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.
In This Article...
How can I obtain a new 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.
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.
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.
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 BMW keys be tracked?
The processors and keys of some automobiles can hold more data than those of others. More personal information is reportedly stored in the key fob of BMW vehicles than any other automaker.
Your car key is very much trackable to anyone nearby if it offers keyless entry and push-button starting capabilities. A signal that your key produces can be tracked, even hijacked, copied, and used to break into your car. Although it does not happen frequently, it does happen more frequently in our modern, technologically enabled environment.
Not simply the automobile keys are capable of storing data and being exposed. The internal computer, keys, locks, and immobilizer systems in current cars can all be hacked. Once the security is breached, a hacker has access to the vehicle and can then install viruses and tracking software, copy or decode keys, and even take your car. You may really use a very straightforward solution to stop key cloning and data scraping when it comes to your keys.
Without the original key, can you change a lock?
Even if you don’t have the original key, a locksmith can replace your lost automobile key. Going directly to a locksmith rather than to your auto dealer may be more affordable, but you’ll need some knowledge to make the procedure simpler.
I need a new key, but I don’t have the original.
A locksmith can build you a key without the original if you lose it because they can hand-make keys for locks. Without the necessity for an original key, a locksmith can produce a key from scratch utilizing a blank, a file, and the abilities they’ve honed over time.
What is the price of copying a car key?
If you have a key ring with you, you’ll probably need a duplicate key at some point—and, in many situations, more than once. Fortunately, the procedure for cloning a key is simple, but it does help to be aware of the accompanying costs.
A simple key, like a house key, can be duplicated for as little as $1. The most expensive key duplication for current cars typically costs between $30 and $175, however some luxury car models may spend $1,000 or more for a new key fob. Let’s discuss the cost of a key copy in more detail.
Is it possible to program a key without visiting the dealership?
12 January 2020
“An electrically programmed key that is connected to the car’s computer is known as a transponder key. The antenna signal surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the chip inside the key. The computer will react to the key’s signal and decide whether the vehicle can run or not depending on whether the programming is compatible.” Team LPI
A locksmith can typically program a transponder key, however there are a few unusual instances when they won’t be able to, mainly due to dealer restrictions. A locksmith needs to have the required tools in order to program the key. The number of cars a locksmith can service depends depend on how well-equipped they are.
- Is the key’s top made of plastic? If so, the key is probably a transponder one.
- Consult the owner’s guide.
- a security lamp
- A security light is frequently designed like a lock, a key, or the initials SEC. Typically, this light is positioned on the dashboard. When the car is started, the light ought to flash. The light will turn off if the programming in your transponder key is compatible with the car’s computer.
- What is the vehicle’s make, model, and year? With this knowledge, contact a locksmith because they are likely to have the right database.
- Security
- Dealership specifications
Transponder keys are intended to prevent hotwiring of a car. These keys are used by dealerships to give their customers greater security.
Is it necessary to have a key on hand in order for a locksmith to program a new one?
It is frequently believed that since a key is specifically programmed to a car, only that particular dealership can replace a lost key. However, this isn’t usually the case. When hiring locksmith services, you are not required to have a key on hand. Most of the time, a locksmith can program a new key by using the car. You can save a lot of money on service fees by getting in touch with an LPI locksmith rather than a dealership.
Although this kind of service is offered, once a key is programmed to a car, it cannot be reprogrammed. What has to be fixed is the car’s internal computer. All current keys that were previously programmed to that car will need to be removed from the system, rendering them useless. The best method for securing a vehicle is this. Call LPI if you have any inquiries. They would be delighted to help you.
Transponder key programming typically takes less than 30 minutes. Key cutting services are indeed provided.
Can I set up a new key fob on my own?
Many automakers have started designing vehicles with locks that can be unlocked with little more than a key fob since the development of remote technology. The owner of a key fob can easily unlock a door by pressing a button, and many of them can also start their car by pressing a button as long as the fob is inside.
Unfortunately, the dealership may assert that they have property rights over the device and, as a result, only they can make a copy and program it, which comes with an outrageous charge, if a car owner loses their key fob or wishes to make an extra copy. However, while making a new key fob and programming it to function with your automobile may require expert guidance, a knowledgeable locksmith may help you with this task without forcing you to go back to the dealership for assistance.
But hold on, is it illegal to create a new key fob without the dealer’s consent?
Some dealers can even claim that if the task is not carried out by a licensed operator, making a new key fob is illegal. However, even if this might be the case with a leased or rented car, you are probably allowed to create as many copies as you want with the assistance of a professional.
Additionally, programming a key fob to work with your car is also not a difficult process. While you shouldn’t attempt to manufacture a copy yourself, a skilled locksmith can provide you with a new key fob quickly.