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What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are costly and come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal however, it can also make things if you lose a key. The first thing you should do if you lose your BMW key is to contact the dealership. This may not be your most convenient option. You could think about hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day. You just want to go home and unwind in your cozy sweats. Get some pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that you'll need to make one last stop and return your keys to your car – which you haven't seen since the beginning of the day. There are a lot of options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is visiting the dealership. You'll need proof of ownership and an ID with a valid photo and any other sets of keys that you have. The dealership will then order the correct key for your vehicle and match it to its computer chip. This process could take anywhere from two to three weeks, and it will cost you at most $200 in the event that you do not have a backup key. Another option is to contact a locksmith. Many locksmiths have the tools to cut a BMW key, and they can typically do it at a fraction of the cost of dealerships. A locksmith can program the blank key for your vehicle and cut it. This could save you lots of time and money, however, you'll need to be sure to choose a reputable professional locksmith. If you have an extra key, you can try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you'll have to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the lost fob. This can be a costly, inconvenient and expensive method of getting back on the road, unless you have a roadside emergency plan such as Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a more affordable option however, it will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer to fit your vehicle, which could increase the cost of replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online make sure to check out the reputation of the seller as well as reviews from customers. 2. Contact a Locksmith BMW keys and fobs may seem like insignificant accessories, but they are actually sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys are equipped with transponder chips, which provide a unique identification to the vehicle every time they are put into the ignition. They can also be programmed to store personal settings like seat and mirror positions, radio presets, and more. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly safe and hard to steal however, it also means that they are more complex to replace in the event of loss or damage. It is important to be prepared for such the eventuality by keeping a spare in a secure location, having the number of a trusted locksmith on your phone, and knowing the cost of replacing a key. To begin, it is critical to know what kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle, since the procedure for replacing these items will differ depending on their unique design. For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with a key fob on it, you can typically get a new one made at the local hardware store for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealership to ensure that the new fob is properly adapted to your vehicle. To safeguard against fraud or unauthorized key duplication 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, registration for your vehicle, or title. It is important to be aware that getting a replacement fob and key could take as long as two full weeks. For this period, you will not be able to drive your vehicle. In this case, it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage that will pay for the replacement of keys lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of an unforeseen loss. 3. Cut a Key Blank You've had a long, tiring day. You're just dying to get home and change into your comfortable sweatpants and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that you've misplaced your car keys. It's the most awful feeling ever, and it can really ruin your evening plans. There are ways to get around the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys available. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done either by the dealer or by an locksmith. The procedure is relatively simple and involves a few tools. To begin, 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. Once you've located the keyhole, you can remove the trim panel to expose it. Then take the blank and the original using a vise. Use a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. Make sure you file slowly and carefully in order not to scratch the original key. Once bmw replacement key is cut, you can hold 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 want 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 fantastic anti-theft measure to ensure your car is secure. Smart keys can get lost, but they are not perfect. Finding a replacement at 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 deliver the new key. This will increase the cost. It's not impossible to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can purchase BMW remote key fobs and have them delivered to your residence. They are usually cheaper than purchasing them from a dealer, and can also spare you the hassle of having to drive to the dealer to purchase a replacement key. To avoid confusion when ordering replacement keys, ensure you have your VIN and evidence of ownership. Another benefit of buying online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is crucial, as the battery in a standard key fob will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. If the battery is defective the fob might stop working, which could be dangerous for drivers. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can obtain an alternative key fob for your BMW with little trouble. Losing keys is always a headache but the loss of a BMW loss can be incredibly stressful. It's crucial to know what options you have when you need to replace a lost BMW key so you can choose the best one for your needs. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your keys to your car so that you do not lose them in the first place! Examine your pockets, your car, and other places where you don't usually keep them.