eBay : Key Blanks Reviewed

[CabrioPunk]

I received a single key with my E30. It was a copy and severely worn down. It did operate doors and ignition, though. Being a neat freak and liking my stuff to match I ordered the 2-pack of 'OEM' keys. Lock smith made a new copy from the worn down blank. His skills help rebuild the key. I then tested it and upon confirmation just had Lowest cut the BMW blanks from that locksmith copy.

Everything worked well. The keys were $15 shipped. Took about 2 weeks to get in. $5 for locksmith's service. Lowe's is not to cut customers' blank but dude was already done when manager no fun said so.

$20 .1 copy. 2 OEM BMW non lighted keys.1 old key.

Only problem is metal is soft and bend under undue stress. Maybe at home heat treat them?

[FredK]

BMW blanks are steel, they should not bend under stress.

If your locks are hard to turn, rebuild the driver's side lock with the newer design lock rebuild kit.

[Ramgoat]

+1 mine looks awesome but is bending, ive only had it since august

[CabrioPunk]

BMW blanks are steel, they should not bend under stress.

If your locks are hard to turn, rebuild the driver's side lock with the newer design lock rebuild kit.

These are eBaY. Not true OEM. They do bend.

The locks turn pretty well.

[tjts1]

ACE copies E30 keys for $3.

[freeride53]

I had some mexicano in the Pick n pull lot copy mine with an illco for $2.
it almost broke in my lock, and got all twisted after a few months.

[blunttech]

There is a big difference in key blanks. OE bmw keys are steel as stated and a lot of lock guys dont like to cut them because they are hard on the equipment. But you get what you pay for with keys. The OE keys are just better

[freeride53]

I want a new flashlight-blank, but I sorta like the E46 style one on ebay.
Are there any others out there?

[Jand3rson]

I don't get why more people don't just order them from the dealer. Bring them your VIN, and they'll order you pre-cut blanks.

[FredK]

Dealer, pre cut: $25-40
Ebay: $8
Ilco: $2.25
Ebay Ilco, after shipping $5 (this is r3v)

[nando]

^ closest dealer is ~3 hours away.

[imdashiz]

I don't get why more people don't just order them from the dealer. Bring them your VIN, and they'll order you pre-cut blanks.

/thread

[bmw325csi]

I don't get why more people don't just order them from the dealer. Bring them your VIN, and they'll order you pre-cut blanks.

What if my ignition and door/trunk locks have been changed?

[CabrioPunk]

I'm not looking to spend big money. The eBay keys work. I'll report back with any problems.

We are all in different situations. Married, kids, unemployed, second or third car, bills, life, etc. To try and tell people how to spend their money is pointless.

For those looking to get an OEM look key blank, I'd say the price is right.

[Jean]

There are a couple ebay sellers that sell BMW E30 blanks that aren't E30 blanks, but actually E34 style.... keep this in mind.

There are many threads on this.

If your ignition lock/door locks aren't the same, isn't it common sense that you'll need to rekey one or the other?

Buy a new key from the dealer, then have a lock smith re-key your locks to the master key...done. Or buy new lock cylinder with master key.