How Much Does A BMW Key Replacement Cost?

Depending on the model of the automobile, a key fob for a BMW will often cost you more than $400, with display keys being more expensive. It may take up to two weeks to receive a replacement key if you don’t go to an authorized service center or dealership for a reliable key replacement.

Summary of Contents

  • To get a quote, give the parts department a call and mention your VIN. Given that costs vary a little bit from dealership to dealership, you might wish to phone multiple dealers.
  • Bring the following paperwork with you when you visit the dealership:
  • Vehicle title or registration
  • your license to drive

The ownership details for items 1 and 2 must be same. Though the BMW’s owner has signed a Power of Attorney on your behalf, you can order a replacement key even if you do not own the car.

It’s not necessary for the vehicle to be at the dealership. For the proximity key, a new BMW key typically costs between $300 and $410. This key has a blade of metal inside. If required, a separate metal blade can be acquired for between $45 and $60.

Depending on the area, the older style BMW key (diamond key) ranges in price from $165 to 210.

What is the cost of programming a BMW key fob?

Since you can program your BMW key fob yourself, programming your new key won’t actually cost you anything. This is how:

  • Put your new key in the ignition and swiftly cycle it five times in and out of the first position.
  • The ignition key should be removed.
  • Keep holding down the unlock button.
  • Press the lock button three times while holding down the unlock button.
  • Step three is repeated after releasing the unlock button and pressing it once more.
  • Finally, use your key to start the ignition.

Congratulations! You’re finished. To verify sure the remote is operating properly, test your key fob.

You may always get help programming your key fob from a BMW dealership or service center if you run into any problems.

Take some time to talk with Jerry about your alternatives for vehicle insurance while you’re replacing your key fob. The Jerry app instantly compiles rates from more than 50 leading insurance providers, including Nationwide and Allstate! Once you’ve decided, they even assist you in canceling your old coverage.

Toronto Troyman

I called the dealership after I misplaced the key fob for my brand-new 540I to find out how much it would cost. I was expecting something absurd, like $300. I was given a price quote of $600 plus an additional $150 to program it for comfort access! Key fob replacement costs $700! You’ve got to be kidding me!

Then, I assumed he was giving the cost of the Display Remote. Nope. The cost for the standard fob was that.

Questions:

1) Will I probably find a better deal? (With or without access to comfort)

2) Are there any alternatives except BMW?

What is the price of a BMW display key?

We had the chance to experiment with BMW’s newest keyfob at the media debut of the 2016 BMW 7 Series. The touch-sensitive key, also known as the BMW Display Key, is an optional accessory for the new 7 Series and is just $250 in the United States. The key has four buttons on the front for lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic for that small price—which is less expensive than many other BMW keyfob replacements.

The key has a full color touchscreen in the middle that allows you to swipe through various features, such as door locking status, toggle lighting, fuel range, and climate control scheduling. Although the U.S. regulatory bodies have not yet approved it, the BMW Digital Key can be used to self-park your 7 Series in Europe.

According to BMW, the key’s battery lasts for around a week and can be wirelessly recharged in the armrest of the vehicle. Even if the touchscreen is broken, you can still open the car with the key.

It’s incredible what BMW has accomplished with something we always considered to be a simple tool, and we anticipate that keyfobs of the next generation will become much smarter.

The cost of a BMW key fob

The price of a 2020 Toyota Sienna fob was comparable. Dealers, however, gave prices as low as $150 to replace a key fob for a 2017 Honda Accord. A number of BMW retailers claimed that the additional security features built into the 2020 X5 key fob justifies the roughly $500 they spend to replace and program one.

How can I obtain an additional BMW key?

A recent news story claimed that 30% of car owners lose their keys every week. Even while it may occasionally be a little inconvenience, vehicle owners can avoid having their day ruined by it with a little advance forethought. Obtaining a backup key is the most effective approach to make this happen.

Every year, cars get more technologically advanced, and what was once just a basic metal key keeps evolving into a smart fob with a variety of features. You have three choices for getting a new or replacement key for your BMW:

  • You can cooperate with your neighborhood BMW dealer.
  • You can work with a neighborhood locksmith business that has the skills necessary to duplicate and program BMW keys and fobs.
  • You can obtain a “blank” replacement key and fob online, then take it to your neighborhood dealer or locksmith to have it programmed and cut once it arrives.

You will need to have your own personal identifying information, such as the BMW’s VIN and the year and model, in order to use any of these choices. In addition, you’ll need to have identification from the government and documentation showing your identity as the car’s owner. It may seem obvious, but having the necessary information on hand will speed up the process of procuring a replacement key if you find yourself in need of one after locking yourself out. The situation might become less stressful as a result of this.

