oem e30 keys

[Jean]

Well, I am going to order another key based on the PN / VIN and have it cut. The problem I have is my ignition key is different from the doors /trunk . So I'll order a new ignition lock based on the vin, with a matching cut key and hope it works for the doors also.

[triggrhaapi]

Anybody have any idea how much a lighted OEM key cut by BMW and ordered by VIN would cost? I haven't bought my key blank yet and if I can get a better final product going through the dealer I will.

[FredK]

I bought mine for around $42 last year. It was $3 more than a regular, non lighted key.

[triggrhaapi]

I'm assuming that dealer will give me a better product than taking a worn key and a key blank to a locksmith, right? A key blank on Ebay or through my friend will be around $30, so an extra $12 for BMW to cut it like new would be worth it.

[FredK]

If your existing worn key is a brass key, you are correct. If your existing key is a worn steel key, then perhaps your lock cylinder is also worn.

I made a copy of a brass key and it worked horribly. After I got a new key from the dealer, the lock and key combo worked like a champ.

[accident]

you got ganked FredK. When I bought a key for the ETA it was something like $22 for the unlighted one. :(

[FredK]

HA! I dunno, this dealer didn't mark up prices that much. They're semi-reasonable for most stuff.

[BDSax]

if you have a good key, just buy a blank on ebay and have it cut at a locksmith. thats what i did to the e28

[accident]

HA! I dunno, this dealer didn't mark up prices that much. They're semi-reasonable for most stuff.

That's really odd considering i live in SoCal. I'm pretty sure my parts counter guy just likes E30s. When I bought the exhaust hanger donuts he quoted me like $25 each on the phone, but when I got there he sold me the pair for $12.

[craiggroves91]

I really need another key. To get an OEM one made by VIN, who does it?
Dealership?
Or do i buy the key on ebay and then take it in ?
I only have one ILCO key. Works for everything but the glovebox.

[accident]

go to the dealership with your registration and tell them you need a key.

[Jand3rson]

This is what I got when I went in there with my VIN to get a new key. The blade of the key is actually a separate part from the main body, it mounts in it with a set screw. I think the whole thing was like $23. Kinda steep, but it's the only one I've seen like it since. It also has a light, but we pulled it out and replaced it with an LED.

[craiggroves91]

go to the dealership with your registration and tell them you need a key.

It wont be very expensive right? 20-30?

[Jean]

I ended up getting a new key cut by the vin from the dealer. IIRC it was about $25.

It looks like this-

The one I got from ebay is not an e30 key blank...the e30 ones have a letter "S" and are shaped differently.

It didn't match my ignition lock cylinder, so I ended up buying a new one of those by the VIN as well (about $65).

Then I had a local locksmith make me a set of matching trunk/door lock cylinders to match the new key.

So nice to have a factory key and matching locks, not only is it easier to open with the correct size key but they also don't bend etc.

[expressfish]

for anyone else with key issues, I just ordered and received a complete (used) lock set from Reggies Motorworks......glove tumbler, two front locks, ignition and trunk lock. It was like $150 shipped. I ve installed all but the ignition and they all work well. I understand he has a couple more in stock.