oem e30 keys

[bradnic]

OEM Key OCD!!

7 year update!

you can still get all the E30 key blanks and illuminated key inserts. you can also order coded keys from the dealer that get screwed into a separate illuminated key head. Here are some pics and part numbers. Hit up your favorite BMW supplier for best price. Stay away from ebay unless you want to pay 2-3x dealer price.

RealOEM key page for a 325i


51211900892 Blank for the "General Key" - the one we're all used to, and is probably all worn out


51211900894 Blank for the "Illuminated Key"


32321109801 Standard Key (no plastic bits)


Haven't found the valet key blank part number, but I think it's just a shorter standard key.

32329056354 Illuminated key head
you use this with the coded key the BMW dealer sells you


51218105039 Replacement battery insert for the illuminated key (has a nice BMW logo now vs the original illuminated key head which has an embossed BMW logo)


32321151013 replacement battery for the illuminated key head


51218213607 BMW Key case (about $12 - someone posted one of these on the rare parts thread recently)

[MPLFoster]

Nice! Good info here...gonna snag me an illuminated key on pay day. Thanks for the heads-up! :up:

[2mAn]

perfect, this is exactly what Ive been looking for. I just hope my car still has its original locks in it.

I wonder if Blunt can get us keys?

[bradnic]

Blunt can get you anything. Just ask him.

[cavpilot]

I bought this blank for 8 bucks on ebay almost a year ago. So far so good and it looks pretty cool.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-SERIES-3-5-7-M3-M5-E30-E24-E28-BLANK-KEY/311002148288?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D24192%26meid%3D10b335a161224d97a0bda84e203d2360%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D10284%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D160664839260

[bradnic]

I posted an E30 OEM Key OCD thread with more key info.

[Buzz944]

I posted an E30 OEM Key OCD thread with more key info.

Few years thread bump 😀

How do I know which key code to get?!
I have no clue guys

[E30arsen]

I think if you give a BMW dealer your vin they would let you know.

[Austell]

Can anyone please explain the origin of this metal plate on the e30 key ring. Thanks.

[estoguy]

VW had those tags too... I think it has something to do with the key coding... but I can't remember.

[varg]

The one I got from ebay is not an e30 key blank...the e30 ones have a letter "S" and are shaped differently.

Old I know, but for future reference I figured I'd chime in. The S has nothing to do with it being for an E30, it just means that the key is steel. If the blank is the right shape it will work just fine, S or no S. I use brass copies of my steel dealer-supplied key, softer key = less wear on the locks themselves.

[Austell]

VW had those tags too... I think it has something to do with the key coding... but I can't remember.

Yes, it seems about right, thanks.

[Buzz944]

Another bump ��

5 month ago the Genuine Illuminated Blank Key was about $30
Now it’s almost $70 WTH!!!!

[Kershaw]

I had to get a new key because another guy at rallycross drove my car and broke the key. I drove his car and he had a very sticky ignition, I think he was used to jamming it in there and twisting on it.

It was $100 at a dealership or $60 at a locksmith calling to the dealership to get the code. Prices have gone up.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I had to get a new key because another guy at rallycross drove my car and broke the key. I drove his car and he had a very sticky ignition, I think he was used to jamming it in there and twisting on it.

That's why I'm very picky with who gets to drive my e30.


...just sayin'