Strange Ignition Key

[Yeltsew7]

I just bought a 1989 325i and the keys are really strange. It has different ones for the ignition and the doors, which makes sense, but the ignition key doesn't even look like an E30 key.
It's really short and has a circle handle. Does anyone know what this is from?
Also the previous owner said that he had the door keys made from BMW, so I'm assuming that they match the VIN. Is there a way I can go to the dealer and get an ignition column made to match the locks on the doors?

Top is the ignition, the all metal is the door keys.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

My guess someone put in an aftermarket ignition tumbler cause the ignition switch probably went out at some point and they weren't smart enough to know they just needed to replace the switch. Or the tumbler was actually broke or needed replaced do to attempted theft. Just my guess's

[IceWhite]

The top is the original bmw key, as it looks like it has the word 'huf' just below the round plastic portion. That key could be the original one of your car or from a junkyard car with the matching ignition for purposes as guessed by ThatOneEuroE30 above.

It looks like it is the valet key which should work in the ignition and the doors only, and is not supposed to open the truck or glove box. So, it probably is from a junkyard car as your doors work with another key.

[Yeltsew7]

Thanks guys. I suspected it was a valet key but wasn't sure. I'll try to go to the dealer and get an ignition for my car. I'm just picky about stuff like that I guess.

I also have a key broken off in the driver's door, but that's a problem for another day

Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk

[3vilE30]

Strangley enough I have the same exact key with the strange pattern for my ignition. I had lost my door lock keys so I took a gamble and order a VIN key from BMW and to my excitement the door locks were original but the Ignition had this strange key. Even weirder is that the VIN key doesn't work for the trunk or my glove box, but if I recall the old key I used for the doors worked with the glove box and trunk. It could be that the Key is too new for the worn lock cylinders.

I'm also stupid picky so I'll be replacing that as well. On the bright side I still have to use one key since it has a keyless entry system.

[Semblance]

... Even weirder is that the VIN key doesn't work for the trunk or my glove box, but if I recall the old key I used for the doors worked with the glove box and trunk. It could be that the Key is too new for the worn lock cylinders.

... It looks like it is the valet key which should work in the ignition and the doors only, and is not supposed to open the truck or glove box...

[Kershaw]

The small key is the valet key, I have one for my car too.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

The small key is the valet key, I have one for my car too.

They must of changed valet keys here is mine for 1991 318

[IceWhite]

^That is the duplicate key to keep in your wallet, and not the Valet key. You supposed to have a valet key in addition to that.

[IceWhite]

This is from the owners manual.

[IceWhite]

Check out this thread: E30 OEM KEY OCD Thread

Hope that helps.

[AndrewBird]

Judging from the tip of the key, the weird one is just a normal aftermarket key, not a valet key. Someone likely changed your ignition lock cylinder and that is why you have two keys.

You can buy a brand new lock set with keys if you want to have all your locks match and use the same key. It's a bit under $300 for the set. Part number 51211904727.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=1113-USA-11_1986_E30_BMW_325i&diagId=41_1037#51211904727