What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive and feature sophisticated anti theft technology. This makes them extremely difficult to take away and also makes things when you lose the key. The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is to call the dealership. But this might not be the most efficient option. You might want to consider using a locksmith. 1. Call the Dealership You've had a long, tiring day. You're eager to get home and curl up in your cozy sweats. Grab some pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one final 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 finding your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need to present proof of ownership as well as a valid photo ID, and any other keys you have. The dealership will then purchase the appropriate key for your car and connect it to the chip in your car's computer. This process could take as long as two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have a spare key. Another option is to call the locksmith. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and they can often do it for less than the cost of the dealership. Locksmiths can program the blank key to your vehicle as well as cut it. This will save you time and money. However, you'll need to find a professional locksmith who is reliable. If you have an extra key, you could use it to unlock your vehicle. If not, you'll need to have your vehicle towed by a dealership to replace your lost key fob. This is expensive, time-consuming and expensive way to get back on the road unless you have a roadside emergency plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. A good alternative to visiting a dealership is to buy a blank BMW key from an online vendor. This is a less expensive option, but you'll need to get it programmed to your specific car by a dealer or locksmith, which could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to buy a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller as well as reviews from customers. 2. Contact for a locksmith While the BMW key and fob might appear to be a minor thing to lose but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology created to increase security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car whenever they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to keep personal settings such as mirror and seat positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to take however it also means that they are more difficult to replace in the event of damage or loss. It is essential to prepare for such a situation by keeping a spare in a secure location, having the number of a trusted locksmith in your phone, and knowing the cost of a new key. To begin, it's critical to know what kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle as the process of replacing the items will vary based on the unique design of each. For instance, if you have a classic double-edged car key with a key fob on it you can usually get an entirely new one at an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program, you will need to see a locksmith or a dealer to make sure the new fob is properly configured to your vehicle. To guard against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This will typically require an original copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title. It is important to know that the process of getting an additional key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which you won't be able to drive your car. It is recommended that you invest in an insurance policy that protects your keys. It will cover the costs of replacing lost keys as well as reimburse you for rental vehicles in the event of a lost key. 3. Cut a Key Blank It's been a long day and you're eager to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, grab some pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling, and can ruin your evening plans. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this problem and make sure you always have a spare on hand. You can have a blank, new key made. This can be done through the dealership or locksmiths. The procedure is relatively easy and requires only a few tools. To start, https://mclamb-lawson-2.thoughtlanes.net/10-life-lessons-we-can-learn-from-bmw-key 'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. The keyhole is located in the lower part of the door handle, beneath the trim panel. You can take off the trim panel once you've located the keyhole. Then you can clamp the blank and the original using a vise. Use a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is formed, you can place it against a flame to make it black. This will to make it easier to discern the transfer marks made by the lock. 4. Get a replacement If your BMW includes a smart key (also called a proximity key) You'll need to get that replaced too. These keys generate an electronic code that allows you to open the doors of your vehicle and then start the engine. This is a great security measure that helps keep your vehicle secure. Smart keys can be lost, but they are not ideal. Finding a replacement at the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a brand new one. It could take up one week for the dealer to process and ship your new key, which can add to your overall cost. It's not hard to replace the BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs online and have them delivered directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer, and could help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership for a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also have a built-in battery. This is crucial, as the battery inside a normal key fob will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If your battery is suffering from a problem, the fob is likely to stop working altogether, which can be dangerous while driving. If you have your government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can obtain an additional key fob to your BMW without a lot of trouble. It's always a hassle to lose your keys, but losing a BMW key can be incredibly frustrating. You must know your options when replacing the lost BMW Key, so that you can select the appropriate one for your situation. In the future, you should try to be more careful when it comes to keys for your car, so you don't lose them in first place! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.