Any reason to get a new key cut at a dealership?

[sklbase]

I bought a new key blank for my 1989 325i and for some reason my brother was telling me that I ought to get it made at the dealership, otherwise it might not work. I think he's crazy, but I thought I'd ask and see if there was any validity to it.

Thanks


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[reelizmpro]

Well first you have to make sure the locks have never been changed. If you're sure they haven't, then you won't get a better key than the dealer keys. This is because if you buy a blank, you are at the mercy of the locksmith's skills and he will cut it to mimic your old worn key which isn't ideal. It could work the first time, sometimes or not at all, then you'll have to use the trial and error method. Then there's also the fact that many places won't want to bother trying to cut a real BMW blank out of fear the metal shank might be too hard for their machine.

[e30davie]

For what its worth I paid $7 for a locksmith to copy my probably worn out key and it works perfectly. 1985 323i.

[101]

I've tried both routes.

IMHO, there's no substitute for a new dealer cut key. It's steel (versus many aftermarket blanks which may be brass), there's no wear or strange marks that get copied over, and it just works better. And you can be a real baller and order the one with the light!

A new key and liberal application of powered graphite in the locks will definitely make your day.

[cscracker]

I got my key copied for free at my local Ace hardware store. They refused to charge me.

[agent]

you won't get a better key than the dealer keys.

IMHO, there's no substitute for a new dealer cut key. It's steel (versus many aftermarket blanks which may be brass), there's no wear or strange marks that get copied over, and it just works better. And you can be a real baller and order the one with the light!

These.

[reelizmpro]

I've explored all the routes and been through it all before. The hardware stores only cut soft brass keys. I noticed over time those keys (Ace hardware, ebay copies) started deforming with every twist and I don't even use my keys to lock/unlock as I have keyless entry on all my cars. When I noticed the brass keys deforming I ordered keys from the dealer and kept the others as back ups. It's a lot more expensive but at least I can rest assured I got the best keys and I wanted original lighted keys anyway.

[jeffnhiscars]

?....liberal application of powered graphite in the locks will definitely make your day.

Actually graphite can cause more harm than good over time. The very best...and really the only thing to ever put in a lock is....are you ready....Houdini Oil. It's the "locksmiths best friend" and is as cheap as borscht. Buy a can for $7 and it lasts so long you will pass it on to your grand kids.

[sklbase]

Actually graphite can cause more harm than good over time. The very best...and really the only thing to ever put in a lock is....are you ready....Houdini Oil. It's the "locksmiths best friend" and is as cheap as borscht. Buy a can for $7 and it lasts so long you will pass it on to your grand kids.

And who doesn't want to have something called "Houdini Oil" in your armamentarium?

Appreciate the advice.



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[Kershaw]

Armamentarium. I like that word. Thanks.

[Mook613]

I bought a master blank and then had a hardware store cut it.
Barely worked.

Ended up going to a dealer and spending about $35 on a VIN cut key. They gave me a valet key and a new regular key which work perfectly.
For the few extra dollars, it is well worth going through the dealer.

[squidmaster]

Wow I wish the dealer I got new keys made at only charged $35! I paid between $100 and $175 (with next-day shipping when I broke my backup key in the door after losing my main key).