The Hidden Secrets Of BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them difficult to steal, but complicates things when you lose your keys. If you've lost a BMW key first step is to call your dealership. But this may not be the most practical solution. You might want to consider a locksmith. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and watch your favorite show. You have to return your keys to your car first that you haven't seen all day. There are a variety of choices to consider in the event that you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as a valid ID. If you own other keys, they'll also require them. The dealership will purchase the appropriate 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 do not have a spare key. Another option is to speak with a locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A locksmith can program the blank key for your vehicle as well as cut it. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, however, you'll need to choose a reputable, professional locksmith. If you have a spare key, you can try using it to unlock your car. If you don't have one, you'll have to get your vehicle towed by a dealership to replace the key fob that was lost. If you don't avail of an emergency roadside service plan, like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be a costly and inconvenient option to get your vehicle back on the road. An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a less expensive option however it will have to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacement. If you do choose to purchase a blank from the internet be sure to verify the seller's reputation and customer reviews. 2. Contact a Locksmith BMW keys and fobs might seem like insignificant accessories however they are sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to remember personalized settings, such as seat and mirror position, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to steal, but it also means that they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage. It is crucial to be prepared for such the eventuality by keeping a spare in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reputable locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. It is crucial to determine the type of key or fob that is in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will vary due to the distinctive design. If you have an old double-edged key with an a keyfob, you could typically find an alternative from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a contemporary key fob that requires a special programming, you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to ensure that the new fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own. Before the new key can be made the locksmith or the dealership will need to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized key duplicates. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title. bmw replacment key is important to know that obtaining a replacement fob and key could take up to two weeks. During this time you won't be able to drive your vehicle. It is recommended that you invest in a key protection plan that will cover the costs of replacing lost keys and also reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to go home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced your car keys. This is the most painful feeling, and can make your evening miserable. There are ways to avoid the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys in your possession. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done either by a dealership or an locksmith. The procedure is easy and only requires just a few tools. You'll first need to locate the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, beneath the trim panel. Once you've located the keyhole, take off the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and original in a vise. Then, use a file to shape the blank into a similar shape to the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been shaped, you may hold it in a fire and make it black. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock. 4. Find a Replacement You'll also want to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then begins the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure that helps keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not perfect. The dealer will have to order another key, which can be costly. It could take up to one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which can add to your overall cost. It's not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. They are usually cheaper than buying them from a dealer, and can also spare you the hassle of traveling to the dealer to pick up a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and proof of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important because the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually degrade and need to be changed. If the battery is faulty the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous when driving. Fortunately, you can find a replacement BMW's key fob through the manufacturer without much hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. Losing keys is a constant problem but the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly frustrating. It is important to be aware of your options when you need to replace the lost BMW key so you can choose the best one for your situation. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't ever lose them! If you do, make sure to look in your pockets as well as your car and places where you're not likely to keep them in.