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[Nick's e30]

As title states. And how much for such a service? Broke my last key off in the lock this evening and can't find my spare.

Thanks all!

Nick

[Swanny]

As title states. And how much for such a service? Broke my last key off in the lock this evening and can't find my spare.

Thanks all!

Nick

I say take out the tumbler and take out the pieces to a lock smith? Might be cheaper and quicker.
Or just get a whole new set of locks and keys. They're floatin around here for sale for about 100 bones.

[Swanny]

Dude the tumbler takes like 5 minutes to take out. Just need a finishing nail and the key turned to the #2 position (iirc). A lil slot opens up, pop in the nail and TADDA! Locks out!

[AZRRC]

I took my tumbler out and took to a locksmith, charged me $8 to remove broken key and use both pieces to cut a new one

[Swanny]

As in the ignition tumbler?

Correct!

[vert_this]

yes dealer can make keys with verification of ownership. I have got them to pull my key code before and I take that information to a locksmith cause keys are expensive at the dealer example last key was like less than 10.00 but dealer wanted more than 30.00.

[vert_this]

yeah but they will most likely require u go into the dealer unless u have friends there. I just email it in but I know the parts manager there.

The locksmith may have a relationship with someone over there that may allow him to b able to fax in verification I dunno.

They are a lot tighter than they used to be my buddy told me if a car needs a key and the owner has a salvage title BMW will not allow them to pull the code.

I found this out when a friend bought a wrecked up parts car w/no key.

[jlevie]

My preference is always to get VIN matched keys and/or lock cylinders from a dealer. Those are steel keys and most locally cut keys are brass (weaker). I've never seen a steel key break off in the cylinder, but have seen several cases where a brass key has. In the general case, if you are breaking brass keys in the ignition the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. If the doors the cylinder or the latch could be the cause.

[I<3BMW]

^^ correct.

[Fourbanger]

Dude the tumbler takes like 5 minutes to take out. Just need a finishing nail and the key turned to the #2 position (iirc). A lil slot opens up, pop in the nail and TADDA! Locks out!

Super easy on a late model, but I think I remember reading that you have to remove a panel or two to access the gloryhole on an early model.

[MoreMayhem]

They are a lot tighter than they used to be my buddy told me if a car needs a key and the owner has a salvage title BMW will not allow them to pull the code.

I found this not to be true, at least at my local dealer in California. Unless this is something totally new: I had them make a key from my VIN in April 2011.

[redsubdivisions]

copy of license and registration/title with your name on it and it gets ordered. I do it several times a week. Lol

[agent]

The answer is yes, and as stated by Jim and others the steel key the best option unless you have other failing parts. Mine came to me cut and ready to go.

[jlevie]

Keys are cut at BMW's NJ facility I think. Take your license and proof of ownership to your dealer and they will order the key. Proof of owner ship is usually your registration for the car, but I have heard of dealers that required or proof of title. So take both.

[enigmaticdream]

Keys are cut at BMW's NJ facility I think. Take your license and proof of ownership to your dealer and they will order the key. Proof of owner ship is usually your registration for the car, but I have heard of dealers that required or proof of title. So take both.

I got two brand new keys for my e30 m3 with VIN and registration.

OP, spend $50 on rebuild kits. They are worth the price and time spent rebuilding a cylinder. You learn something new and the car feels slightly more awesome.

This is all you need

https://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30DoorPanelRemoval-LockCylinderRebuild.htm