There are a couple of instances where one may need to get a key replacement for your BMW.
It may be that the previous one got damaged, or a spare is required for the family.
Whichever the case may be, BMW key replacement can take a lot, especially if you don’t know what to do.
In this article, we’ll cover the cost of getting a BMW key replacement, as we have covered everything.
Contents
How Much Does a BMW Replacement Key Cost?
BMW vehicles feature key fobs that serve as anti-hijacking and anti-theft features to keep the vehicles protected.
You might start to wonder when it’s right to get a key replacement and what it will cost.
Many factors could influence the cost of a BMW key replacement. In general, one would expect to spend between $400 and $1,000 on average for a BMW key replacement.
In addition, the value of the BMW that needs a key replacement can also influence the cost of the replacement.
The reason for the replacement is also a factor that can determine how much you’ll spend.
A Detailed Discussion on How Much For BMW Key Replacement
The need for a BMW key replacement isn’t one that we can have full control of, and in many cases, it’s a result of bad luck.
People misplace their keys daily, but in some cases, they may not be able to track the key or find it. In such a case, there may be a need to get a key replacement.
Losing a key by accident is not the only case that will require one to get a replacement.
Sometimes, it may be a result of a faulty button, or maybe the whole key got damaged. Also, it may be a self-made decision to replace the key.
Regardless of the reason for the replacement, it’s important to know how much it will cost and the different ways to replace your BMW key.
Here’s an overview of the ways to replace your BMW key and how much each option will cost:
01. Battery Replacement on Dead Key
It’s always advisable to first start with the batteries before continuing with anything else. If the key stops working, check that the battery is still functioning.
For key fobs that you’ll insert in a slot on the vehicle’s column, there may be no need to replace the batter because they automatically recharge when placed in the ignition slot.
Most of the recent key fobs come with rechargeable batteries that require periodic replacement.
Getting a battery replacement is the cheapest option, and it will cost around on average $10 – $20.
02. Buy a Replacement Shell and Reprogram it
If you’ve checked and are sure that the problem isn’t from the batteries, the next thing is to check the replacement shell.
For this, there’ll be a need to ensure that the seller is a reliable source, as there are many fake products out there.
In general, one can get a good and reliable replacement shell for $50 – $75.
After getting the shell, it’ll need to reprogram it, and this process won’t take longer than 5 minutes.
03. Buy New Dealership Key
You can only replace the battery or get a shell replacement if the old key is still available. In a case where a person misplaces the whole key, these two options may not be ideal.
If that’s the case, there’ll be a need to know the next thing to do. For this, you’ll need to get a new dealership key from your local dealership.
This is an expensive option and will cost average between $200 and $400. Also, the process of buying a new dealership is not as short as the other two methods above.
These are the main option for a BMW key replacement. If there’s an issue with a key, don’t be in a hurry to get a new dealership without trying the first two methods.
On the flip side, if the key gets misplaced, the only option is to get a new dealership.
Does Genuine BMW Replacement Key Cost Higher Than Average
There are different factors that can influence the cost of a car key replacement.
The make and model of the vehicle, type of car key, additional features, and location are the key factors that can determine how much you’ll spend getting a BMW replacement key.
Another thing to note is that there are different products on the market, with many counterfeit products among them.
In general, getting a genuine BMW replacement key will cost higher than average.
How To Program BMW Replacement Key Fob
Regardless of the reason for getting an extra key, you’ll need to know how to program the key.
Many people usually get the process all mixed up, which is why we have provided a stepwise process to help with programming a BMW replacement key kop.
Here’s how one can program an extra BMW key fob:
- First, enter the car and close all the windows and doors. Ensure that the two key fobs are close by at this time.
- Use the functioning key in the ignition and slightly turn it. In this position, the like on the dashboard will come on.
- You’ll notice your accessory and dash lights come on.
- Remove the key from the ignition but remember to turn it back to its initial position.
- Hold the unlock button on the functioning key before pressing the lock button 3 times, and then release the unlock button.
- This will lock and unlock the doors automatically.
- On the new key that’s to be replaced, hold down both buttons for lock and unlock, then first release the unlock button.
- Your doors will also lock and unlock to show that the new key has been successfully programmed.
Here’s how you can program a new BMW key from the beginning:
- After inserting the key in the ignition, slightly turn the key to the first position and back to its starting position repeatedly for up to five times before removing the key.
- Press and hold both the start and unlock button but release the start button thrice before you release the unlock button.
