BMW car key replacement in Buffalo Grove, IL
Lost, broken or worn BMW key? Here is how BMW key and immobilizer systems work, what to try first, and what to have ready when you call Mr Locksmith in Buffalo Grove, IL.
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How BMW immobilizers work
BMW immobilizer control moved from EWS to CAS, and then to FEM and BDC on F- and G-series cars. FEM and BDC are the reason many shops decline BMW all-keys-lost: the module often has to be removed and worked on directly rather than through the diagnostic port, and some later systems are restricted.
No locksmith can honestly promise every BMW model and year. Whether a key can be made for yours — and where — depends on the year and system. Call (312) 478-6125 with the year, model and VIN and ask before anyone is dispatched. Mr Locksmith is an independent locksmith and is not affiliated with BMW.
Common BMW key types
- Remote key (blade or switchblade)
- Comfort Access smart key
- Display key (select models)
All keys lost on a BMW
BMW all-keys-lost on a CAS-equipped car is a well-understood procedure. FEM and BDC vehicles are module-level work that takes longer, and certain newer models may only be possible through the dealer. The year and model tell you which category your car is in.
Worth knowing
BMW keys do not like water or deep cold. A key that was dropped in slush or left in a freezing car and now works intermittently is worth having checked before it stops altogether.
Before you call about a BMW key
- The year, model and trim of your BMW
- The VIN — visible through the windshield on the driver's side, or on the registration
- Whether any working key or fob still exists
- Where the vehicle is: driveway, street, parking garage level or commuter lot
When the technician arrives, expect to be asked for photo ID and proof of ownership — the registration, the title, or a lease or financing agreement in your name.
Car keys by make
Key types, immobilizer systems and all-keys-lost notes for each make. Call with the year and model to confirm what can be done for your vehicle.
Common questions
My BMW key fob battery died — how do I start the car?
If a BMW does not detect the key, hold the key against the marked spot on the steering column — on some models the marked area is near the cupholder or in the console — and press the start button. The emergency blade in the key opens the driver's door.
What does adding a spare BMW key involve?
BMW dealers order replacement keys from BMW already coded to the vehicle, which can take days. Outside the dealer, a key is added by reading data from the CAS, FEM or BDC module; on FEM and BDC cars that often means module-level work. Each key stores its own data, so a key removed from the car's list stops working.
Locked out or need a lock fixed? Call (312) 478-6125.
We answer 24 hours a day, every day. Tell us where you are and what happened, and ask about the price before a technician is sent.