Rear hatch lock

[cory58]

Just to close this one out - I picked up the replacement key from the dealer yesterday and it works great. They even ordered a lighted key as the replacement without charging me the difference.

Thanks again to those who pointed out the obvious - the first key was a valet key. Duh!

Cory

[Shangsta]

ok..again..what works for you, doesn't apply to everywhere else. I ran into this issue with my Nissan a few years ago; no local locksmith would touch a steel key.

I was just saying it can be done as you stated you were afraid it couldnt..

[cory58]

You can order oe bmw keys from a bunch of vendors on r3v and I have a local places that just cuts keys and they cut my keys for $8. I think it cost me $30 for the key and getting cut last time i had it done.

Yes - I see the blanks all over e-bay. My current keys are all worn down, so I don't have a good one to cut from. The extra $12 is worth the piece of mind.

[crash n' burn]

You can order oe bmw keys from a bunch of vendors on r3v and I have a local places that just cuts keys and they cut my keys for $8. I think it cost me $30 for the key and getting cut last time i had it done.

ok..again..what works for you, doesn't apply to everywhere else. I ran into this issue with my Nissan a few years ago; no local locksmith would touch a steel key.

[Shangsta]

im just glad they could still cut them for you. I need/want to order a new set for mine but im afraid if i get them from a 3rd party vender I won't find someone who can cut them.

You can order oe bmw keys from a bunch of vendors on r3v and I have a local places that just cuts keys and they cut my keys for $8. I think it cost me $30 for the key and getting cut last time i had it done.

[cory58]

Update: Ordered the (hopefully) correct key from the dealer, as a free replacement for the valet keys. Even though the correct key was supposedly $10 more, the great parts guy (Julian Mendoza) did an even trade and let me keep the 2 valet keys. Like I would ever valet my baby.....

[cory58]

im just glad they could still cut them for you. I need/want to order a new set for mine but im afraid if i get them from a 3rd party vender I won't find someone who can cut them.

Dealer will order them pre-cut if you provide title/registration. Be prepared - they ain't cheap.

[crash n' burn]

im just glad they could still cut them for you. I need/want to order a new set for mine but im afraid if i get them from a 3rd party vender I won't find someone who can cut them.

[cory58]

Thanks for all the replies! I was not thinking that the rear hatch lock is equivalent to the trunk lock on a sedan (valet key won't work). Duh! The link from rougetoaster was very helpful. Should have known the key topic had already been covered on r3v.

When I initially compared the keys, they all looked the same length, but now that I know the valet key is shorter, I'm almost sure that's what the dealer ordered. I'll check the glove box to confirm.

crash n' burn - Yes, the new keys are all steel. They were supposed to order one plastic head key, but 2 steel keys came in. I thought it was a good deal to get 2 keys for the price of one, so I accepted the metal keys. Looks like they just ordered the wrong key all around.

Cory

[crash n' burn]

I'm pretty sure they cut you a valet key. Try it in the glove box, if it doesn't unlock it, then you'll know.

The new one a steel key?

[Porthos]

Thats pretty strange.

[roguetoaster]

It almost looks like they cut you a valet key as I've never seen an E30 key missing end profiles like that one.

This thread has a bit more info for you if you haven't already read it:http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=332441

[cory58]

Soaked all the locks with silicone. Didn't make a difference on the rear lock.

I noticed that the new key is actually different. Here are 3 keys.
Left - new key, works on all locks except rear hatch
Center - key that came with car, works on all locks
Right - key that came with car, does not work on any locks



Any thoughts? Is the new key wrong? If it's wrong, why would it work everywhere except the hatch?

I can return the key to BMW and get a refund. Do you all think I could get an accurate key cut from the good key, using a BMW blank (even though the key is worn)?

Thanks, Cory

[Porthos]

DOn't know anything about freezing I live in a warm climate.

[crash n' burn]

I got a bottle of this Sonax Schlossfit. I call it lock paste, but its essentially lubricating oil fro the door locks. Also does a really good job of keeping them from fucking freezing like I'd had happen before.