Its History Of BMW Keys
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are costly, and they are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal, but can make things when you lose your key.
The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. This isn't the most convenient choice. You might think about hiring using a locksmith.
1. Contact the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to go home, change into comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that you'll need to make one last stop to return your vehicle keys that you haven't seen since the beginning of the day.
There are a lot of options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID, and any other sets of keys you own. The dealership will then request the correct key for your car and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. This process can take upwards of two weeks and will cost you at least $200 if you do not have a backup key.
Contacting a locksmith is a different alternative. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, a locksmith can also program it into your vehicle. This can save you a lot of time and money, but you'll have to choose a reputable professional locksmith.
If you have an extra key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll have to tow your vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost fob. This will be a costly, inconvenient and expensive way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO.
Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting a dealer. bmw key fob replacement can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll have to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith that can increase the overall price of the replacement. If you choose to purchase a blank from the internet, be sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as reviews from customers.
2. Call an expert locksmith
BMW keys and fobs can appear as a minor accessory, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that provide a unique identification to the vehicle whenever they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they are lost or damaged.
It is essential to be prepared for an eventuality by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reputable locksmith at your fingertips, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. It is essential to identify the kind of key or fob in your car, as replacing them will be different due to the unique design.
If you have an old double-edged key with an a keyfob, you could usually get an alternative from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealer to make sure that the new key fob is properly adapted to your vehicle.
To protect against fraud or unauthorised key duplicates To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This will usually require the copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to understand that the process of getting an additional fob and key can take up to two weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. As a result it is recommended 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 Key Blank
It's been a tiring day and you're just dying to go back home, put on some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've lost your car keys. This is the most traumatic feeling you can ever experience, and it can affect your evening plans.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure that you always have spare keys in your possession. You can have an uncut, new key made. This can be done by the dealership or by locksmiths. The process is simple and only requires the use of a few tools.
First, you'll have to find the keyhole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim on the lower part of the door handle. You can remove the trim panel after you've found the keyhole.
Then, clamp the blank and original in a vise. Use a file to form an unfinished blank to look like the original. Make sure you file carefully and slowly, as you don't want to scratch the original key. Once the blank has been shaped, you may hold it against a flame to then blacken it. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock.
4. Find a Replacement
It is also recommended to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car's doors and also begins the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they are not ideal. Getting a replacement from the dealership can be expensive and they'll need to order a new one. The dealer may take up to one week to process and ship the new key. This will increase the cost.
It's not hard to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs on the internet and have them delivered directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and they can save you the hassle of having to drive to the dealer to pick up a new key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when purchasing an additional key.
Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important because the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If the battery is faulty the fob could cease to function, which can be dangerous for drivers. If you've got your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get an additional key fob to your BMW without a lot of trouble.
The loss of keys is always a problem, but the loss of a BMW loss can be particularly frustrating. It's important to know what options you have when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key, so that you can select the best option for your particular situation. Try to be more careful in the future with your keys to your car, so that you don't lose them! Check your pockets, car and other places you don't normally keep your keys.