an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a cheaper alternative, but it will need to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank from the internet make sure you check the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews.
2. Contact a Locksmith
While the BMW key and fob may appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology designed to enhance security. BMW keys have transponder chips which transmit an unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to take, but it also means they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage.
It is essential to be prepared for a situation by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reliable locksmith on your phone and knowing the cost of replacing a key. To begin, it is important to identify the type of key and fob you have in your car, because the process of replacing the item will differ based on the unique design of each.
For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with an accessory key fob, you can typically get an entirely new one at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires specific programming process, then you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new fob is correctly configured to your vehicle.
Before a new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will be required to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to guard against fraud and unauthorized key duplication. This typically requires the original driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title.
It is important to know that obtaining a replacement fob and key could take up to two full weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive in your car. It is recommended to purchase a key protection policy which will cover the costs of replacing keys that are lost and will also pay for rental cars in the event of a 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 sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling you can ever experience, and it can really affect your plans for the evening.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid this problem and make sure you have a spare. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is easy and only requires a few tools.
To start, you'll need to find the key hole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it.
Then, clamp the original and blank together in a vise. Make use of a file to shape an unfinished blank to look like the original. Make sure to file slowly and with care to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been formed, you can place it over a flame and make it black. This will help in revealing the transfer marks created by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
If your BMW includes a smart key (also known as a proximity key), you'll want to replace it as well. These keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle safe. However, it's not perfect - smart keys can still be lost. The dealer will have to purchase a new key, which is costly. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which will increase the cost.
It's not impossible to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealer for an additional key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with a built-in battery. This is crucial, as the battery in a standard key fob will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If bmw car key replacement is having a problem, the fob is likely to stop working entirely, which could be a risk when you're driving. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with no hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership to go.
It's never fun to lose your keys but losing a BMW key can be particularly stressful. You should know your options when replacing the lost BMW Key to ensure you can choose the best option for your situation. In the future, you should try to be extra cautious with your car keys so you do not lose them in the first place! If you do, be sure to keep an eye on your pockets, your car, and places where you wouldn't normally keep them in.