The dealership may require you to tow your car there so they may make your replacement key if you opt to use them in an emergency and need the replacement key right away. They can come to you if you choose a trained local locksmith, which will save you time, money, and stress.

Why are new car keys so expensive?

As you can see above, as technology advances, auto keys become more expensive. Simple machines or tools may easily duplicate basic keys and fobs because they don’t have complex mechanics. Modern keys include more sophisticated transmitters, codes, and programming, which increases the cost because duplicating them takes longer and requires more expensive hardware. And finally, if you’re working with a luxury car company, be prepared for increased expenditures.

Can you locate a misplaced BMW key?

Nope. There is nothing you could do to make the fobs detectable even if there was a means to start reverse communication because they lack a speaker.

How is a new BMW key fob programmed?

Steps for Programming a New BMW Key Fob After then, remove your key from the ignition. While keeping the unlock button depressed, press the BMW logo three times on your BMW key fob. After pressing the BMW logo three times, release the unlock button. Once the ignition is turned on, your new key should be associated with your BMW.

What is the cost of programming a new key fob?

Typically, key fob programming costs between $85 and $400. Nowadays, most cars come standard with key fobs, also referred to as remote fobs. An additional remote fob with buttons that may lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside, the trunk, or the back hatch is included with car keys.

My BMW key fob can I program it myself?

New BMW Key Fob Programming from Scratch BMW key fob should be taken out of the ignition. Press the lock button (the BMW logo) three times while still holding down the unlock button, and then let go. If you need to program more than one key fob, go back to step 3 within 30 seconds following the first key programming.

A BMW key fob can be programmed by a locksmith.

Dealerships charge hundreds of dollars to complete the replacement of a BMW key due to the complexity of the operation. The costs of employing a dealership start to really build up in the following ways:

  • Your automobile won’t start without a key. Your automobile will need to be towed by the dealership into the service area before any repairs can be made.
  • Key fobs are not stocked in excess or as new ones at BMW shops. It will take about 10 days to receive your customized key once you place a custom purchase. Your automobile is unable to be driven at this time.
  • Your new key needs to be programmed to the vehicle when it arrives, and the immobilizer system as a whole needs to be reprogrammed to recognize the new key fob. Dealerships bill for their time at a premium hourly rate, just like any of their other services.

This process not only takes a lot longer, but it also costs at least twice as much. You’ll wind up paying the dealership at least $500 to replace your BMW key when everything is said and done. There must be a better approach!

There is, in fact, a much better way! You can save yourself hundreds of dollars and a lot of hassle by working with a reputable locksmith like Cheap Lock & Key! You can have an immediate replacement performed at your location for roughly $250 to $350, which includes a new key fob and the reprogramming of your immobilizer system. The keys that locksmiths use and stock up on are identical to those from the dealership.

After the locksmith has finished replacing the key, make sure to test locking, unlocking, and starting the car completely. Therefore, the next time you need a new BMW auto key, make sure to check with your local locksmiths first before going to the shop!

Can I change a key fob on my own?

You might be able to program a replacement yourself, depending on the make and type of your vehicle.

The steps for programming a key fob yourself can differ: Owner’s manuals from certain automakers include instructions. In many circumstances, information can be available online. The catch is that in order to complete the process quickly or at all, you might need two functional key fobs.

Therefore, it is wise to acquire and set up an extra remote before you require it. Additionally, it’s a wise move because most used-vehicle buyers, particularly auto dealers, would pay extra for a car that has at least two functional sets of keys or key fobs. Therefore, having a spare key will not only be useful when you need it, but it will also benefit you in the long run.

Are key fobs replaced by AutoZone?

AutoZone does offer key duplication services for cars made by Toyota, Ford, Honda, Dodge, GMC, Mercedes, Kia, and other manufacturers. These services include key duplication, transponder keys, key fobs, and vehicle key blanks.

How should I proceed if I misplace my key fob?

You can start your car by inserting the industry-standard key into the ignition cylinder and turning it.

If you misplace it, you can call a locksmith, who will be able to make you a new key right away. A locksmith might not be able to help in some situations, such as with an unique or vintage automobile. It’s possible that you’ll need to purchase a new ignition lock cylinder and key from the dealer or an unaffiliated repair facility.

What happens if your car is taken and you leave your keys inside?

Even if you left the keys in the car, you are usually protected if the vehicle is taken if it has comprehensive coverage. If you leave your car running while parked, comprehensive coverage can also protect you against vehicle theft. If you’ve been the victim of auto theft, make a report to the police in your area, then get in touch with your insurance provider.