15 Things You're Not Sure Of About 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 extremely difficult to steal, but can make things when you lose your key. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. But this might not be the most efficient solution. You could consider hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Call the Dealership It's been a long day and you're just dying to go home, put on some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything you'll need to make one final stop and give your keys back to your vehicle that you've not seen since the start of the day. Luckily, you have a variety of options for finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, a valid photo ID and any other keys that you have. The dealership will order the right key for your car and match it to its computer chip. The process can take between two and three weeks and cost you $200 if you do not have a spare key. A locksmith can be a good option. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys for the cost of 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 significant amount of time and money, but you'll need to find a reliable, professional locksmith. If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock your vehicle. But if you don't, you'll need to have your car tow to the dealership to replace the key fob that was lost. If you don't avail of a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is a costly and inconvenient option to get your vehicle back on the road. An alternative to going to a dealership is to buy an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a less expensive option, but it will need to be programmed by an expert locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which will increase the cost of replacing the key. If you decide to buy a blank online, be sure to check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Contact for a locksmith BMW keys and fobs can appear as a minor accessory but they're actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted into the ignition. They also are programmed to remember personalized settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes keys incredibly secure and hard to take. However, it makes them harder to replace if they are damaged or lost. It is crucial to be prepared for a situation by keeping a spare in an area that is secure, having the number of a reputable locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of the replacement of a key. It is crucial to determine the kind of key or fob that is in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will differ depending on its distinctive design. If you have an old double-edged lock with an a keyfob, you could typically find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with specific programming you'll need to visit a dealer or a locksmith to ensure that the new key fob is properly configured to the vehicle you own. Before the new key can be made the locksmith or dealer will require proof of your identity and the ownership of the vehicle to protect against fraud and unauthorised key duplication. This usually requires a copy your driver's licence or registration of your vehicle, or a title. It is crucial to understand that getting a replacement fob and key can take as long as two full weeks. For this period you won't be able to drive your vehicle. As a result, it is recommended to purchase key protection insurance that will pay for the replacement of keys lost and provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank You've been through a tiring, long day. You're just dying to get home and change into your comfy sweatshirt and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize you've lost your car keys. This is the worst feeling and could make your evening miserable. There are ways to avoid this hassle and ensure that you always have a spare key in your arsenal. You can get an uncut, new key made. This can be done either by a dealership or a locksmith. The procedure is easy 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 on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it. Next, you'll need to fix the original and a blank together in a vice. Make use of a file to shape a blank to resemble the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been shaped and shaped, you can place it against a flame to blacken it with soot. This will make it easier to read the marks left by the lock. 4. Find a Replacement You'll also want to replace the smart key in case your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that opens your car's doors and also can start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect and smart keys are still lost. The replacement you get from the dealership can be expensive and the dealer will have to purchase a new key. It could take up one week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which can increase the overall cost. It's not impossible to replace a BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. These are often much cheaper than buying them from a dealer, and they can save you the hassle of traveling to the dealership to pick up a new key. To avoid confusion when purchasing a replacement, make sure you have your VIN and proof of ownership handy. 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 is likely to wear out and require replacement. If the battery is faulty the fob could not function properly, and this could be dangerous while driving. Fortunately, bmw key replacement near me TheKeyLab 'll be able to find a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer without much hassle, assuming you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. Losing your keys is a constant problem however, losing a BMW loss can be especially frustrating. It is important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key, so that you can select the best option for your situation. Try to be more careful in the future when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't lose them! If you do, make sure to check your pockets as well as your car and places you don't typically keep them.