Where to get E30 keys cut?

[RobertK]

My 325i has 2 different keys because the cheap bastard swapped the ignition tumbler out with a junkyard car. A couple weeks ago a friend of mine broke my only trunk and door lock key in half. The dealer will only make copies of the trunk key.

I need to get copies made of both. Where is the cheapest place I can go to get some copies made? I know Walmart does carry them so who does?

[Dave]

locksmith?

[browntown]

The dealer will only make copies of the trunk key.

really? I would think with a vin # they can order a master for you. My local bmw/volvo dealership did that for me, 30 bux and I got a new lasercut master key cut by volvo north america for my 850. maybe it's different for bmw

[UNHCLL]

Buy BMW Blanks, and take them to any locksmith.
Its not a secret process they can't replicate.

HTH,

[Dave]

really? I would think with a vin # they can order a master for you. My local bmw/volvo dealership did that for me, 30 bux and I got a new lasercut master key cut by volvo north america for my 850. maybe it's different for bmw

I think its because his ignition tumbler is not from his car.

My local locksmith had the blanks and cut them for me for like $2 each IIRC. When I had the Cabby and broke my only key, the dealer gave me the code, and I went to the locksmith and they were able to cut it from that. Dealer had to order it in based on the code, which would have taken a few days.

[RobertK]

Yeah.. I need someone I can give my key to and just have them make a copy from it. Dealer said my only other option was to let them order and install a new tumbler based on my VIN. $65 for the tumber, $45 for ONE KEY, and $85-$160 labor. I really need a copy of both keys. I've been eyeballing a complete lockset in the FS forums but I would still need to eventually have an extra copy on hand for emergencies.

Surely someone has to know if Lowes or some other place can cut these bastards.

[2002maniac]

locksmith?

[Jscotty]

Bite the bullet and get a locksmith to straighten everything out. Have him rekey the ignition lock to your other locks.

[gm9142l]

You are going to have to go to a real locksmith for this. Lowes, Walmart, Home Depot etc, no longer cut keys the old fashoned way like a real locksmith does. The big box stores use an automatic machine that only allows them to cut fairly popular key blanks.

A locksmith should be able to make you a key fairly easily. The other option is to get the key code from the dealer and have the locksmith rekey your ignition lock cylinder to match your doors.

[RobertK]

Went ahead and ordered some blanks from BMA.

Can I just take my new blanks to Lowes or Walmart and have them cut it? I thought once you have a blank the you just place the old key in the machine and it reads the pattern to cut the blank to match it. Amirite?

[euroshark]

Lowes couldn't do it for me...

[Rigmaster]

Do you have an Ace Hardware or other large (Not Lowe's or Home Depot) nearby??

I found out that the local country store about 1 mile from my house had the plastic head key blanks for my E30 for like $2.49 each. I've had them cut several for me for different cars and they work fine. If the key you are copying is in decent shape- then it's just a matter of finding some place that has the blanks and the key cutting machine- it's not rocket science. :)

As others have mentioned - I would not go to Lowe's for this, they probably don't have the right insert to accept the blank. If your walmart has a key cutting machine- they should be able to do it no prob.

Bret

[euroshark]

I never would have expected Walmart! I have one right across the street... I guess I'll head on over there!

[mariownd]

trust me, i went to walmart, they dont have a bmw fitting key cutter thing.
i went to home depot...nothing(them and walmart carry the same machines) those are cheap and predetermined cutters. you have to go to a like stated above ace hardware store. i did my key for 4 bucks. works better then ever.
you can also try mail box etc. or a ups store. i believe i saw a key cutter in
there before.(i might be wrong)

[FL318is]

My 325i has 2 different keys because the cheap bastard swapped the ignition tumbler out with a junkyard car. A couple weeks ago a friend of mine broke my only trunk and door lock key in half. The dealer will only make copies of the trunk key.

I need to get copies made of both. Where is the cheapest place I can go to get some copies made? I know Walmart does carry them so who does?

If you can post some pics of what you have, I can see if I can do it. My car came with some aftermarket s%&t key which was twisted and ready to break. I bought 2 blanks from BavAuto (black plastic end) and cut my own here in the hangar. I could try it for you. PM is best, I don't always check the site.

Mailing would be cheap (Orlando) and I won't charge you. I prolly could not make a habit of it but could easily do a couple. LMK