Lost key

L

lacroupade

Veteran
Search is definitely not my friend today... :(

I've tried all sorts but can't find a useful thread anywhere, although someone will probably point me straight at one and shame me instantly... :oops:

I lost my spare ignition key ages ago and want to replace it....anyone know what the rough cost is likely to be and the best source...dealer? Timpsons? eBay? Not too worried about initial programming at this stage, its just a spare for now.

Thanks in anticipation... :thumbsup:
 
I maybe wrong, but I think only the dealer can cut BMW keys


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ranski said:
I maybe wrong, but I think only the dealer can cut BMW keys
Click to expand...

My local Timpson said they could cut a key, then changed their mind when I went in with the key... thinking it might be BMW only. Paid £100+ for one for my 5er a while back. Same style key as the zed... :thumbsdown:
 
haha! Looks like Google works better than the site engine LOL. :?

Found this http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=17702&hilit=keys

Timpsons don't list BMW as one of the remote keys they are able to do. :(

Looks like its a trip to the dealers for me then - and a £100 hole in my wallet :o

Thanks for the replies though chaps
 
BMW site says:

The electronic immobiliser secures your car using a chip with an electronic code integrated in the car key. This code consists of a permanent personal code and a second code changed by the immobiliser each time you start the engine.
Whenever the ignition is switched on, the immobiliser first reads the personal code and then asks for the changing code. If both answers are correct, the immobiliser will send another coded signal to the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) to unlock the engine. Without which the engine cannot be started - not even by short-circuiting it.
This data is transmitted wirelessly via an aerial in the steering wheel lock and the key with integrated remote control. The key is equipped with a maintenance-free battery which recharges automatically while driving. And should you ever lose your key, you can have it deactivated by your authorised BMW dealer and receive a replacement key without delay

Thats especially useful.....
 
Ur gonna have to go to a stealer...I must confess, I used to work for a company that rhymes with twatstone, hint hint...and they got me a staff discount - 142 down to 101 quid for the same style key on an e46 coupe. That was at cost plus 10% so if you do the Maths you could haggle some money off...good luck! :thumbsup:
 
lacroupade said:
Looks like its a trip to the dealers for me then - and a £100 hole in my wallet
Click to expand...
Try not to lose any more keys. BMW set a limit on how many keys can be provided for one of these cars - I think it's either 6 or 8. After that you need to get a complete new set of locks.
 
ZedFourM said:
Try not to lose any more keys. BMW set a limit on how many keys can be provided for one of these cars - I think it's either 6 or 8. After that you need to get a complete new set of locks.
Click to expand...
According to WDS there are 6 replacement keys available. That makes 8 total, so you're right on both counts! I don't know about changing locks though, seems like a rather punitive policy, as mechanical locks can have as many keys cut for it as you can afford, there's no practical reason for this policy, but since we're talking about BMW, I suppose it's possible.

What does limit the number of keys is the immobiliser module. According to the same WDS page, the module (EWS) has a limited memory of 10 keys (where did the extra 2 keys come from?). Once 10 keys have been stored, you will have to replace the EWS module in order to store more keys. While BMW has the ability to match a new EWS to your DME (aka ECU), if you were to get one from breakers, you need to obtain the DME as well, as they are a matched pair, you can't swap one without the other unless you're BMW. It's not just a matter of having the right software, you need a secret code to store in the module that exists only in the BMW database. In any case, the EWS actually costs less than a key, but a DME costs many 100's GBP, even from breakers, so BMW is the sensible route here.
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Remote-Key-Case-Fob-With-Blank-Key-Blade-Suitable-for-E46-3-5-7-Z3-/150839639771?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item231ebe3edb

Then IIRC around £70 to cut and code at dealers...
 
Commiserations,i lost mine six months ago on the beach.Rang dealership who said £150 +.So,much to the dogs delight, i spent 2 hours on the beach searching and luckily found it.
 
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