HELP: BMW key cutting

TheDart · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 05:32 AM

Hey guys,
had the open button on my master key stop working. I spoke with the stealership and they've said $350 fo a new key and programming.

I dont really want to cut the keyopen to repair, as it never looks the same again. So I got a blank off ebay. Took it into the locksmiths and they dont have the particular clamp to cut my key and haven't been able to track one down.

I'd appreciate anyinfo anyone may have on getting the key cut. It's the diamond shaped one for my E46. Live in Bris, but could send to Sydney or Melb I guess if need be......rather that than $350.

Thanks for any help

Sherv · #2 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 05:44 AM

i did a quick google search and found this:
Make and model\How much \How long \Where from

Alfa Romeo 156 \$175 \five days \Italy
Audi A4 \$200 \10 days \Germany
BMW 3 Series \$259 \five days \Germany
Citron Xantia \$290\same day \local dealer
Ferrari F355 \$1,800 \three weeks \Italy
Lexus (all models) \$290 \overnight \Sydney HQ
Mercedes (infra-red) \$176 \same day \local dealer
Porsche 911 \$400 \five days \Germany
Subaru Impreza/Liberty \$139 \same day \local dealer
Toyota LandCruiser \$184 \same day \local dealer

at least u dont own the ferrari, you could buy a whole car with the key.

anyways, i also found this, this ebay store say they CUT keys too.
its worth a look... hope it helps

http://search.stores.ebay.com.au/Key...leZkeyQQsofpZ0

tazza0712 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 05:48 AM

How will you get it programmed?? I've read that it's only possible to order them from BMW themselves as they have the right coding for your car or some bull like that. Maybe it's an evil plot so they can make some more money. Check that out though, I have a feeling that you need to get an original one from the Bimmer factory.

EDIT:
I actually found some site ages ago that allows you to program your own key. I had to do it when the dealership gave me my second key and it wasn't programmed. Except, it only allowed me to unlock/lock but not actually start the car, so check that out too.

ASSAIL · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 05:51 AM

ull still need to program the transponder in the keyhead.
http://www.masterlocksmiths.com.au/
ull find most of these locksmiths can cut a worm key like bmw

jps · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 05:59 AM

I'm not 100% sure but I think it has to be ordered through BMW parts like you said - specific to your chassis number.

I know they have the machine to cut the keys located at the BMW Australia headquaters in Mulgrave, VIC. I'm quite sure thats the only one in AUS.

BMW tries to design these things so you cant take it to the local guy. I guess its the way they stay in business.

ASSAIL · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jps

I know they have the machine to cut the keys located at the BMW Australia headquaters in Mulgrave, VIC. I'm quite sure thats the only one in AUS.
.

na i theyre the same keys as the new astra and vectra's and there are locksmiths out there that can cut them now. use the link i posted and call them up (thats what holden tells tecs to do!)

tazza0712 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 06:05 AM

The only issue would be the transponder though, wouldn't it???

ASSAIL · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 06:11 AM

yeah but im sure bmw would use their scan tools to program them (i could b wrong tho) hell lots of cars u just cycle the ignition and it sync's the transponder. if its ur main key ull also have to program for central locking which definately will need a scan tool.

ASSAIL · #9 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 07:03 AM

heres what they need:
and just checked. dealers have to do transponders and central lock.

TheDart · #10 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 06:46 PM

Yeah the lock smith said they need to have the correct clamp to hold it in plcae to cut it out. But was goin to cost a fortune to buy the clamp to cut just one key. So I need to find someone.

As for programing the key, it came with instructions which are-

1998-2003 BMW remotre proramming instructions

1. Get inside the car and shut the doors

2. Insert the current key, which works to start the car and activate the alarm.

3. Turn the key one position forward, until the chime sounds three times. Then turn the key back and remove it.

4. Press the 'unlock' button on the working remote, and hold it while pressing the 'lock' button three times. The automatic locks on the car will cycle locked, then unlocked. Do not open the dorrs during this process.

5. Repeat step 4 with anyother remotes to be programmed.

The one prblem you might have is that the keys have an internal rechareable battery, which is charged through the ignition. If the batteries become discharged, they may not operate any longer.

If I ever can get my key cut, I'll let you know if this works.

tazza0712 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 10:34 PM

I followed those steps with my car and it worked to control the central locking, however it wasn't able to start the car. Just a heads up.

TheDart · #12 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 10:53 PM

hmmm....that's curious.

Just assumed it would start of the key....must need something else programmed into the key.

Bugger

TheDart · #13 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006, 10:56 PM

In case anyone was interested in whatthe inside of a bimmer key looks like.....

Sherv · #14 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 03:25 AM

wow thats pretty interesting. would u be willing to sell your key?

TheDart · #15 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 05:14 AM

hehe,
the images are of a key i bought to pull the bmw button off (since mine fell off). Just cut it open to see what it's like.

Just bought a blank one which I wont sell until I've exhausted all efforts to get cut.
Not sure if your really interested in buying an already cut key that's been cut in half?