Need A New Key

[Sylvan515]

When I bought my car it only came with one key :( I'm owrried that I'll lose it somewhere and not be able to drive so I was wondering how I go about obtaining a second key :)

[Chris S]

dealer

[calypso1979]

only way is to go to the dealer or buy one online and have it laser cut by a locksmith but that will run you more than the deal. At the dealer they are usually $60-$70.

[Sylvan515]

haha I'm assuming that I can't get one at Wal-mart or Autozone?

[pife999]

no

[Sylvan515]

wow that sucks

[E36 Phantom]

Yep, I paid 5 or 6 bucks and got about 3 extra keys for my Supra at a hardware store.

For the Bimmer, gotta pony up about 10 times that.

Now with the E39, prices are above $200......:(

[Sylvan515]

Is there a reason why they are that expensive?

[E36 Phantom]

Is there a reason why they are that expensive?

Well, laser cutting is pricey. Sorta. Also, in Jan 1995 they added a microchip to the key which communicates wirelessly with the ignition switch to determine if it would engage the fuel system and starter motor.

Of course, your car wouldn't have the microchip, so the simple answer is: because they can.

[-Matt-]

Well, I know it is a bit sad but...

I felt the need to upgrade my key - it previously had a very dim yellow light. I added two batteries and a much brighter blue LED.

Whilst I had the key open I saw the security chip. I was very relieved that the upgrade didn't stop the key from working! It is a bit weird that the chip doesn't seem to be wired to anything - it is just a sealed unit???

Sorry for the hijack but I didn't want to make a new thread for this.

[Jim Spence]

I bought two from the dealer - $65.

[Sylvan515]

Well, I know it is a bit sad but...

I felt the need to upgrade my key - it previously had a very dim yellow light. I added two batteries and a much brighter blue LED.

Whilst I had the key open I saw the security chip. I was very relieved that the upgrade didn't stop the key from working! It is a bit weird that the chip doesn't seem to be wired to anything - it is just a sealed unit???

Sorry for the hijack but I didn't want to make a new thread for this.
haha upgraded keys...maybe you should have painted the emblem or added some chrome moulding? :thumbup:

[-Matt-]

Originally posted by Sylvan515
haha upgraded keys...maybe you should have painted the emblem or added some chrome moulding?

:rofl:

Actually the button does have a chrome BMW emblem on it!

[Sylvan515]

:D:rofl::D

[jarozila]

I have seen blanks for early cars without EWS on Ebay. You can always ask your dealer if they have someone local who cuts their keys.

I know my dealer has a local locksmith who cuts keys for them if there is a dealy in getting keys through BMW Australia.

[E36 Phantom]

Whilst I had the key open I saw the security chip. I was very relieved that the upgrade didn't stop the key from working! It is a bit weird that the chip doesn't seem to be wired to anything - it is just a sealed unit???

Yes, it communicates wirelessly with a very, very small, weak transmitter.

[-Matt-]

It isn't even wired to the battery!!!

I think it must be like the RF ID tags used in clothing store security tags:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID

ie: The transmitter + receiver are both in the car. When the key is in close proximity to the transmitter the chip re-radiates the signal at a slightly different frequency. This is then detected by the receiver in the car.

[estoril blu]

Well, I know it is a bit sad but...

I felt the need to upgrade my key - it previously had a very dim yellow light. I added two batteries and a much brighter blue LED.

Whilst I had the key open I saw the security chip. I was very relieved that the upgrade didn't stop the key from working! It is a bit weird that the chip doesn't seem to be wired to anything - it is just a sealed unit???

Sorry for the hijack but I didn't want to make a new thread for this.

SWEET:thumbup:

[DRKREVRND666]

This Thread Was Very Helpful I I Need A Few Keys I Have A 96 318 Is And I Was Wondering The Same Thing . Does The Valet Key Have The Same Thing In It ? Thanks For The Help