Last updated: February 2026
A BMW without a working key is just an expensive lawn ornament. Whether you lost your key at Sailfish Splash Waterpark, snapped it off in the ignition door in your garage, or the battery-dead fob is the least of your problems because the key itself is gone entirely, you're stuck in a way that feels completely helpless. Stuart Locksmiths handles BMW key replacement in Stuart, FL for $185 to $450 depending on your model and key type, and our technicians reach most Stuart locations within 30 minutes. We come to you, cut the key, and program it on the spot.
Why BMW Keys Are a Different Animal
BMW doesn't use ordinary transponder keys. Starting with model year 2000, most BMWs use either a comfort access key, an EWS-coded key, or a CAS (Car Access System) key depending on the generation. Each system requires specific equipment to program, and not every locksmith carries it. Dealerships have it, but you're looking at 3 to 7 business days for ordering and $450 to $800 before they're done with you.
The real issue is that BMW keys are VIN-locked. The immobilizer communicates with a specific coded key, and inserting an unprogrammed key into the ignition too many times can actually lock the system. If you or anyone else has tried to crank the car with a bad key 10 or more times, call us first before trying anything else. We've seen that mistake turn a $250 job into a $600 one.
Our technicians carry BMW-specific programming software compatible with E, F, and G-series chassis, covering everything from the 3-Series to X5 and M-class vehicles common throughout Stuart and along US-1 toward Jensen Beach.
BMW Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Here's a straight answer to what everyone actually wants to know before they call. Prices depend on your BMW's year, the chassis code (E, F, or G series), and what type of key your car uses. The table below reflects our typical ranges for Stuart-area customers.
| BMW Key Type | Typical Years | Stuart Locksmiths Price Range | Dealer Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Transponder Key (EWS) | 1999 to 2006 | $185 to $250 | $350 to $500 |
| Comfort Access Remote Key | 2006 to 2015 | $265 to $350 | $500 to $650 |
| CAS4 / FEM / BDC Key (F and G Series) | 2012 to 2023 | $320 to $420 | $600 to $800 |
| BMW Display Key (Touch Screen Fob) | 2018 to present | $395 to $450 | $750 to $900 |
Dealer pricing data reflects typical South Florida BMW dealership quotes as of early 2026. Our prices include key cutting, programming, and the on-site service call within Stuart. No hidden trip fees, no shop minimum. (Source: ALOA Automotive Locksmith Pricing Survey 2025)
Already know you need fob programming rather than a full replacement? Check our Key Fob Programming & Replacement page for a faster, lower-cost option.
How BMW Key Replacement Works with Stuart Locksmiths
This isn't a "drop your car off and wait three days" situation. We come to you. Here's exactly what happens from call to driving.
- Call or text (772) 362-5731. Tell us your BMW's year, model, and whether you have any working keys left. That last detail changes the job. If you have one key remaining, we can clone or add a second key faster and at lower cost than a complete replacement.
- We confirm parts availability and dispatch. Our tech verifies the correct key blank and software protocol for your specific VIN before leaving. Most Stuart locations see arrival in 25 to 40 minutes.
- On-site diagnostic and VIN verification. We pull your vehicle's immobilizer data to determine which key generation it expects. This prevents the programming lockout issue mentioned above.
- Key cutting. Using a laser cut (high security) or standard cut blade depending on your chassis, we cut the key blade to match your door and ignition lock.
- Programming and verification. We sync the new key to your car's immobilizer, test all functions including remote lock/unlock and comfort access where applicable, and confirm start 3 times before packing up. Total on-site time: 45 to 90 minutes.
BMW Key Theft and Loss in Martin County: What the Numbers Say
Stuart and the surrounding Martin County area see consistent vehicle-related theft and lockout incidents, particularly near the downtown waterfront district and the US-1 corridor. Key loss is the number one reason BMW owners call an automotive locksmith in this region.
| Statistic | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. BMW key replacement cost at dealership (national) | $481 | ALOA 2025 |
| Vehicle thefts in Martin County (2024) | 312 reported incidents | FBI UCR 2024 Preliminary |
| Luxury vehicle key replacement share of automotive locksmith calls | 28% of all auto calls | ALOA Industry Report 2025 |
| Average dealer wait for BMW key (ordered part) | 3 to 7 business days | BMW North America Service Guide |
Why Stuart Locksmiths for Your BMW
There are a few automotive locksmiths in the Treasure Coast area. Here's the honest difference.
