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What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys BMW cars are expensive, and are equipped with sophisticated anti-theft technology. This makes them difficult to steal, but can make matters when you lose your keys. If you've lost the BMW key, the first step is to call your dealership. But this may not be the most convenient option. Instead, you may think about hiring a locksmith. 1. Call the Dealership You've had a long and exhausting day. bmw keys replacement to get home and curl up in your comfy sweats. Take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But before you can do anything, you have to make one last stop to give your keys back to your vehicle that you've not seen since the start of the day. There are several options to pick from when you require an replacement BMW key. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll need to provide proof of ownership and an acceptable photo ID and any other keys you own. The dealership will then request the right key for your car and pair it with the computer chip of your vehicle. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if do not have a spare key. Contacting a locksmith is a different option. A lot of locksmiths have the equipment to cut the BMW key, and can typically do it at less than the cost of dealerships. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This could save you lots of time and money, but you'll have to find a reliable professional locksmith. If you have an extra key, you can try to use it to unlock your vehicle. If not, you'll need to have your car tow by a dealership to replace the lost key fob. If you don't avail of an emergency roadside service plan, like Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be an expensive and time-consuming method of getting your car back on the road. An alternative to going to an auto dealer is to purchase an uncut BMW key from an online vendor. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll need to have it programmed for your specific car by a dealer or locksmith that could increase the price of the replacement. If you do choose to buy a blank online, be sure to check the reputation of the seller as well as customer reviews. 2. Contact for a locksmith BMW keys and fobs can appear as a minor accessory however they are sophisticated pieces of technology that enhance security. BMW keys have transponder chips that send a unique electronic ID to the car when they are inserted in the ignition. They are programmed to keep personal settings such as mirror and seat position, radio presets and many other things. This level of sophistication makes them incredibly secure and difficult to take, but it also means that they are more complex to replace in the event of damage or loss. It is important 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 replacing a key. In the beginning, it is essential to know the kind of key and fob you have in your vehicle since the procedure for replacing the items will vary based on their unique design. For instance, if have a traditional double-edged car key with a key fob on it you can usually get a new one made at an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have a key fob with an exclusive program it is necessary to go to a dealer or a locksmith to ensure that the new key fob is correctly configured to the vehicle you own. To guard against fraud or unauthorized key duplicates, the locksmith will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle and your identity. This will usually require a copy your driver's licence, vehicle registration or title. It is important to understand that the process of getting the new fob and key can take as long as two weeks, during which time you'll be unable to drive your car. It is therefore recommended that you invest in an insurance policy that protects your keys. It will cover the costs of replacing keys lost and will also pay for rental vehicles in the event of a loss. 3. Cut a Blank Key It's been a long day and you're eager to get home, change into some comfy sweatpants, order some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that you've misplaced your car keys. This is the worst feeling, and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening. There are ways to get around the hassle and make sure you always have spare keys on hand. One option is having a blank key cut. This can be done by the dealership or a locksmith. The process is fairly simple and involves a few tools. You'll first need to find the keyhole on your BMW. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the door handle, under the trim panel. You can take off the trim once you've found the keyhole. Then you can clamp the blank and original using a vise. Make use of a file to shape the blank in a way that it resembles the original. Be sure to do this carefully and slowly in order not to scratch the original key. Once the blank is cut, you can hold it over a flame and make it black. This will make it easier to see the marks left by the lock. 4. Get a replacement If your BMW has 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's doors and also begins the engine. This technology is an excellent anti-theft measure that keeps your vehicle safe. Smart keys are susceptible to being lost, but they're not ideal. The dealer will need to order another key, which is costly. The dealer may take up to one week to process and send the new key. This can add to the cost. It's not impossible to replace it is not difficult to replace a BMW keyfob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs online and have them sent directly to your door. They are usually cheaper than buying from a dealer, and could reduce the need to drive to the dealership to purchase an additional key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, make sure you have your VIN handy as well as proof of ownership when purchasing a new key. Another benefit of online BMW key fobs is that they include batteries. This is important as the battery inside a regular keyfob will eventually wear down and require replacing. If the battery is faulty the fob might 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 with little trouble. It's never fun to lose your keys but losing the BMW key can be particularly difficult. It is important to be aware of your options when it comes to replacing a lost BMW key, so that you can pick the most appropriate option for your particular situation. Be extra cautious in the future when it comes to your keys for your car, to ensure that you don't ever lose keys! Make sure you check your pockets, your car, and other places where you aren't likely to keep them.