Need a key cut, help please

[alwaysinabimmer]

I broke my key off- got it out.
Ordered a blank off eBay- and have it now.
I can't find anyone that can cut the key.
I went to BMW where my brother worked a few years ago- he stated they cut keys. However, the guy at the counter said they don't cut keys, and for $80 they will get me a new one.
I have also tried an old small town hardware store that had an old key grinder- he can't/won't try. Lowes can't.
Any help, advice, sugestions???

[Simon S]

I've had a varity of e30 key types cut at various hardware stores with 0 issues.

I'm confused by your experience.
What are they telling you when they say they can't cut them?

If I understand you to say "they can't cut the key from the one broken key that you have" - then, shit, you're fuct - and need to go to dealer with VIN.

$80 for a fucking dealer key !!

Jesus Christ. Wow. I ordered/bought a whole rear trunk lock assembly from dealer for like, shit, ~$40

[devon.818]

keep trying, someone CAN cut it. dont call places, just show up.
this happened to me, i called around and everyone kept saying it was laser cut, they were retards, the e30 keys are CLEARLY not laser cut. so i went up the road to a locksmith, 15$ and i got 2 new keys and they ran it through my AAA, so i paid 0.

you can try to go to a home depot and bribe someone to cut it (its a secured key, they aren't supposed to).

also your key oculd possible to fucked up.

pics!

[alwaysinabimmer]

Here are some pics- from the time it broke off in the glove compartment, to pulling it out with nails to the keys now.

http://cid-67b37d62b5d8733a.photos.live.com/browse.aspx/E30%20Key?uc=1

[BMMal]

I bought a key on ebay, one of the flip ones, I took it to a locksmith and I'm pretty sure the grinder they used was nothing out of the ordinary as far as key cutters go. The only problem was actually with the blank itself. The grooving was not right and I had to file it wider on both sides to get it to work, works fine now though.

After looking at your pictures you will need to use a spare as the original, which I'm assuming you do not have, so you're going to have to go to the dealer and get one from them.

[devon.818]

yep mine was like that. take it to a locksmith. or call AAA

[alwaysinabimmer]

Thanks- Seems like the only way I learn is the hard way. Learn from my mistake- If you don't have a spare/backup key, get one... today.

[///digitalme]

try any locksmith i got mine cut at a local guy for 20 bucks but i think it messed his cutter lol
but he also made me a master key square looking since the old one was beat and couldnt tell how it looked

[alwaysinabimmer]

Mission accomplished - Found a good locksmith. Thanks for the guidance. Now, time to get a back up made! Just hope I never have to have one made for the E65!

[Slangbox]

^I had the exact same thing happen to me. The local locksmith was the only place that could do it. Glad it worked out for you.