How to Replace a Lost BMW Key If You Have No Spare
If you don't have a spare, losing your BMW key is a major problem. It's best to keep a spare key in a safe place, like the kitchen drawer. This will prevent you from losing your car keys.
The process of getting the new BMW fob and key isn't quick. It can take up to two weeks.
How do I obtain a replacement key
Car keys that are lost or stolen can be an enormous hassle and big headache, particularly if it's the only key. Make sure you have an extra car key in order to avoid this. You can leave your spare key in a safe place or give it to someone you trust to be able to get it back if you need to. It's an excellent idea to keep your keys on a ring different location than the one you typically wear so that they are less likely to slip out of your pocket and end up lost.
It is more difficult to replace a BMW fob key than a standard key. This is because BMW fobs are equipped with a security chip that lets the vehicle verify the key, preventing thieves from operating your car. To replace a BMW fob you will have to visit the dealer and show evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration. The dealer will then order an alternative key and connect it with your vehicle. The whole process could take a while and you'll be without your car in the meantime.
There are locksmiths now who specialize in BMW fobs and keys. These professionals can come to your workplace or home and create an entirely new key and program it to work with your vehicle. You can avoid the costs of towing or additional costs from the dealer. They also offer a range of car services such as replacing the battery in the key fob or keychain.
The best method to avoid losing a BMW key is by getting an extra. Place it in a secure and safe place and establish a routine to check it regularly. Make it a habit to empty your pockets each when you enter your vehicle. This will stop them from falling out accidentally.
Replacement battery
A key fob allows you to lock and unlock your car without having turn the ignition. It also lets you start your car from anywhere and offers an additional level of security when driving in a car by yourself. But the battery in your BMW key fob can die after a few years of use, which can be frustrating. Luckily, it's not that difficult to replace the BMW key fob battery yourself at home. The first step is to buy the new battery at the local auto parts store or convenience shop. You'll need a CR2032 battery and is also called a "watch" battery. Remove the old battery and put the new one in its place. Once the new battery has been installed place, close the BMW key fob's two halves and snap them back together.
The procedure to open and replace the battery on the key fob of a BMW vehicle is a bit different depending on whether it uses a Comfort Access or Smart Key. For BMWs which use a Comfort Access Key, the battery is located in an access port that is small on the side of the key fob. To open the key fob, press into a small tab, then remove the metal valet key. When the fob is open, you can see the access port as well as the battery.
To replace the battery, remove the key blade made of metal and remove the cover of the BMW fob. You will notice an access port in the small size, which you can open with the valet key or a flat screwdriver. After the old battery is removed, insert a new CR2032 battery and close the cover. After you've replaced the battery, you can put the key blade made of steel back into place and switch the fob on to connect it with your vehicle.
To avoid the hassles of locked cars and keys that are lost it is important to replace the batteries on the key fobs in the case of a BMW. You can buy a new battery at your local auto parts store or convenience shop, and the process is fairly simple. Then, you can easily program your new BMW key fob by following the same procedure as programming your original one.
Replacement key fob
The key fob will unlock your car, start it and even open the trunk or liftgate. However, with this added functionality comes the risk of losing it. If you lose your key fob, you might have to visit the dealership or an autobody shop to obtain a new one. However the replacements could be expensive. There are a variety of ways to save money.
Always have a spare fob. This is the best method to avoid having to purchase a new one. It is recommended to keep it somewhere different than your keychain, such as in a drawer in the kitchen. Some people also keep their spare in a glove box or in the center console. This makes it easier to locate in case you lose the fob.
When it comes time to replace a key fob you should check your warranty, car insurance policy and auto club membership coverage. A lot of bumper-to-bumper warranties for new cars will cover key fob repair and replacements. Check to see if your key fob uses rolling-code encryption if it is an older model car. The keys can only be replaced and usable with a special dealer program.
Older cars are usually fitted with the standard key and lock system. However, a few of them have keys with remote-locking and remote engine-start capabilities. Fobs of this type are available as aftermarket products and are programmable by a locksmith or at the dealership. Some of them also have a key blade built into the fob, which is found in pickups and SUVs.
A few of these key fobs are able to be repaired for less than $200. Some of the more expensive key fobs, for instance the BMW display key fob could cost as much as 400 dollars to replace and reprogram. The dealer will need to reset the security code and re-code the key to work with your vehicle, which can take up to an hour. The process could be more expensive for older vehicles that were reprogrammed by factories or aftermarket companies. The reason is that they have to include a reprogramming button.
Blade replacement for key
If your BMW key fob has been stripped of its battery, you may still be able unlock the vehicle manually, but you will not be able use Comfort Access or even start the engine. To accomplish this you need to press and hold the button on the bottom of the fob to remove the key blade inside and use it like the traditional key. You can also purchase an alternative keyfob that has a removable blade from an auto locksmith. Some of them will provide a switchblade key to give additional security.
If new bmw key have lost your fob or it has stopped working, you can get a new keyblade the BMW Smart Key. This kind of key has an electronic chip that sends an electronic signal to your car that confirms its identity. This will stop criminals from using signal amplifiers to steal your keys or start your car.
Modern smart keys have driver profiles that are specific to each family member. This lets them use the same key fob for multiple vehicles in the home. However certain older BMW models do not come with this feature. If you lose your key fob, you can purchase a replacement from the dealer and it will be programmed according to the settings of your vehicle.
BMW's standard fobs are designed to withstand normal humidity levels, such as a wash machine trip or a mishap in a body of water. The Display Key with touchscreen, however, is not as water resistant and should be treated the same way you would treat the smartphone.
A handful of locksmiths in the United States have the training and equipment needed to laser cut, pre-code and program BMW keys. One of these is the Key Man Lock & Safe Company located at 2050 Wall Ave in Ogden, Utah. They can change your lock at the dealership, or they can come to you.
You can also order an online replacement BMW key from the website of the manufacturer. You'll need proof of ownership of the vehicle, and the key fob needs to be reprogrammed.