What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys
BMW cars are expensive and feature sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them difficult to take away, but it also complicates things if you lose the key.
The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. This might not be the most practical option. You might think about hiring using a locksmith.
1. Call the Dealership
It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to go back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one last stop and return your vehicle keys - which you haven't seen since the start of the day.
There are a lot of options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as a valid ID. If you have other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will then request the right key for your car and then pair it with the chip in your car's computer. This process can take up to two weeks, and will cost you at least $200 in the event that you do not have a backup key.
Contacting a locksmith is a different alternative. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A locksmith can program the blank key to your car and cut it. This will save you time and money. However, you will require an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy.
If you have a spare key, you could try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an additional key, you'll have to tow your vehicle to the dealer to get a replacement fob. Unless you have the benefit of an emergency roadside service plan, like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and unwieldy way to get your car back on the road.
A better alternative to visiting a dealership is to purchase a blank BMW key from an online seller. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll need to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer, which could increase the price of the replacement. If you choose to buy a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews.
2. Contact a locksmith
While a BMW key and fob might appear like a small thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology designed to enhance security. BMW keys contain transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to keep personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets and many more. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it also makes them more difficult to replace if they're damaged or lost.
genuine bmw replacement key uk The Key Lab is crucial to prepare for such the eventuality by keeping a spare key in an appropriate location, keeping the number of a reliable locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. It is important to first identify the kind of fob or key in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will vary in accordance with the distinctive 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 from a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a modern key fob that requires special programming, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealer to ensure that the new fob is properly adapted to work with your vehicle.
Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will be required to verify your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to protect against unauthorized duplicate keys. This usually requires a copy your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title.
It is important to understand that the process of obtaining a new key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which time you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. Therefore it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage that will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost 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 some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize you've lost your car keys. It's the most awful feeling you can ever experience, and it could really ruin your evening plans.
There are ways to cut out the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys on hand. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done either by the dealer or by a locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and requires a couple of tools.
To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. This will be located under the trim on the lower part of the door handle. You can take off the trim panel once you've located the keyhole.
Then take the blank and the original in a vise. Then, you can use a file to shape the blank into a similar form to the original. Make sure you file carefully and slowly, as you don't want to scratch the original key. After the blank has been shaped and shaped, you can place it against a flame to darken it with soot. This will make it easier to discern the marks left by the lock.
4. Get a replacement
You'll also want to replace the smart key when your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). These keys generate an electronic code to unlock your car's doors and also start the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can get lost, but they're not perfect. The dealer will have to purchase a new key, which is costly. The dealer may take up to a week to process and ship the new key. This will increase the cost.
The good news is that it's not impossible to find an alternative for the BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and get them delivered to your residence. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer and can save you the hassle driving to the dealership for an additional key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and proof of ownership.
Online BMW key fobs also come with an inbuilt battery. This is important because the battery inside a regular keyfob is eventually worn out and need to be changed. If the battery is defective the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous when driving. Fortunately, you'll be able to find a replacement for your BMW's key fob from the manufacturer with little fuss and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.
The loss of keys is a constant problem, but losing a BMW loss can be especially frustrating. It's crucial to be aware of your options when replacing the lost BMW key so you can select the best option for your particular situation. Make sure you are more cautious in the future when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't lose them! Check your pockets, car, and other places where you don't normally keep your keys.