Are BMW Keys The Best Thing There Ever Was?
What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to take away however, it can also make things if you lose a key. If you've lost a BMW key, the first step is to call your dealer. But this might not be the most efficient option. You could consider hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Call the Dealership It's been a long, exhausting day. You just want to go home and unwind in your comfy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite show. You have to return your car keys first and you've not seen them all day. You have a few choices to consider when you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership and a valid ID. If you own other keys, they'll also need them. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. The process can take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have a spare key. A locksmith can be a good alternative. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys at the cost of a fraction of what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This will save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an expert locksmith who is reliable. If you have an extra key, you could try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If not, you'll need to have your car tow into the dealership for replacement of your lost key fob. If you don't have the benefit of an emergency roadside service plan, such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is a costly and inconvenient method of getting your car back on the road. Online sellers can be a cheaper alternative to visiting dealers. new bmw key is a more affordable option however it will have to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to fit your car, which can increase the cost of replacing the key. If you do choose to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Contact a Locksmith BMW keys and fobs can seem like insignificant accessories, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to store personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes the keys incredibly secure and hard to steal. However, it makes them harder to replace if they are damaged or lost. It is important to be prepared for the eventuality by keeping a spare in a secure location, having the number of a trusted locksmith on your phone and knowing the price of a new key. To begin, it's important to identify the kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle as the process of replacing these items will differ depending on the unique design of each. For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key that has an accessory key fob You can typically have a new one made at an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program you'll need to see a dealer or a locksmith to make sure the new fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own. To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplicates The locksmith will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This typically requires a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title. It is important to understand that the process of getting a new fob and key can take as long as two weeks, during which you will not be able to drive your car. It is recommended that you invest in a key protection plan that will cover the costs of replacing keys lost and also reimburse you for rental cars in the event of a lost key. 3. Cut a Key Blank It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, change into comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling ever, and it could really put a damper on your plans for the evening. There are ways to get around the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys on hand. You can have a new, blank key made. This can be done through the dealership or a locksmith. The process is fairly easy and requires only a few tools. To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, beneath the trim panel. Once you've located the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and original in a vise. Then, you can use a file to form the blank into a similar shape to the original. Be sure to do this carefully and slowly in order not to scrape the original key. Once the blank is cut, you can hold it in a fire and make it black. This will help in revealing the marks of transfer made by the lock. 4. Get a replacement It is also recommended to replace the smart key in case your BMW has one (also called a proximity key). These keys emit an electronic code that unlocks your car doors and starts the engine. This is a fantastic protection against theft to keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect, as smart keys can still be lost. Getting a replacement from the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a brand new one. The dealer can take up to one week to process and send a new key. This can increase the cost. The good news is that it's not difficult to find an alternative to a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered right to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer and can save you the hassle driving to the dealership for a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is crucial because the battery inside a regular keyfob will eventually wear down and require replacing. If the battery is having issues, the fob will likely stop working completely, which could be a risk when you're on the road. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can purchase a replacement key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble. Losing keys is a constant problem however, a BMW loss can be especially stressful. You should know your options in the event of replacing the lost BMW Key to ensure that you can select the right one for your situation. In the future, try to be more careful when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in the first place! Examine your pockets, your car and other places you don't normally keep them.