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What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and they come with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them hard to take and also makes things when you lose a key. If you've lost the BMW key the first step is to call your dealership. This might not be the most convenient option. You could think about hiring a locksmith instead. 1. Contact the Dealership It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to get back home, get into some comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then watch your favorite show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one last stop to return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the start of the day. There are a lot of options when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is going to the dealership. You'll need proof of ownership as well as an acceptable photo ID as well as any other sets of keys you own. The dealership will then order the appropriate key for your vehicle and then pair it with the computer chip. This process can take upwards of two weeks and will cost you at least $200 if you don't have a backup keys. Contacting a locksmith is a different alternative. Many locksmiths have the equipment to cut a BMW key, and they can often do so for a fraction of the cost of the dealership. Locksmiths can program the blank key to your car as well as cut it. This can save you time and money. But, you'll need to find an experienced locksmith who is trustworthy. If you have a spare key, you could try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If not have one, you'll have to get your vehicle towed by a dealership to replace your lost key fob. This can be expensive, time-consuming and costly way to get back on the road, unless you have a roadside assistance plan like Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO. An alternative to going to a dealership is to buy an uncut BMW key from an online retailer. This can be a more affordable alternative, but you'll have to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a locksmith or dealer and this could increase the cost of the replacement. If you decide to purchase a blank online be sure to verify the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews. 2. Contact a locksmith While the BMW key and fob may 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. These chips transmit a unique ID to the vehicle every time they are inserted 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 keys extremely secure and difficult to steal. However, it also makes them harder to replace if they're lost or damaged. It is important to be prepared for this kind of situation by keeping a spare key in a secure location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith on your phone, and understanding the basic cost of a replacement key. It is crucial to determine the type of key or fob in your vehicle, since the cost of replacing them will differ depending on its distinctive design. If you have an old, double-edged key with a keyfob, you can typically find the replacement from a local hardware shop for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program it is necessary to go to a locksmith or a dealer to ensure the new fob is configured correctly to the vehicle you own. To guard against fraud or unauthorised key duplicates To protect against fraud or unauthorized key duplication, the locksmith needs to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle and also verify your identity. This will typically require a copy of your driver's license, registration for your vehicle, or title. It is crucial to understand that getting a new fob and key could take as long as two full weeks. During this time you won't be able to drive in your car. As a result 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 Key Blank It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into some comfortable sweatpants, eat some pizza and binge watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling ever, and it could really affect your plans for the evening. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this hassle and make sure you always have a spare. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or locksmiths. The process is fairly easy and requires only a few tools. First, you'll have to locate the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located in the lower part of the door handle, beneath the trim. Once you've located the keyhole, remove the trim panel to expose it. Then, clamp the blank and the original using a vise. Make use of a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. Be sure to file slowly and cautiously so that you don't to scrape the original key. Once the blank is formed, you can place it in a fire and make it black. This will in revealing the transfer marks created by the lock. 4. Find a Replacement If your BMW has a smart key (also known as a proximity key), you'll want to replace it as well. These keys emit an electronic code that opens the doors of your vehicle and then can start the engine. This is an excellent security measure to ensure your car is secure. However it's not perfect, as smart keys are still lost. The dealer will need to purchase a new key, which could be expensive. It could take up one week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which can increase the overall cost. The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative to a 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 them from a dealer, and they can save you the hassle of having to drive to the dealer to purchase a replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when you purchase an additional key. Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is crucial because the battery inside a standard keyfob will eventually wear down and will require replacement. If bmw key fob replacement is faulty, the fob may cease to function, which can be dangerous for drivers. If you have your government-issued ID and proof of ownership, you can get a replacement key fob for your BMW without a lot of hassle. It's always a hassle to lose your keys but losing the BMW key can be especially difficult. You should know your options when replacing the lost BMW Key so that you can select the right one for your needs. In the future, make an effort to be more careful with your keys to your car so that you don't lose them in the first place! Make sure you check your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.