BMW Key Replacement Austin Texas Okey DoKey Locksmith

10-07-2020 - Hi there! Have you lost or broken the key to your BMW? Do you want to duplicate remote keyfob, smart-key or transponder key? Gazing for a convenience and inexpensive key replacement services?

Excellent news

Okey DoKey Locksmith offer 24/7 fast and affordable BMW replacement keys. Call for immediate assistance, free estimate and scheduling. Our expert mobile car locksmith come to you to duplicate or replace your lost keys on-site.

Furthermore, we can solve all your BMW key, locks and ignition concerns.

Does BMW key use transponder?

BMW started using an encrypted transponder keys on most of it's models starting in January 1, 1995. A few 3 Series was the exception, but they followed shortly.

BMW transponder is a laser cut remote head key with a dimond shaped remote clicker.

BMW started using the Comfort Access proximity fobs in 2004 with few models as either standard or optional equipment. This device contain a transponder chip that powered by a battery.

What is a BMW transponder key used for?

BMW use transponder keys mainly as an anti-theft technology. The immobilizer sync with the transponders in the key to protect your BMW from unauthorized access.

First the immobilizer programmed to recognize each key by a digital code. The fuel-pump will lock and the vehicle becomes immobilized when a wrong key turned in the ignition.

How does BMW immobilizer works?

BMW uses the "rolling code" system to change the code each time the transponder key is used. This system protect the owner from unauthorized cloning of keys, since current code is invalid the next time the key used.

Upon manufacturing each immobilizer programmed with 10 unique chips. Each new vehicle arrives with 2-3 keys and each additional keys ordered through a dealer or a licensed locksmith.

The EWS have a limit of 10 keys and after duplicating 10 keys, the EWS unit must be replaced to accept 10 new keys. This process could cost over $1k to do.

How do I know if I have a transponder key?

Below are the list of BMW models that use transponders:

• BMW 3 Series
• BMW X6 1995+
• BMW Z3 1995+
• BMW 6 Series 1995+
• BMW 760i 1995+
• BMW 750i 1995+
• BMW M3 1995+
• BMW 535i 1995+
• BMW 525i 1995+
• BMW 5 Series 1995+
• BMW 328i
• BMW Z4 1995+
• BMW M6 1995+
• BMW M5 1995+
• BMW X5 1995+
• BMW 550i 1995+
• BMW 530i 1995+
• BMW 650i 1995+
• BMW 335i
• BMW 7 Series 1995+
• BMW 740i 1995+
• BMW 750Li 1995+
• BMW 528i 1995+
• BMW X3 1995+

How can I duplicate BMW keys and remotes?

Duplicating keys is a procedure done by a local dealer or a car locksmith ands can be done key by VIN or by a cloning procedure:

Duplicate BMW key by VIN

For the dealer to duplicate your key will need the VIN and a proof of ownership. Sufficient proof will be title or registration and a match driver license. A signed power of attorney required if you are not the owner of the vbehicle.

The vehicle or the existing key does not need to be at the dealership to copy the key. Call the dealer begfore you go and provide them your VIN to get a quote. Prices vary slightly from one dealership to another, so you better call around for the best price.

BMW key cloning

Cloning of a BMW key is something very few car locksmith can do. Newer models might employ extra protection against cloning, so the newer the model the harder to find a locksmith to clone your key.

Proper BMW key programmer and diagnosis tools are used to cloned key using 2 methods:

1. OBD port - copy the key data from the vehicle computer to a new key blank.
2. Reading the key - copy the key data from the key chip to a new key blank

Can I program a duplicate BMW transponder key myself?

No you can't! There is no interface on-board to duplicate BMW keys by yourself. Only the dealer or a licensed locksmith can program keys using dedicated programmers. Before a key can start the car, it must be approve by BMW using the VIN.

Can I program BMW key FOB myself?

In some cases a BMW remote locking/unlocking buttons stop functioning. This might happened after replacing the battery on the key or vehicle. The key will still manually start the engine and unlock the doors but the FOB is not responding.

BMW 3 5 7 Series 325i E38 E39, E39, E46, E90, E38, Z3, Z4, X3, X5 and M5 vehicles employ an onboard interface to program remotes. This method works on. Follow steps below to reprogram your remote:

Enter programming mode (first method)

1. Close all the doors while sitting inside.
2. Turn the key to I position to watch the the dash instrument cluster lights turn on.
3. Wait five seconds and pull the key from the ignition keyhole.

Enter programming mode (second method)

1. Insert the key into the ignition keyhole and turn it on and off to position I 5 times in a period of no longer that 5 seconds.
2. Remove the key from the ignition keyhole.

Reprogram the remote

1. Press the unlock button on the remote clicker to hold it pressed down.
2. While pressing the unlock button down, press the lock button 3 times.
3. Release all the buttons.

Lost/stolen key replacement! What to do?

When all your keys to a BMW are lost, the recovery process is very similar to a key duplication. Reprogramming tools and new codes are only available to BMW dealer or to a licensed locksmith. The vehicle is re-programmed to accept a new key code from the 10 initial keys programmed in the computer and reject the lost keys.

While some complain about the BMW EWS 10 keys limit, the rolling code offer a great advantage and protection. Since the 10 keys codes are initially programmed, you don't need to tow the car to the dealer to recover a lost key.

Just like key duplication service, all they need to cut and program a new key is the VIN and a proof of ownership.

What is a BMW valet key?

Each new immobilized BMW arrives with a valet key. A valet key cannot be duplicated and designed to be used for emergencies. The valet key has a grey plastic head and doesn't allow access to the glove box or trunk.

My BMW ignition key is hard turn! What to do?

There are many reasons for ignition problems! Please check our article about ignition repair and replacement.

How much does it cost to replace BMW key?

* Estimates above includes the technician coming out to you the parts and the labor.

Final price depends on:

• The state of the lock and the car computer.
• The type of equipment used by the technician.
• The type of key that you would like to have.
• The chip configuration.

The technician will diagnose the vehicle and provide a final price for you to approve before doing anything.

How long does it takes to make a key?

Our emergency mobile car lock smith are operational 24/7/365. Ready to handle all your BMW locks and ignition issues. We usually arrive at customer location fast.

Our van is totally equipped with modern cutting, diagnostic and programming machinery able to restore keys onsite. A key replacement process for a vehicle usually done same day.

We take great pride in implementing an affordable price and reliable services. Give us a call at for a FREE ESTIMATE and our BMW expert will arrive to your place ASAP. Okey DoKey Locksmith is always here to meet your needs in a professional way.

References

1. BMW.com
2. bimmerpost - The largest online community dedicated to all things BMW.
3. wikipedia - Comfort Access or Display Key
4. edmunds - American online resource for automotive information.

Related articles/services

1. Car lockout
2. Car key replacement
3. Ignition repair