Can BMW cut a key for me?

[gasisontheright]

Only got 1 key with the car when I bought it. It snapped off last night, can I take the VIN to BMW and they would be able to cut one for me, or am I SOL?

[AlpineM325]

Yes they make keys but it takes a few days.

[bmwguy325is]

Did you get the snaped off section out? A good lock smith can work with the broken key to get you a key.
Or you can take in a lock cylinder and they can make it from that.

[teh Phil]

Yes they can. Keep in mind, after 20 years the tumblers in the cylinder will be a little worn out. I had a new steel key cut a few years ago (I was sick of the cheap copy that came with my car) and the dealer had to file down the key to simulate wear and tear over the years. Prior to that, it wouldn't turn over. Also, your driver door and ignition are likely more worn than the trunk/passenger door. Those may give you a little more trouble with the new key.

[jeffnhiscars]

The dealer will require proof of ownership and ID as well and last time I had this conversation with them they said they could "order" a key. Mind you I was wanting an original steel version so they may be able to cut one as well.

[reelizmpro]

Keyless entry FTW...its more than a convenience.

[MoreMayhem]

When I got my car the single key that came with it operated the ignition and nothing else. I figured the ignition cylinder had been replaced. Couldn't lock the doors or I'd be locked out. Using the VIN I got a new key cut at BMW dealer. That new key works in all the locks and the ignition. Weird?
Anyway, yes the dealer can order a new key for you. Wasn't cheap, I think about $50 at my local stealer, and took a couple days.

[jlevie]

With proof of ownership and ID you can get a new key (and/or lock cylinder) by the car's VIN. In this case I'd get a pair of keys and a new lock cylinder.

[gasisontheright]

It snapped off in the ignition I think. Im going to see if I can find the tip of the key if its not in the ignition. The 1 key I got was so worn down I didn't see a reason to copy it, I was going to replace the ignition and get new keys, but now its stuck in a grocery store parking lot.

[dnguyen1963]

I got a duplicate key from a local hardware store for $5.

[101]

^^

I tried that route initially. What I wound up with was a crappy brass copy of a worn crappy brass copy of a key made long ago.

Get thee to a BMW dealer and order a new master key. The OEM keys are steel (most copies are brass) and are a lot stronger. If your locks are still finicky with the new key, apply a bit of dry graphite lubricant in the key slot and work it around.

My locks work like new now. Plus its baller having the OEM key with the little light!

Expensive - kind of. But I no longer worry about the possibility of snapping a key off and getting stranded somewhere.

P.S. Make sure you order a "master" key. I learned the hard way that there is also a valet key that works the ignition and the door locks but not the rest of the locks.

[nando]

I got a duplicate key from a local hardware store for $5.

not a steel one though.

[dnguyen1963]

not a steel one though.

True, but have not had any problem so far. Dealer wants $65 for a key. I prefer to keep the master key safe.

[wooooosh]

I went to a hardware store and they told me the key had a chip in it and I had to go to the dealer.

[gasisontheright]

1 locksmith told me it had a key, one didn't. Cheapest estimate I've gotten is 150"minimum"