washerriddle50

What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are costly, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to steal, but can make things when you lose your keys. The first thing you need to do if you lose your BMW key is call the dealership. This may not be your most practical option. You could think about hiring locksmiths instead. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you just want to get home, change into comfortable sweats, eat some pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. But before you can do anything you'll need to make one last stop to return your keys to your car that you haven't seen since the beginning of the day. There are several options to choose from when you need an replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked for proof of ownership as well as a valid ID. If you own other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then request the correct key for your car and then pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. This process could take upwards of two weeks and will cost you at least $200 in the event that you don't have a backup key. Another option is to contact a locksmith. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut a BMW key, and can often do so for only a fraction of the price of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it to your vehicle. This can save you time and money. However, you will require an experienced locksmith who is reliable. If you have an additional key, you can use it to unlock the vehicle. If you don't have an additional key, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost fob. This will be a costly, inconvenient and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside emergency plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. A good alternative to visiting an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online seller. This is a more affordable option, but it will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to be fitted to your vehicle, which could 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 reviews from customers. 2. Contact a Locksmith BMW keys and fobs may appear as a minor accessory, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that improve security. BMW keys contain transponder chips that transmit an unique electronic ID to the car when inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to store personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes the keys extremely secure and difficult to take. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they are damaged or lost. It is crucial to be prepared for this type of scenario by storing keys in a secure place, having a reliable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the basic cost of the replacement key. To begin, it's essential to know the kind of key and fob you have in your car, because the process of replacing the item will differ based on their unique design. For instance, if you have a traditional double-edged car key with a key fob on it you can usually get an entirely new one at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have a keyfob that is programmable or a special program you'll need to see a dealer or a locksmith to ensure the new fob is configured correctly to your vehicle. Before a new key is made the locksmith or the dealership will need to verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle in order to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized key duplication. This typically requires a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle or title. It is important to be aware that getting a replacement key and fob could take as long as two full weeks. For this period, you will not be able to drive your vehicle. Therefore it is recommended to invest in key protection insurance which will cover the cost of replacing keys lost and also provide you with a rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a long day and you're just dying to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced the keys to your car. It's the most awful feeling ever, and it can 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 in your possession. One option is to get a blank key cut. This can be accomplished through the dealership or a locksmith. The process is simple and only requires just a few tools. To start, you'll need to locate the key hole on your BMW. It's located underneath the trim panel on the lower part of the door handle. Once you've located the keyhole, you can take off the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and original using a vise. Then, use a file to form the blank into a similar form to the original. File slowly and cautiously to avoid scraping the original key. Once the blank is cut, you can hold it in a fire and blacken it. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a Replacement If your BMW includes smart keys (also known as a proximity key) You'll need to get that replaced too. These keys emit an electronic code that opens your car doors and begins the engine. This technology is an excellent anti-theft measure that keeps your vehicle safe. Smart keys can get lost, but they are not the perfect solution. Getting a replacement from the dealer can be costly and they'll need to purchase a new key. The dealer could take up to one week to process and send the new key. This can increase the cost. The Key Lab 's not impossible to replace the BMW key fob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. They are usually cheaper than buying them from a dealer and can also spare you the hassle of driving to the dealer to pick up a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure that you have your VIN and proof of ownership. Online BMW key fobs also have an inbuilt battery. This is important, because the battery in a standard key fob will eventually wear out and require replacement. If the battery is faulty, the fob may stop working, which could be dangerous when driving. If you have a government-issued ID and evidence of ownership, you can purchase a replacement key fob for your BMW without a lot of trouble. The loss of keys is always a headache, but a BMW loss can be incredibly frustrating. You should know your options in the event of replacing a lost BMW Key to ensure that you can pick the appropriate one for your needs. In the future, try to be more careful with your keys to your car so that you do not lose them in the first place! If you do lose them, make sure to look in your pockets as well as your car and places where you wouldn't normally keep them.