E30 master key

hadesm5 · 11-14-2006, 06:18 PM

hi.. upon looking through the e30 owner's manual I read that only the master key can activate the central locking. i only have the back up. should i order the master key from the dealership? or is there a cheaper/easier way? thanks

Striker · 11-14-2006, 06:33 PM

You might have to go through the stealership for the master key. What might be cheaper and more pratical, as it would serve two purposes, is to install a low cost alarm system with remote locking.

This way the car is protected and you have remote locking. You can go even cheaper and get remote locking only, I think the key might cost you in exceess of $ 70. A friend of mine was given that price earlier this year.

Cheers,

Raph

hadesm5 · 11-14-2006, 07:22 PM

hmm.. sounds more practical. thanks!

Striker · 11-14-2006, 07:58 PM

No problem, anytime.

Cheers.

BMW325BMW · 11-14-2006, 08:27 PM

when my central locking was working, it would work without the master key and i know it wasnt the master key, because it wouldn't open the trunk. But if you are a fickler for having an original master, the only place is the dealership... I think they told me $70 or something like that and whoevers name the car is under has to order the key... they ask for ownership upon ordering.

hadesm5 · 11-15-2006, 05:39 PM

yeah the dealership is a ripoff. i was hoping there would be another way. but i'm just going to take striker's advice and go with keyless

Axxe · 11-15-2006, 06:26 PM

$25 / key @ dealer. Not a rip-off.

Wannabe · 11-15-2006, 06:57 PM

i bought a key from a store and it cost me $3 and it works fine??
plastic head and everything

Striker · 11-15-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabe

i bought a key from a store and it cost me $3 and it works fine??
plastic head and everything

Really, which store Bud?

craz azn · 11-15-2006, 11:15 PM

^^prolly a no-name brand key... you can get those at crappy tire and such...

hadesm5 · 11-15-2006, 11:44 PM

ok.. why would it state in the e30 manual that only the master key would actuate the central mechanism?

i already bought an uncut key off ebay for like 15 and cut it at crappy tire. and it only works with one side. at this moment my central mechanism is not working anyway.. so I wouldnt know if the key had anything to do with it.

i'm a sucker for oem, buti'm just gonna go with aftermarket keyless entry.

Striker · 11-16-2006, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabe

i bought a key from a store and it cost me $3 and it works fine??
plastic head and everything

Just reading again, yes, it will work if you copy a MASTER.

hadesm5 does not have the master, so regardless what he copies his present key with, it won't work

To get a blank form the stealership will probablly cost $ 25 bucks, but to give them your vin and get them to order the master for you I am sure is around $ 100

Just to confirm this I will call my parts guy at BMW and get some into. Will post it.

BMW BMXer · 11-16-2006, 08:50 AM

Weird crappy tires in Mississauga would never copy my key.

Striker · 11-16-2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW BMXer

Weird crappy tires in Mississauga would never copy my key.

Maybe they don't like you

I spoke with my parts guys at BMW and here are the prices for a master key.

1 Master BMW e30 key without light $ 25.00
2 Master BMW e30 key with light $ 75

Proof of ownership and prepayment required.

I wrote it out like that in case someone did a search, it will be hit easily.

hadesm5 · 11-16-2006, 04:44 PM

alright sickk. thanks ralph, truely appreciated