What Is BMW Keys? History Of BMW Keys What to Do When You Lose Your BMW Keys

BMW cars are expensive, and they have sophisticated anti-theft technologies. This makes them difficult to steal and also makes things when you lose a key.

If you've lost the BMW key first step is to call your dealer. This may not be your most convenient option. You could consider hiring locksmiths instead.

1. Call the Dealership

It's been a long, tiring day and you're just dying to get home, change into comfy clothes, grab a slice of pizza, and then on your favorite TV show. But before you can do any of that, you have to make one last stop and return your vehicle keys that you've not seen since the beginning of the day.

Fortunately, you have several alternatives when it comes to getting your BMW key replacement. The first option is to visit the dealership. You'll be asked to show proof of ownership and an ID valid. If you own other keys, they will also need them. The dealership will then order the right key for your vehicle and then pair it with your vehicle's computer chip. The process can take up to two weeks and cost you $200 if you don't have an extra key.

bmw replacement keys is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are able to cut BMW keys for the cost of a fraction of what dealerships charge. In addition to cutting the blank, locksmiths can also program it into your vehicle. This will save you time and money. However, you'll need to find an expert locksmith who is trustworthy.

If you have an extra key, you could try using it to unlock your vehicle. If you don't then you'll need to get your car tow by a dealership to replace your lost key fob. If you don't avail of an emergency roadside service plan, such as Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO it will be a costly and inconvenient method of getting your car back on the road.

Online sellers provide a less expensive alternative to going to an agent. This is a less expensive alternative, but you'll need to have it programmed to the specific vehicle by a dealer or locksmith and this can increase the overall price of the replacement. If you choose to buy a blank online make sure you check the reputation of the seller and read customer reviews.

2. Contact a Locksmith

While a BMW key and fob may appear to be a minor thing to lose however, they are sophisticated pieces of technology designed to enhance security. BMW keys come with transponder chips, which provide a unique identification to the vehicle whenever they are placed in the ignition. They can also be programmed to store personal settings, such as seat and mirror positions, radio presets and more. This level of sophistication makes them highly 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 essential to be prepared for this type of situation by keeping a spare key in a safe location and ensuring you have a reputable locksmith in your phone contacts and knowing the fundamental cost of replacing a key. It is crucial to determine the type of key or fob in your vehicle, as the cost of replacing them will differ due to the distinctive design.

For instance, if you own a traditional double-edged vehicle key with a key fob on it You can typically have a new one from an hardware store in your area for less than $10. If you have an advanced key fob that requires special programming, then you'll need to visit either a locksmith or a dealership to ensure that the new fob is set up correctly to work with your vehicle.

To protect against fraud or unauthorised key duplication, the locksmith will need to verify that you're the owner of the vehicle as well as your identity. This usually requires the original driver's license, vehicle registration, or title.

It is important to know that the process of obtaining a new key and fob might take as long as two weeks, during which you'll be unable to drive your vehicle. In this case it is recommended to invest in key protection coverage which will cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost and will provide you with rental car reimbursement in the event of a sudden loss.

3. Cut a Blank Key

You've been through a tiring, long day. You just want to go home and change into your comfortable sweatshirt and watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you've lost the keys to your car. This is the worst feeling and can cause a major disruption to your plans for the evening.

There are ways to cut out the hassle and ensure you always have spare keys available. One option is to have a blank key cut. This can be accomplished by the dealership or an locksmith. The procedure is relatively easy and requires only a few tools.

To begin, you'll need 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 found the keyhole, you'll be able to remove the trim panel to expose it.

Then, clamp the blank and the original in a vise. Use a file to form a blank to resemble the original. File slowly and carefully to avoid scraping the original key. After the blank has been formed, you can place it over a flame and then blacken it. This will in revealing the transfer marks created by the lock.

4. Find a Replacement

You'll also need to replace the smart key if your BMW has one (also known as a proximity key). The keys emit an electronic code that opens your car doors and can start the engine. This technology is an excellent security measure to keep your vehicle safe. However it's not perfect and smart keys are still lost. Getting a replacement from the dealer can be costly, and they'll have to order a new one. It could take up a week for the dealer to process and deliver your new key, which will add to your overall cost.

The good news is that it's not hard to find an alternative for a BMW key fob. You can buy BMW remote key fobs and receive them at your residence. They are generally less expensive than buying from a dealer and will help you avoid the hassle of driving to the dealership to purchase a replacement key. If you're looking to avoid confusion, have your VIN in hand and proof of ownership when ordering a new key.

Another advantage of online BMW key fobs is that they come with batteries. This is important because the battery in a normal keyfob will eventually wear down and require replacing. If the battery is damaged the fob might cease to function, which can be dangerous for drivers. Fortunately, you can usually find a replacement for your BMW's key fob directly from the manufacturer with little fuss provided you have your government ID and proof of ownership ready to go.

It's never fun to lose keys, but losing the BMW key can be incredibly stressful. It is important to be aware of your options when you need to replace a lost BMW key, so that you can choose the best one for your situation. In the future, make an effort to be extra cautious with your car keys so you do not lose them in the first place! If you do, be sure to check your pockets or your car for keys, as well as places where you wouldn't normally keep them.