Why Is BMW Keys So Popular?
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 in the event that you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. But this may not be the most practical solution. You could consider hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Call the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to go home, put on some comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and on your favorite TV show. You have to return your car keys first that you haven't seen throughout the day. There are several choices to consider when you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is to go to the dealership. You'll be asked to provide proof of ownership as well as an ID that is valid. If you have other keys, they will also require them. The dealership will then order the correct key for your vehicle and pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. The process can take anywhere from two to three weeks, and it will cost you at least $200 in the event that you do not have a backup key. Another option is to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths can cut BMW keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. Locksmiths can program the blank key for your vehicle and cut it. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, however, you'll need to be sure 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 have one, you'll have to get your vehicle towed to the dealership to replace your lost key fob. If you don't avail of a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO This is an expensive and time-consuming way to get your car back on the road. Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to visiting an agent. This is a cheaper alternative however it will have 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 buy a blank online make sure to research the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Call an expert locksmith While a BMW key and fob might appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology that are designed to improve security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips which transmit an electronic ID unique to the car when they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to keep personal settings, such as seat and mirror position, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them extremely secure and difficult to take however, it also means that they are more complex to replace in the event of damage or loss. It is crucial to be prepared for such a situation by keeping a spare key in a secure location, having the number of a reputable locksmith at your fingertips and knowing the cost of replacing a key. It is crucial to identify the kind of fob or key in your car, as the cost of replacing them will differ in accordance with the unique design. For instance, if you have a traditional double-edged car key that has an attached key fob You can typically have a new one made at a local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a key fob that has specific programming you'll need to see a locksmith or a dealer to ensure the new fob is properly configured to the vehicle you own. To protect against unauthorized 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 usually requires the copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or title. It is important to understand that the process of obtaining the new fob and key can take between two and three weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your car. Therefore it is advised to purchase key protection insurance that will pay for the replacement of keys lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of an unexpected loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a tiring day and you just want to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite show. But then you realize that you've lost your car keys. bmw key replacement cost is the most traumatic feeling you can ever experience, and it can ruin your evening plans. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you have a spare key in your arsenal. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be done either through the dealership or an locksmith. The process is fairly simple and involves a few tools. First, you'll need to locate the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located on the bottom of the door handle, underneath the trim panel. You can take off the trim once you've found the keyhole. Next, you'll need to clamp the original and a blank together using a vice. Use a file to shape an unfinished blank to look like the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank has been formed, you can place it over a flame and blacken it. This will to make it easier to discern the marks of transfer made by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) it is recommended to replace it too. These keys generate an electronic code that can unlock your car doors and start the engine. This is a great security measure to keep your vehicle safe. Smart keys can be lost, but they're not the perfect solution. Finding a replacement at the dealership can be expensive and the dealer will have to order a new one. The dealer could take up to a week to process and deliver the new key. This can add to the cost. The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative for the BMW key fob. You can order BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your home. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer and will save you the hassle driving to the dealership for the replacement key. If you're trying to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN handy and proof of ownership when purchasing the new key. Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is important because the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually degrade and will require replacement. If the battery is faulty, the fob may cease to function, which can be dangerous for drivers. Fortunately, you'll be able to get a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer without much hassle and if you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go. Losing keys is a constant problem but the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly frustrating. It is important to be aware of your options when you need to replace the lost BMW key so you can choose the best one for your situation. Make sure you are more cautious in the future, when it comes to your car keys, so that you don't lose keys! If you do, make sure to check your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you're not likely to keep them in.