squashpolish0

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 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 dealer. This might not be the most practical option. You might want to consider using a locksmith. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long day and you're eager to get home, put on some comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. You'll need to return your car keys first that you haven't seen throughout the day. Luckily, you have a variety of alternatives when it comes to finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership and a valid ID. If you have any other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key. A locksmith can be a good option. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and they can typically do it at less than the cost of dealerships. Locksmiths can program the blank key to your car in addition to cutting it. This can save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an experienced locksmith who is reliable. 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 take your vehicle to the dealer to replace the lost fob. This will be an expensive, unwieldy and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. A better alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a more affordable option however it will have to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Call a locksmith While the BMW key and fob could appear like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to enhance security. BMW keys come with transponder chips that 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 mirror and seat positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it makes them harder to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost. It is important to be prepared for such a situation by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having 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 kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle because the process of replacing the items will vary based on their specific design. For instance, if you have a classic double-edged car key that has a key fob on it you can usually get a new one made at a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob with specific programming you'll need to see an authorized locksmith or dealer to ensure that the new key fob is configured correctly to your vehicle. Before the new key can be made, the locksmith or dealership will be required to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle in order to protect against fraud and unauthorized duplicate keys. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title. It is important to be aware that obtaining a replacement fob and key can take up to two weeks. During this time, you will not be able drive your car. It is recommended that you invest in a key protection plan that will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and also reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a tiring day and you're just dying to get home, change into some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling, and can ruin your evening plans. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this issue and make sure you always have a spare. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done by the dealership or by a locksmith. The process is simple and only requires the use of a few tools. To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. It's under the trim panel on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've found the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and the original using a vise. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar shape to the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is shaped, you may hold it against a flame to blacken it. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement You'll also need to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then begins the engine. This is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect, as smart keys can still be lost. The dealer will have to order another key, which could be costly. It can take up to a week for the dealer to process and send your new key, which can increase the overall 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 online and have them sent directly to your doorstep. They are typically less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealer for an additional key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, be sure to have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when you purchase a new key. Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they come with a battery. This is crucial because the battery in a standard key fob will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If your battery is suffering from an issue, the key fob could stop functioning completely, which could be a risk when you're traveling. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with no hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. It's not fun to lose keys, but losing a BMW key can be especially difficult. It's important to be aware of your options when replacing the lost BMW key, so that you can select the best option for your needs. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys to your car, so that you don't ever lose them! If bmw spare key cost do, be sure to look in your pockets, your car, and places you don't typically keep them in.