- There may be a need for one to repeat this process if there is more than one new key to the program.
- The only thing left is to turn on the ignition, and that will be it all.
One thing to note is that there may be a slight difference between the process for different BMW brands.
If you’re unable to reprogram it yourself, do not hesitate to contact a specialist to handle it.
Another thing to note is that the methods above may not work for a used key fob or a fob for a different vehicle.
Is it Always Necessary To Get a BMW Replacement Key From a Dealership?
Getting a replacement BMW key from a dealership is not always necessary. These dealerships usually charge outrageous prices for their offers.
You may have noticed the high prices when getting a spare part from a dealership.
People have other options that they could try out without necessarily involving any dealership.
It’s a nice alternative for people who are trying to cut down costs. Are you wondering why dealerships charge more for replacement keys?
It’s because they believe people will not want to find other ways to get replacement keys.
A common option that people don’t usually think of is an independent locksmith.
When you contract these locksmiths, they can also offer other services like reprogramming services.
Therefore, you don’t have to always meet a dealership for a replacement, and you can try other options.
Is it Possible For Anyone To Cut and Program a BMW Replacement Key?
Not everyone can cut a BMW replacement key as it requires some special skills and techniques.
Even for a locksmith, it’s not every locksmith that can easily cut a BMW key, especially if it’s a recent BMW.
For older BMW cars, any locksmith will be able to cut or duplicate the keys.
On the other hand, programming a BMW replacement key is easy, and almost everyone should be able to do this.
The only thing required is to closely follow the steps we have provided above to program your replacement key.
Some Tips To Help Prevent Scenarios That Require Getting a New BMW Replacement Key
Getting a new replacement key can be frustrating, especially if it’s because you misplaced the keys a lot.
But how can one prevent cases that would warrant getting a new replacement key?
Here are a few tips that can help:
- Designate a spot at home and work and dedicate this spot for keys alone.
- Many people prefer to use wall-mounted holders for the keys, which is not a bad idea at all.
- Technological advancement continues, and now there are different trackers for keys which are really helpful.
- Getting a Bluetooth tracker for keys will come in handy and help one to easily find it whenever it gets missing.
- Consider getting a spare key if you don’t already have one. Getting one is a small investment that will come in handy someday.
- Place all keys in the same spot, and have all spare keys in a separate spot, but do not forget the two spots.
- Keep all keys away from conditions that can cause damage, like water or even food.
Also, a key accessory that will come in really handy is key rings, which people can use to keep other keys in place.
The chances of losing a single key are very high, but when they are in a bunch, the chance of losing the key becomes lesser.
How To Get a Replacement Key For Your BMW?
You can get a key replacement for your BMW from any BMW dealer.
However, there may be a need to provide a valid means of identification or a similar supporting document and proof to further support the vehicle’s ownership.
A key thing to do is ensure that the VIN of the vehicle is available, and this is basically the vehicle registration.
You can then take the VIN to a BMW dealer to get a quote for a replacement key.
If the vehicle is not yours, then a replacement key will be issued only when appropriate documents from the owner are provided.
In many cases, the document used is the signed Power of Attorney. This can be achieved even without the vehicle present at the dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can a Damaged BMW Key Be Repaired?
It’s common for the shell of a BMW key to wear out or damage over time. If the key still functions, you can replace the shell, which is affordable, unlike getting a new key.
Do BMW Keys Have Trackers?
BWM keys are designed with a really impressive technology that lets them store information and data in the fob.
This is not common with other car companies, but for keyless BMW vehicles, it’s possible to track the key if it’s within a close distance.
What is The BMW Digital Key?
The digital key is also a new technology that makes it possible for vehicle owners to unlock their vehicles from their iPhones.
To get moving, they only need to place their iPhone in the tray for the smartphone and then push the start button.
With this, there won’t be a need to carry a physical key around all the time.
What is Keycare?
One of the policies when buying your vehicle insurance is keycare. It’s a vital service that requires you to place the fob on a key ring with your number.
It’d be easy to reach you with this if someone finds your key.
Last Words
These are the key things every BMW user should know when it comes to BMW replacement keys.
We have made this easy for everyone who needs replacement keys, from the cost of getting a BMW replacement key to the different replacement methods.
Whenever there is a need to get a replacement key, always remember to first check and be sure that the batteries are fine before checking the replacement shell.
Buying a new dealership key should be the last thing to consider, as it can cost on average up to $400 or even more.