Spare Keys

[stovax]

Only have a single key currently, considering my options to improving the situation incase it gets lost, or broken!

I could go to a BMW dealer and order a new key, cost about £140 from what I've read before.

Used keys are available to buy relatively cheaply. Assume a BMW dealer would be able to reprogram, any idea how much they'd charge? Looks like a few criminals could reprogram for me, but I'll give them a miss
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74/features/bmw-car-theft-technology

In terms of the emergency key, I was considering buying a blank off ebay for about £4. I've never had to get a car key cut, is this service quite common, or would I need a BMW dealer again?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-remote-key-case-fob-shell-key-blank-E46-3-5-7-Z3-FIRST-CLASS-POST-/321043404702?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item4abfad979e

Thanks!

 

[markeg]

IIRC you can only get this done properly through a BMW dealer...

 

[LukeMace]

You will be able to get the key cut and program it to lock / unlock the car. What you won't be able to do though is disarm the imobiliser.
Use the key in your first post as a backup "key" door locks etc, or one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-BUTTON-REMOTE-ALARM-KEY-FOB-3-5-7-SERIES-Z3-Z4-E46-E39-X5-DIAMOND-/121051443559?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item1c2f3a7167 as a remote door lock. Either way to get the complete thing you gotta go to the dealers

Depends what you want it for... Locked key in car somehow (in boot for example and stuck) these are a cheap solution. Lost key and can't find it anywhere... Gonna need a trip to dealers

 

[Bing]

Sorry, but this is one thing I wouldn't buy anywhere but a dealer... And I am pretty sure that BMW won't code it for you if you bought from eBay. Probably also not a great idea giving the person who sells you the key your address either...

Would a reputable key cutting outlet even touch a blank car key ?

 

[Dr _Rod]

Hi

I only had one key when i bought the car normal key i priced up was £130, from dealer

But you can order a valet key from dealer it does not have any of the remote features but it only an emergency (spare) key it cost me £29.99
I keep it my safe nice and safe.

Al

 

[Stark]

Next time you throw them into the pot at one of your 'special weekend' parties, make sure you get them back!!! oke:

 

[stovax]

Stark, I've never been invited to a 'special weekend' party, you'll have to let me know next time you host one! oke:

Dr _Rod, £30 for the valet key, ouch! I'll probably pay £4 for a blank off ebay as someone must be able to cut it for less than £25. Will report back if I get any success with highstreet key cutters (apparently Timpson will do it).

I've no issue with buying blank/used keys off ebay and having them sent to my house. The only information I'm really giving them is that I might own a BMW, which you'd find out if you drove past my house. I'm more concerned the previous owner may locate the spare key, although they have no idea who I am or where I live, I hope!

Reading other threads I found that you can get a key cut to open the doors, although I doubt that would de-activate the alarm. You can also buy a new/used key from a 3rd party and recode it to your car (see http://www.programyourkeys.com/BMW_Z4_Key_Remote_Control_Fob_Programming.html). That would allow lock/unlock from the keyfob and should activate/deactivate the alarm. What isn't clear is if it's possible to match the transponder for another key so that you could use it to start the engine as well. Most threads indicate this isn't possible, but ...

From the article linked in first post

A device exists which allows anyone to access the on-board computer and programme a blank key. It's so easy to use and the process takes little more than three minutes.

If a thief was to use that device, surely they'd need it to start the engine as well? The article is based on X range BMWs, perhaps the Z4 is different?

ranski linked me to a thread that referred to the following site - http://www.rclick.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=56_87&products_id=1058
They sell blank keys and transponder chips, but I've not contacted them yet - maybe they'll tell me only a BMW dealer can code the transponder? I fully understand why BMW convey the message you must buy new keys from them, but I'm not convinced it isn't possible to do via other means.

 

[cj10jeeper]

You cannot code a transponder.

We've been around this one a few times on the forum and the key cutting bit is easy. Programming to open the locks is 30 seconds with a good key and the car.

To get a real working key to start the engine you have to buy from BMW from the lifetime stock of 5 keys. When 5 have gone its a full set if licks and keys

I'm sure a real pro could change out the car transponder and create a full set of keys and locks but I've never heard anyone actually do it.

 

[bcworkz]

Stark, I'm more concerned the previous owner may locate the spare key, although they have no idea who I am or where I live, I hope!

The dealer can also disable the lost key in your car's memory so it would no longer work to start the car, if you're at all concerned. They might even do it as a courtesy when you pick up your new overpriced key? You'd need to provide all keys that should remain valid so they can correctly remove the right one(s), as well as proper documentation you are the rightful owner.