{"id":6137,"date":"2025-10-09T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/?p=6137"},"modified":"2025-10-10T09:36:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T09:36:51","slug":"cheaper-to-total-the-car-man-with-a-2015-bmw-needs-a-new-key-then-he-finds-out-how-much-they-are-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.undergroundz.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/09\/cheaper-to-total-the-car-man-with-a-2015-bmw-needs-a-new-key-then-he-finds-out-how-much-they-are-now\/","title":{"rendered":"'Cheaper to Total the Car:' Man With a 2015 BMW Needs a New Key. Then He Finds Out How Much They Are Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

A man loses his car key fob and faces the harsh reality of the cost to replace BMW key fobs at a BMW dealership.<\/p>\n

In a TikTok that\u2019s generated over 140,600 views as of this writing, Craig (@craigthatgolfguy) reveals the absurd cost of getting his key fob replaced at a BMW dealership.<\/p>\n

Are You Fobbing Kidding Me?<\/h2>\n

In the short TikTok, Craig is struggling to process the amount of money he was charged to replace a key fob.<\/p>\n

The on-screen caption reads, \u201cSince when did BMW dealers raise their prices for key fobs to $856 when the only place to go to get a new key fob is a BMW dealer?\u201d <\/p>\n

Craig reveals that he spent $856 to replace the key fob for his 2015 BMW. Now, that\u2019s quite a steep price to pay for a car key replacement. <\/p>\n

\u201cI [expletive] you not, it was $856 for a new key. Fob was around $700 and the physical click in key part was $149,\u201d Craig commented. <\/p>\n

This high cost to replace keys left Craig wondering how on Earth this is even possible. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a 2015, ain\u2019t nothing fancy. How\u2019d this come out to a grand? Are you fobbing kidding me,\u201d he captioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheaper to total the car and pay the $500 deductible to get a new one,\u201d one TikTok commenter added. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised they don\u2019t also require a subscription to use it,\u201d another joked.<\/p>\n

Are BMW Dealerships the Only Place to Get BMW Key Fobs?<\/h2>\n

In his on-screen caption, Craig writes that only BMW dealerships can replace the manufacturer\u2019s key fobs. However, commenters informed Craig that this is simply not true. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t need to go BMW for that key,\u201d one TikTok commenter shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a BMW tech. You do not have to get your fob at BMW. Literally anyone can program them. I don\u2019t know why we tell people this,\u201d the BMW tech confirmed. <\/p>\n

\u201cFML,\u201d Craig replied to these comments. <\/p>\n

If Not a Dealership, Where Do I Go for a New BMW Key Fob?<\/h2>\n

Many of the viewers stormed the comment section to inform Craig that dealerships aren\u2019t the only place to get replacement keys. <\/p>\n

\u201cDude, go to a locksmith. It will be like $250,\u201d one commenter suggested. <\/p>\n

This viewer is correct. According to Edmunds<\/a>, \u201cA well-regarded locksmith near you may also be able to help provide a key fob replacement.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can buy one on eBay and just take it to get programmed for less,\u201d a second viewer replied. <\/p>\n

\u201cProgram your phone as a digital key. I haven’t used a key fob in almost 3 years,\u201d another suggested.<\/p>\n

As the viewers mentioned, using local locksmiths can be a good alternative. Additionally, online marketplaces like eBay, Keyless Entry Remote Inc, and others can be used. <\/p>\n

Why Are Key Fobs So Expensive to Replace?<\/h2>\n

Seeing the bill when replacing car keys can certainly raise eyebrows due to the high price. <\/p>\n

The average cost to replace a key fob will range from $150-$500, and in some cases, even more, Kelley Blue Book<\/a> reports. <\/p>\n

These key fobs are pricey due to the advanced features they may have, including remote start, window control, self-parking, and keyless entry. <\/p>\n

In addition to BMW, viewers mentioned other car brands for their steep key fob replacement costs. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey wanted like $500-600 for my 2016 KIA. Like a KIA bro,\u201d one commenter said. <\/p>\n

\u201cAudi is telling me that it will be $1,100. Guess I should have bought a BMW,\u201d another shared. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all like that. Same with Land Rover. We know a guy that can program a fob on the side and he still charges $300,\u201d a third replied. <\/p>\n

No matter the brand, the cost to replace key fobs is high due to the advanced features they have. <\/p>\n

Keyless Entry Remote Inc<\/a> reports that these are the factors that make key fobs expensive to replace:<\/p>\n

Advanced Technology and Security Features
\nSpecialized Equipment and Programming
\nManufacturer and Model Specifics
\nLabor Costs
\nConvenience Factor<\/p>\n

Some ways to avoid paying for this costly replacement are to check your warranty, compare prices, and consider third-party services.<\/p>\n

Motor1<\/em> has contacted Craig via TikTok direct message. The story will be updated if he replies.<\/p>\n

 
\n‘They Said They Would Pay Me:’ Man Opens His Mail. Then He Gets Letter from Nissan Asking to Borrow His Truck <\/a>
‘They Lying! That’s a Tactic:’ Woman Pays Car Note for Brand-New Kia Twice a Month. Then She Gets a Letter 5 Years Later<\/a><\/p>\n

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