Reply With QuoteThe smartest (might not be the cheapest, but then sometimes "cheapest" isn't either smart or cheap) thing to do is order a key from a dealer with the key code. That way it's guaranteed to work.
Major Contributor
Blank keys
I only have one key for the car. If I loose it then there will be a big problem for me.
On ebay there are some blank keys for E34 BMW. But they state they have to be laser cut. What if I will get a copy done by normal grinding, there are lots of people who can do that? Will it work?
1994 520i with M50 engine, manual transmission and air conditioner.
VIN: GG45422
Major Contributor
The smartest (might not be the cheapest, but then sometimes "cheapest" isn't either smart or cheap) thing to do is order a key from a dealer with the key code. That way it's guaranteed to work.
Major Contributor
There is no BMW dealer in my city.
How much it usually costs in your countries?
1994 520i with M50 engine, manual transmission and air conditioner.
VIN: GG45422
Super Moderator
I just ordered 2 blanks from a guy in Hongkong for less than 10 US$ on Ebay. Here in Japan every key shop can make a copy if you have a blank. They have good equipment, but they need the blanks. On my E32 keys there are no stored data on the keys, so easy to make it.
Major Contributor
E34s have stored data in the keys Shogun?
1994 520i with M50 engine, manual transmission and air conditioner.
VIN: GG45422
Big Time Poster
I bought one of those blanks on Ebay. The dealer cut it for me with no code or proof of title for $5.
Ryan
1994 525iT
Major Contributor
The dealer used laser cuting or something more usual?
1994 520i with M50 engine, manual transmission and air conditioner.
VIN: GG45422
2 Grand Master
1/95 & later EWS security
US e34s built on or after 1/95 have some sort of EWS secutiry code that works with the key, ECU and a sensor ring around the ignition key opening. I think they do require a coded dealer key to start the car, even though a key cut properly may open the door. Not sure about other countries. Someone correct me if i am wrong.
Good luck.
Originally Posted by t_marat
Last edited by Russell; 01-30-2006 at 12:40 PM.
Thanks,
1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment
Super Moderator
The dealer used laser cuting or something more usual?
Usuall good equipment, but no laser cut. The one I ordered were stating the outer dia and the thickness for E32 keys, I measured my own one and it was the same. You can search here for the right ones you need
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...key&category0=
Major Contributor
The problem that some keysmiths have with conventional cutting equipment...is the design of the BMW key. Note in the pics below (the key blade...not the remote part)...that the design of the BMW key's blade is what requires the "laser" cut. The cut is on each side of the blade...with a solid rectangular block in the center. If your key is cut like this...then you will need a keysmith that has a machine that has the capability to do so.
Common keysmith's machines generally cut complety thru the key on the top edge, or both the top and bottom edge of the key...modern BMW keys, again, have a solid rectangular block in the center (almost like a hamburger patty sandwiched between two buns) with the cut being on either side.
(note in the 3 pics below how the key's blade is cut only on the top side and bottom side of the blade)
(old style BMW keys may not need to be laser cut)
Q
95 525iT / 97 740iL
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