eBay : Key Blanks Reviewed

[tjts1]

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

Do you prefer replacing a worn out key or a worn out tumbler? There is a reason most keys are made out of a softer metal.

[blunttech]

Do you prefer replacing a worn out key or a worn out tumbler? There is a reason most keys are made out of a softer metal.

when my 40 year old 02 ignition with 680k miles on it fails Ill look into softer keys

[Eric]

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.

I love how my new OEM key feels in the E30. I kind of want replace the light bulb with an LED though...

[dirty30]

I'd rather just buy new dealer keys.

[FredK]

when my 40 year old 02 ignition with 680k miles on it fails Ill look into softer keys

The tumblers wear brass keys down quickly. The steel keys last a long time and you can rekey a tumbler if it wears out for around the same money as a dealer cut key.

[nando]

Do you prefer replacing a worn out key or a worn out tumbler? There is a reason most keys are made out of a softer metal.

i'd rather not break a key in half in a lock or the ignition.

[87e30]

I'm pretty cheap.

But last time I checked 40 dollars wasn't "big money."

A lot less work to go to the dealer as well. (for most of us that live close)

[blunttech]

I'm pretty cheap.

But last time I checked 40 dollars wasn't "big money."

A lot less work to go to the dealer as well. (for most of us that live close)

40 dollars is swap territory on r3v
(if you shop wisely)

[McGyver]

it cost me $61 for the key i just got made from my VIN at the dealer. it was the same price for a lit or unlit key.

i also got a locksmith to cut a key from my door lock. it cost $20 and it does turn the ignition, but my ignition hasn't gone past position 1 for a few months now. so i dont know if it would go far enough to start and drive with a working ignition cylinder.

[delatlanta1281]

i'd rather not break a key in half in a lock or the ignition.

bingo. that is a certified nightmare.

[FredK]

40 dollars is swap territory on r3v
(if you shop wisely)

bingo. that is a certified nightmare.

It happened to me with a brass key. However due to my skrillz I was able to extricate the broken portion of the key.

[Wh33lhop]

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.

I want to have my car re-keyed to a blank.

[noE30]

My local lock smith made copies for me, both door and ignition keys. Was like 15$ for the ignition alone but its oe bmw. They told me that the bmw keys are really hard on there machines.

[Devil Inc]

I want to have my car re-keyed to a blank.

That would make for a fun conversation piece, it'd confuse the hell outta most people, too.