We've completed over 1,400 automotive key replacements across Stuart, Palm City, and Jensen Beach since 2019. BMW specifically accounts for roughly 180 of those jobs, which means our technicians have encountered the edge cases: the FEM module that needs resetting, the G-series that requires Ethernet-level programming access, the E46 with a failed EWS ring. We're not learning on your car.
We're locally owned and physically based in Stuart. Not a call center dispatch routing your job to whoever's closest. When you call (772) 362-5731, you're talking to someone who can actually tell you which tech is available and exactly how long they'll take to reach the CVS on Federal Highway versus the marina off SW Flagler Avenue. That specificity matters when you're stuck.
No working key? No problem. True all-keys-lost BMW replacement is harder than adding a spare, but it's something we handle routinely. The job costs more and takes longer, but you won't need a flatbed to the dealership.
Our automotive services go beyond keys too. If your BMW's ignition cylinder itself is damaged, see our Ignition Repair & Replacement page. If you need general Car Lockout Service while you wait for a replacement key to arrive, we handle that as a separate call.
Stuart Locksmiths is also licensed and insured under Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licensing requirements for locksmiths. You're covered. Not every mobile locksmith you'll find on a Google search can say that.
Driving a different European luxury brand? We also handle Mercedes-Benz Key Replacement and Volkswagen Key Replacement with the same on-site process. And if you need a broader look at everything we offer, our full Automotive Locksmith page covers every make and service type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a BMW key without the original?
Yes. All-keys-lost BMW replacement is possible with the right equipment. We use your VIN to pull the immobilizer data and generate a new key from scratch. It costs $50 to $100 more than adding a spare key and takes about 30 minutes longer on-site, but you won't need a tow truck.
How much does BMW key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Our prices run $185 to $450 depending on your BMW's year and key type. Older E-series with basic transponder keys are on the lower end. G-series and Display Key models are higher. You'll always get an exact quote before we start work.
Will a BMW start with an unprogrammed key?
No. The immobilizer system will prevent the engine from starting even if the physical key turns the ignition. BMW's EWS and CAS systems require the key's transponder chip to be coded to your specific vehicle. A blank cut key will turn the cylinder but won't fire the engine.
Is it cheaper to get a BMW key from a locksmith or the dealership?
Almost always cheaper through a qualified automotive locksmith. Our prices typically run 35% to 50% below BMW dealer quotes for the same service. The bigger savings is time: we can usually complete the job on-site the same day, while dealers often require 3 to 7 days to order the key.
Do you program BMW comfort access keys?
Yes. Comfort access programming requires the key to be coded to the CAS module and verified through the car's Body Domain Controller. We carry the software for E, F, and G-series chassis and test all comfort access functions before we leave your location.
How long does BMW key replacement take on-site in Stuart?
For most jobs with at least one working key present: 45 to 60 minutes. All-keys-lost replacements typically run 75 to 90 minutes. Those times account for diagnostics, key cutting, programming, and full functionality testing.
My BMW shows a "key not recognized" message. Is that a key problem or a car problem?
It could be either. The most common causes are a failed key battery, a damaged transponder chip inside the key, or a faulty EWS/CAS ring around the ignition cylinder. We diagnose the specific failure before quoting. Don't keep trying to start the car if you see that message repeatedly, since repeated failed attempts can trigger an immobilizer lockout on some models.
Can you replace the BMW key for an older E46 or E90?
Yes. E46 models use the EWS3 system and E90 models typically use CAS2 or CAS3. Both are within our regular service range. The E46 key is generally the most affordable BMW replacement we do, usually in the $185 to $220 range.
Do you come to my location in Stuart, or do I have to bring the car somewhere?
We come to you. Mobile service throughout Stuart means we meet you at your home, workplace, parking garage, or wherever the car is sitting. There's no shop location you need to visit.
What BMW models do you service in Stuart?
All common BMW models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Series sedans and coupes, X1 through X7 SUVs, Z4 roadsters, and M-class variants. If you're unsure whether your specific model is covered, call us at (772) 362-5731 with your year and VIN and we'll confirm before dispatch.
Can you also make a spare BMW key while you're there?
Absolutely, and it makes sense to do it while we're already on-site. Adding a second key during the same visit costs significantly less than scheduling a separate appointment. BMW recommends keeping two programmed keys per vehicle, and a spare prevents the higher all-keys-lost cost if the primary key is ever lost.