View Full Version : Key Replacement - Older Models
mistertripps
11-30-2007, 02:09 AM
Both the E38 and E39 that Catmint and I recently purchased only came with one key. Both are in really bad shape. What are our options for getting new keys made that also function with the keyless entry/lock? Do we have to go through the dealer? How much is that likely to set us back?
Justin
11-30-2007, 02:11 AM
I would say you have to go though the dealer but i would ask Phillip!
Dan_UnitedBMW
11-30-2007, 02:22 AM
Ordering keys is strictly through the dealer. Only Pre-1995 owners may use alternatives.
For a E38, keys typically run around $30-$80. They are ordered through BMW NA and are overnighted. On a case that you order your key on Friday, you will not receive it on Saturday. It will be FedEx'd to the dealer on Monday. Generally, you may pick up your key around 2:00PM.
BMW NA is extremely strict about keys. You must have a valid driver's license. Also, you must have one of the following: Up-to-date registration | Title | Bill of Sale
If you come to the dealer without your license and one of the three options, the dealer will not sell you a key.
In a event that your key is locked in your car, and you do not wish to order another key, a "lock-out" key can be ordered. It does nothing but unlock the car.
1995+ use a EWS module that allows for that key to code to your specific VIN number. Basically, a 1995+ BMW is only getting stolen by high-tech thieves, or on a flatbed of a truck!
mistertripps
11-30-2007, 03:04 AM
Ordering keys is strictly through the dealer. Only Pre-1995 owners may use alternatives.
For a E38, keys typically run around $30-$80. They are ordered through BMW NA and are overnighted. On a case that you order your key on Friday, you will not receive it on Saturday. It will be FedEx'd to the dealer on Monday. Generally, you may pick up your key around 2:00PM.
BMW NA is extremely strict about keys. You must have a valid driver's license. Also, you must have one of the following: Up-to-date registration | Title | Bill of Sale
If you come to the dealer without your license and one of the three options, the dealer will not sell you a key.
In a event that your key is locked in your car, and you do not wish to order another key, a "lock-out" key can be ordered. It does nothing but unlock the car.
1995+ use a EWS module that allows for that key to code to your specific VIN number. Basically, a 1995+ BMW is only getting stolen by high-tech thieves, or on a flatbed of a truck!
Thanks Dan! We'll probably be out to see you soon. I can't wait to have new looking keys for our cars!!
Tim,
You can go & see Dan or just bring a copy of your registration or title to both cars tomorrow & I can order them from United for you. When they arrive we'll program the remote functions for you too. I will need both keys for both vehicles (& the cars, of course:)) to program them.
Alan.
mistertripps
11-30-2007, 03:37 AM
Tim,
You can go & see Dan or just bring a copy of your registration or title to both cars tomorrow & I can order them from United for you. When they arrive we'll program the remote functions for you too. I will need both keys for both vehicles (& the cars, of course:)) to program them.
Alan.
I've got my title (I think it came this week), but we are still waiting on Cindy's. Maybe we'll order them when she brings her car in next week.
Man, I'm gonna need a second job....
88e28
11-30-2007, 03:43 AM
I went to BMW to get a extra key all i needed was my registration and drivers license took 2 weeks, I think the key cost $50.00.
How many of you guys have more than one key for your BMW? If you have an EWS (post '95) car you really need to have a spare. One of our customers (who shall remain nameless:)) had his 2002 M5 towed to the shop on Tuesday because he dropped his only key in the parking lot which was then run over by some guy in a pickup truck. The key looked a little scratched up, the remote unlock function still worked, but it would no longer start the car. Ordered him a new master & valet key that arrived this morning to get him back on the road.
Hopefully, he'll listen to good advice next time. Wael had mentioned to him a few weeks ago that he should order a spare.............
Alan.
Justin
11-30-2007, 03:49 AM
Yeah i need to get a spare i only have one key! I guess its cheaper then having it towed :icon18:
atl530i
11-30-2007, 04:02 AM
Great thread. What about older BMWs. I went to Home Depot to get a spare made for my E12 and they did not have the right key to cut. On another note, how much do keys run for pre-1995 models?
You can still order key blanks for E12 & E28 cars from BMW & then have them cut at a locksmith or a Home Depot from an original. You can't order them coded to the car anymore. They are pretty cheap, less than $20.00 as I recall.
Alan.
Dan_UnitedBMW
11-30-2007, 04:22 AM
As said previously, all EWS cars... you guys need 2 keys minimum! And don't (:mad:) keep your spare key in the glove box.. HAHA... that happens all the time.
Whenever you're ready bud, we'll order you a key.. or GCR can order it for ya, whichever.
All keys are overnighted, so the fact that it took two weeks is a sign of a person who didn't follow up. Two weeks for a key is absolutely ridiculous!
Catmint
11-30-2007, 04:27 AM
As said previously, all EWS cars... you guys need 2 keys minimum! And don't (:mad:) keep your spare key in the glove box.. HAHA... that happens all the time.
-snip-
Oops.:o I don't have the spare key as Tim mentioned above, but I do have the valet key and it's in the car. Does it unlock and start the car? I guess I'll put it in my wallet.
The E32 & E34 cars could be unlocked with the judicious use of a rubber hammer in the right place IF the ignition was powered up. I'll have to do some checking on the E38's.
Thats all I'm going to say about that:)
Alan
mistertripps
11-30-2007, 01:12 PM
The E32 & E34 cars could be unlocked with the judicious use of a rubber hammer in the right place IF the ignition was powered up. I'll have to do some checking on the E38's.
Thats all I'm going to say about that:)
Alan
Do you know Nicholas Cage by any chance?
Lsixer
11-30-2007, 05:51 PM
There has been many answers already, but, I too needed a key for my e38 when I still had it. The local dealership quoted me $150 bones. I balked at that. Luckily, I have parted ways with my beloved e38, I'll defer the rape to the new owner.
Story time (me too!)
Heard a second hand tale of a women who locked herself out of her car (so she thought) at a local hardware store. She still had her key fob, but, it was not working apparently. She called a mobile locksmith and when he arrived the woman explained the situation to the locksmith where upon the locksmith took a look at the fob, and then at the woman and stated, "Lady, the key on your fob will open the door as well ..."
Moral, dont spend $100 on a onsite visit, READ THE OWNERS MANUAL.
BTW, this is not a ding on women mind you, it just happened that she was the victim in this.
F1Julie
11-30-2007, 07:13 PM
It sounds like I'm screwed if anything happens to my one and only key. My car is a 1997 with a salvage title.
BMRSEB
11-30-2007, 07:16 PM
Lot's of interesting stories, anecdotes in this thread.. We need a "funny thing happened the other day" or "this one time" story thread..lol!!!
Dan_UnitedBMW
11-30-2007, 07:25 PM
It sounds like I'm screwed if anything happens to my one and only key. My car is a 1997 with a salvage title.
rofl don't lose your key! It'll cost you $500 in parts alone!
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