A Peek Inside The Secrets Of BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to take and also makes things if you lose a key. The first thing to do if you've lost your BMW key is to contact the dealership. This might not be the most convenient option. You might consider hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long day and you're just dying to get back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then watch your favorite show. You have to return the keys to your car, which you haven't seen all day. Fortunately, you have several alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership, an acceptable photo ID and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will order the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. This process could take up to two weeks, and will cost you at least $200 in the event that you don't have a backup keys. Another option is to speak with an expert locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut a BMW key, and they can typically do it at less than the cost of a dealership. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you'll need to find an experienced locksmith who is reliable. If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have an additional key, you'll have bring your vehicle to a dealer to replace your lost fob. This is an expensive, unwieldy and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. An alternative to going to a dealership is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online seller. This is a more affordable option however, it will need to be programmed by an authorized locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your car, which can increase the cost of replacing the key. If you decide to purchase a blank online, make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Call a Locksmith While a BMW key and fob could appear to be a minor thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology created to improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that transmit a unique electronic ID to the car when they are inserted in the ignition, and are programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror positioning, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly secure and difficult to take however it also means they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing keys in a secure location, having a reliable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. In the beginning, it is critical to know what kind of key and fob you have in your car, as the process of replacing these items will differ depending on their unique design. If you have an old double-edged lock with the keyfob, you can usually get the replacement from an area hardware store for less than $10. However, if you own a modern key fob that requires a special programming, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealer to make sure that the new key fob is set up correctly to work with 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 protect against fraud and unauthorised key duplicates. This typically requires a copy your driver's licence and registration for your vehicle or title. It is crucial to realize that the process of getting an additional key and fob might take up to two weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your vehicle. As a result it is advised to invest in key protection coverage which will pay for the replacement of your lost keys and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a long day and you just want to go home, change into comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this issue and ensure that you always have a spare key in your arsenal. You can request a new, blank key made. This can be accomplished by a dealership or a locksmith. The procedure is easy and only requires just a few tools. To begin, you'll need find the key hole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the bottom of your door handle. Once you've found the keyhole, you'll be able to remove the trim panel to expose it. Then key for bmw The Key Lab can clamp the blank and original using a vise. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. Be sure to do this carefully and slowly, as you don't want to scratch the original key. After the blank has been cut, you can hold it over a flame and blacken it. This will help to make it easier to discern the transfer marks made by the lock. 4. Get a replacement You'll also need to replace the smart key in case your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys generate an electronic code that allows you to open your car's doors and also start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they are not the perfect solution. Finding a replacement at the dealership can be expensive, and they'll have to purchase a brand new one. It could take up a week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which can increase the overall cost. The good news is that it's not impossible to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them sent directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer and can also spare you the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when purchasing replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and evidence of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also come with a built-in battery. This is important, because the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If your battery is suffering from an issue, the key fob is likely to stop working entirely, which could be dangerous when you're driving. If you have your government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can get a replacement key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble. It's not fun to lose keys, but losing a BMW key can be particularly stressful. It's important to know what your options are when it comes to replacing the lost BMW key so you can choose the best one for your particular situation. Try to be more careful in the future, when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't ever lose keys! Check your pockets, car and other places you don't usually keep them.