Buying key fobs on the web

blackdiamond · 08-16-2010, 01:55 AM

Hi,

as I have mentioned in a previous thread, my car came with a single key and I am looking to get a second one. At the dealer, these are about $450 a piece, but I checked on ebay and one can find a blank one for $50. Any issue with those? How easy is it to then go to a dealer and get it programmed to work with the car? Any issue with warranty by doing that?

Thanks a lot in advance and my apologies for all the noob questions,
Bertrand.

slemmer · 08-16-2010, 12:09 PM

Don't think a chipped key would be that little on ebay unless it doesn't have a chip in it.

blackdiamond · 08-17-2010, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slemmer

Don't think a chipped key would be that little on ebay unless it doesn't have a chip in it.

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the response. This is what I have found: http://cgi.ebay.ca/UNCUT-BMW-SMART-K...#ht_5816wt_856

I know it says that the keys are used, but it still looks like the real thing. What do you think?

Thanks a lot,
Bertrand.

cisco911 · 08-17-2010, 08:53 AM

The problem is that the dealer, if they even agree to program the key, would probably charge you a couple of hundred dollars to do it and I don't think they would cut the actual key as they come ordered cut from germany(I might be wrong on this, but that is how it use to be. So basically your goint to be paying $300 for something that is incomplete and used. Might as well just pay the extra and get a complete new key.

killakill · 09-06-2010, 07:36 PM

According to some posts iv read on e90post you dont need to go to the dealer for programming of the key fob. you just put the BLANK fob into the fob holder in the car and it automatically downloads the info to the new fob. This is the reason you need a unused new blank fob. But obviously the key would need to be cut by a dealer the dealer can get the cut. The cuts are vin specific obviously so you would need to provide your vin they charge a coupe hundered to cut the key. Let me know if you find a cheap blank fob i need one too.

Bimmermann · 09-06-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killakill

According to some posts iv read on e90post you dont need to go to the dealer for programming of the key fob. you just put the BLANK fob into the fob holder in the car and it automatically downloads the info to the new fob. This is the reason you need a unused new blank fob. But obviously the key would need to be cut by a dealer the dealer can get the cut. The cuts are vin specific obviously so you would need to provide your vin they charge a coupe hundered to cut the key. Let me know if you find a cheap blank fob i need one too.

You're half right. If the key fob is indeed brand new oem and never registered in a vehicle, the vehicle will indeed activate the key fob with the car. You do not need to go to a dealer to get the key cut. My last car was an Audi which had the same style key. All you need is to call around and find a locksmith with a "Sidewinder" Key cutter.

If the key fob is already registered to a vehicle. You would need to bring all your key fobs to a dealer to delete all the keys from the vehicle and reactivate.

killakill · 09-06-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoace

You're half right. If the key fob is indeed brand new oem and never registered in a vehicle, the vehicle will indeed activate the key fob with the car. You do not need to go to a dealer to get the key cut. My last car was an Audi which had the same style key. All you need is to call around and find a locksmith with a "Sidewinder" Key cutter.

If the key fob is already registered to a vehicle. You would need to bring all your key fobs to a dealer to delete all the keys from the vehicle and reactivate.

o interesting. a e90 post member said that these keys are special and need to be "laser" cut thats why they must be borught to the dealer .

Bimmermann · 09-06-2010, 08:52 PM

Yes the original keys are laser cut. But you can emulate that cut with a "Sidewinder" key cutting lathe. Just make sure the guy cutting the key has experience with the machine. I know Doc Loc in Kitchener has one.

blackdiamond · 09-07-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoace

Yes the original keys are laser cut. But you can emulate that cut with a "Sidewinder" key cutting lathe. Just make sure the guy cutting the key has experience with the machine. I know Doc Loc in Kitchener has one.

Hi whoace,

thanks a lot for all the good info you've provided. It makes things a little easier to understand for us newbies....

Thanks again,
Bertrand.

damameke · 09-07-2010, 08:28 PM

Did you check with Mike from Maranello BMW(sponsor here) I believed he can get you the FOB for a good price...and also ask him about reprogramming...

blackdiamond · 09-07-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damameke

Did you check with Mike from Maranello BMW(sponsor here) I believed he can get you the FOB for a good price...and also ask him about reprogramming...

Hi,

I have checked with Mike and he did give me a really good price, so I am getting ready to buy one from him.

Thanks a lot,
Bertrand.