Although pre-programmed for your car, your key still needs to be activated in order to be used.
Hold your new key fob flat on the dim battery indicator next to the steering column to accomplish this. After then, keep pressing the start/stop button until the “no key” warning light goes out. To check that activation was successful, press the start/stop button once more.
If this doesn’t work, you might need to activate your new key while removing your old key fob from the signal range to avoid interference. To accomplish this, first unlock your BMW with the existing key before having someone carry the key a short distance away from your car. After that, you can push the start/stop button while holding your new key against the steering column.
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Safe and dependable
Because client safety is our top priority, we don’t fill orders without proof of vehicle ownership. You must send a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration after placing an order and paying for it. To see a list of acceptable documents, consult our document guidelines.
BMW makes each key fob to order. Since each new BMW key produced through key replacement by VIN is distinct, per BMW policy, they are totally non-refundable and cannot be canceled or returned.
Questions and Answers
- Can my damaged BMW key be repaired?
- The BMW key shell frequently ages or sustains damage over time. You can swap out the shell for a new BMW Key Shell if the key is still functional. Purchasing a new BMW key is much more expensive than doing this.
- How can I obtain a new BMW key?
- Any BMW dealer will be happy to order you a new key. Without taking the car to the dealership, you will need to present identification and evidence of ownership.
- How is a new BMW Key programmed?
- Your vehicle should already be pre-programmed into your BMW key. It only needs to be inserted once to turn the car on. Few new BMW keys might need to be programmed.
- Do I require a new key or can I just change the batteries in my keyfob?
- Some BMW keys include batteries that can be recharged. Even these batteries expire eventually. The purpose of these keys was not to be serviced. The salespeople at BMW stores will advise you to get a new key. The good news is that the battery can frequently be changed, and even these keys can be used to access things. Instead of spending $300+ on a new key, it is much less expensive to open up the shell and change the battery.
- Can a locksmith duplicate a BMW key?
- Making a BMW key is difficult, and unless the BMW is an older model, most locksmiths won’t be able to. For specific BMW models, a locksmith utilizing an AK90+ Key Programmer from eBay can make a duplicate key. The CGDI Prog BMW MSV80 Auto key programmer on eBay diagnosis tool with IMMO Security is another instrument that locksmiths frequently employ.
The cost of a BMW automobile key
Dealer:
The automobile will need to be towed to the dealership in order for these sorts of keys to work because they need to be programmed in order to start the vehicle.
vehicle locksmith
A typical automobile locksmith does not have the tools and keys needed to create new BMW key fobs or transponders. Consequently, the dealer is your only choice.
What should I do if my BMW key is lost?
If you still have one key, you must bring your car, one piece of personal identification, one form of address identification, and the V5C logbook to your selected BMW Center*. You will need to make arrangements for your automobile to be delivered to your preferred Center along with the necessary documentation if you have lost both keys and are unable to access the vehicle.
* A photocard driver’s license cannot be used for both address identification and personal identification.
To keep you safe, our Centers are required to adhere to these security precautions. Additionally, you’ll have to sign for your new key upon picking it up.
Can you make a copy of a 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.
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.
Does BMW have keyless ignition?
I’ll use the following scenario as an example: The passenger exits the vehicle with the key in their bag as I begin to park, and I later receive a notice that the key is missing.
How far/how long can the vehicle be driven in this manner? What follows is? Will it quit or keep running until you manually turn it off?
I’m not sure if it’s a problem; as long as the driver’s key starts the vehicle, I don’t think it matters if a passenger has a key.
Yes. However, he meant that while the passenger has the key and walks away with it, the driver does not.
I can relate because I’ve been in a similar circumstance before. Sometimes when I hand my wife the key, she keeps it in her bag while I’m driving. And when we arrive there, whether it be home or another location, she exits the vehicle carrying it. And when that occurs, the auto issues a missing key message.
Until you turn off the engine, you can keep driving. To remotely unlock and lock the vehicle without a key, remember to configure the ConnectedDrive app on your phone. I was once in a scenario where this helped me.
So that I always have a spare key, I’m considering just keeping the key card in my wallet. The fact that I might never use it and prefer slim wallets is the only thing keeping me from doing it.
I used to have mine working fine and kind of cheated by putting the card in the rear of my iPhone case, but I eventually gave up on the notion out of concern for losing my phone.
There is a rumor that the upcoming iOS upgrade will have a feature that can be used as a car key, however it is unclear if this will work with the G20.
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!
Is the BMW X5 keyless to operate?
BMW is experimenting with a new method of accessing and operating your automobile without the need for a physical key with the new X5 and 8 Series. Basically, an NFC chip installed in the car’s doors allows you to now lock and unlock it using your phone.
By using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the Digital Key eliminates the need for a traditional car key and enables locking and unlocking of the new BMW 8 Series via a smartphone as well. Once inside, the smartphone is simply placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray and held up to the door handle to unlock the vehicle. From there, the engine can be started.
The new X5 and 8 Series cars will come with a virtual key as part of the Comfort Access option, and likely future BMW models too.
Here is how BMW outlines a virtual key’s usual operating procedure:
“When installed, the car can automatically unlock and lock doors without the driver having to touch the door handle because it can detect the key from a few feet away. The ambient lighting and light carpet will turn on as soon as the car recognizes the key, welcoming and pointing the driver to the door.”
Nobody needs to worry about security because BMW also provides an option for turning off the NFC technology from the iDrive system. In addition, the Comfort Access option now comes with a keycard that can be used in place of a smartphone.
Of course, the $250 Touch Key is included in the X5 and 8 Series’ standard configurations, but for those wishing to free up some cash, a smartphone may be a more elegant option.