Question: Is there a way to start my BMW without the key fob? The battery is dead in my fob, but I have to go to work. How do I start my BMW with the mechanical key?
Answer:
Many newer vehicles use key fobs instead of a traditional metal key. Fortunately, most BMWs still come with an emergency key in the key fob, just in case it stops working. You can start your BMW with a dead key fob—but if you’ve lost it entirely, you may not have as much luck.
How to open your BMW with a mechanical key
- Remove your BMW emergency key: You should notice a small button on the back or side of the key fob. Push this button, then pull out the mechanical key.
- Remove the cap that covers the key slot if you have one. Newer BMWs usually have a small cover on the door handle that hides the keyhole—it’s normally just a small cap that pops off. You may need to reach in behind the door handle and press in a spring clip to release it.
- Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s side door. Once you have access to the key slot, simply insert your key and turn it to open the door.
- Replace the keyhole cover once you open the door. It’s easy to lose this small piece, so if you had to remove the cover to access the key slot, it’s a good idea to pop it back into place right away. Be sure to snap the cover fully into place so it doesn’t come off while you’re driving.
- Start the car to turn off the car alarm: Opening your car with the mechanical key might cause the alarm to sound, but it will turn off as soon as you start the ignition.
If you have a subscription to BMW Connected, you can use the app to open your car doors. However, you won’t be able to use the app to start your car—you’ll still need your key fob for that.
How to start your BMW with a dead key fob
The way you’ll start your BMW depends on whether your make and model has a key slot in your ignition.
- If your BMW has a key slot in the ignition: Insert your mechanical key and start your car like any car with a traditional key.
- If your BMW doesn’t have a key slot ignition: You’ll need the key fob to start your car, even if it’s dead. Hold the key fob against your steering column where there’s a little key symbol, then press down on the brake. Press the Stop/Start button like you’d normally do to start your car and your BMW will crank.
If you have your BMW’s mechanical key but have lost the key fob, you’ll only be able to start the car if the ignition has a key slot.
If you have a push-start or touchless ignition and you’ve lost your BMW’s key fob, you won’t be able to start the vehicle—you’ll need to visit an authorized BMW dealership to replace your key fob.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
