Can BMW cut a key for me?

[jeffnhiscars]

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.

now you've got me wondering....my Cabrio key doesnt work in the passenger door or glove box (although a valet key shouldn't work in the trunk either).

I believe my dealer friend quoted me $25 for an OEM master so I may just get it now.

[101]

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.

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

I'm not sure about all E30 model years - but my 87 definitely does NOT have a chip in the key.

now you've got me wondering....my Cabrio key doesnt work in the passenger door or glove box (although a valet key shouldn't work in the trunk either).

I believe my dealer friend quoted me $25 for an OEM master so I may just get it now.

About that valet ket - there is a funky way about how the trunk lock works with the valet key. The master key can turn the trunk lock slot to an either horizontal or vertical. In the horizontal position, the trunk will stay locked and the valet key cannot open it.

Your passenger side door lock may be suspect if a key that operates the drivers door and ignition does not work there..

You definitely a friend at your dealer if they are only going to charge you $25. My master key with the light was in the $50 ish range. The valet key wasn't a whole lot less.

For everything you always wanted to know about the keys and how they are supposed to work - see pages 9-10 of http://jon.bimmerfest.com/bulletins/e30_manual.pdf

[reelizmpro]

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.

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

There's no chips in e30 keys. It's just a key like most other cars. U can get a $2 copy from the hardware store or order a new master from the dealer for $25-60.

[nando]

I've actually never seen a hardware store that even stocked BMW blanks, much less cut them, and certainly not for $2.

[reelizmpro]

I've actually never seen a hardware store that even stocked BMW blanks, much less cut them, and certainly not for $2.

I guess it depends on the hardware stores available in your area. From left to right...

HYKO bmw blank from Ace Hardware $2 pretty soft but they will make sure it's cut right and works smoothly if you bring the car. Should last a long time if you have keyless entry and are only using it in the ignition. At $2 you can afford to have several back ups.

Ebay copy of lighted BMW master key $5 Pretty stout copy, longer shank than original but that's no big deal.
Original BMW lighted master key $25 You can order these with proof of ownership but prices will vary from dealer to dealer. Shouldn't cost much more than $25-40.

[dnguyen1963]

I've actually never seen a hardware store that even stocked BMW blanks, much less cut them, and certainly not for $2.

$3.75 at my local ACE Hardware store. After cutting the key, they asked me to try out on the car to make sure that they work before paying for it. $65 for a key from the Madison Dealer.

[jeffnhiscars]

About that valet ket - there is a funky way about how the trunk lock works with the valet key. The master key can turn the trunk lock slot to an either horizontal or vertical. In the horizontal position, the trunk will stay locked and the valet key cannot open it.

Your passenger side door lock may be suspect if a key that operates the drivers door and ignition does not work there..

You definitely a friend at your dealer if they are only going to charge you $25. My master key with the light was in the $50 ish range. The valet key wasn't a whole lot less.

I do recall that valet key detail from my newer cars, but since Ive never had an e30 valet key I hadnt thought of that.

Agree on the passenger door lock, it just seems odd since who ever uses that lock ?

I never deal with car salesmen so tend to get my new cars from places where I know someone up the food chain. Fortunately, those people have all worked in the right dealerships ...lol.

One dealer bought my 530i from me and sold & delivered it to MY buyer all for the cost of the service & their doc fees. Buyer got 2.9% financing since the car was CPO'ed so he paid asking price & I got my check from the dealer rather than the buyer (who actually lived across the state & I only met when he came for the test drive).

I tend to be "cash wholesale" for parts.

[nando]

$3.75 at my local ACE Hardware store. After cutting the key, they asked me to try out on the car to make sure that they work before paying for it. $65 for a key from the Madison Dealer.

I'll have to check. I've never had a spare key in the 10 years I've owned my car. :p

obviously I don't lose keys, and although I'd prefer a real key there's no dealer I can just go to.

I wonder if ace can cut a real BMW steel key?

[jeffnhiscars]

I wonder if ace can cut a real BMW steel key?

Finding the steel blanks is the challenge.

[nando]

why? I order "special" BMW parts all the time?

[dnguyen1963]

Keys from ACE is made of brass, just like many other keys that I have in my possession. At $3.75 each, you can have them cut several keys for you if you are worried about durability. I do not lose my key either, but I prefer to have a master key in a safe place just in case something might happen.

[jeffnhiscars]

why? I order "special" BMW parts all the time?

So where would you get a steel BMW blank from and do the usual places that make keys mind cutting steel ?

[nando]

uh, blunt?

I don't know, I'd have to ask.

[gasisontheright]

TGot thekey code from bmw, had it cut at a local locksmith. The key actually broke off in the door not the ignition, but it doesn't matter because its not working in the ignition. My guess is that the lock is worn down, and the new key isn't letting is align correctly.

[reelizmpro]

I'll have to check. I've never had a spare key in the 10 years I've owned my car. :p

obviously I don't lose keys, and although I'd prefer a real key there's no dealer I can just go to.

I wonder if ace can cut a real BMW steel key?

They likely won't. My ace referred me to a locksmith who cut mine for free since I provided the blank