Cheapest way to get new key?

[tim]

For my e39. I'm worried my dealer will try to pull some sort of activation fee out of me.

T i a

tim

[uscharalph]

For my e39. I'm worried my dealer will try to pull some sort of activation fee out of me.

T i a

tim

I'm assuming it's a laser cut key right? I bought a switchblade style key off eBay and the locksmith charged $20.00 to cut it. You're probably best off at the local dealer. I'm sure someone else can confirm this.

[tim]

No, it's got some sort of anti-theft chip in it too. Needs to match the car. As far as I know its a dealer only item, but I wanted to check first.

[Qsilver7]

Yes, the 540 has a master key with an embedded chip & keyless entry buttons that must match the car because it reads the signal from the key before it will start...a replacement key must come from BMW (see first pic below). But there's a few other keys that do not need to be programmed...they just don't have the keyless entry buttons. If you go to the online parts database...you will see the "other keys" for you car...if you have a build date after 1/95...(#14;#15;#16;and #17). There is the service key (valet key), the general keys, and spare key. These keys usually run around $50 or less...whereas the fat black head key w/integrated keyless buttons runs over $100 (#18): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...44&hg=41&fg=40

And sure, your local BMW dealer would love to charge you 1 hours labor to program it...and will do so for those who don't want to be bothered doing it themselves...BUT... you can do it yourself by following the instructions in your owners manual (see instructions, in 2nd pic below, from my e38's owners manual which uses the same type of key).