Blank keys

[Alexlind123]

I got a spare key made by a lock-smith that my parents have used for years to make copies of car keys, house keys and rental house keys among others. He charged somewhere around $30 for the blank and grinding (assuming he ground it). It works fine, but he must have had a special grinder to be able to do it.

[t_marat]

OK, thanks everybody.

I guess I will buy a blank key and try my luck at a lock-smith.

[Jay 535i]

Huh, the only reason I haven't bought a new key is that having it cut sounded like a PIA. Maybe not, after all.

[Chris'91'525i]

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?

One thing to remember is OEM BMW keys (new or old) are made of steel ,not nickle plated brass like most auto keys.
I would check the quality of your aftermarket key with a magnet.

It will take a special cutting wheel to cut them properly.
Defineatly a locksmiths job and not something a ACE hardware or similar is set up to do, without ruining thier cutter.
I'm talking about an older BMW 'regular' cut auto key.
I have no idea how they cut these new ones with a laser.
Would love to see it done though !!

[632 Regal]

I used a die gringer and it worked fine.

[shogun]

A standard BMW blank key w/o all this memory stuff (made by BMW or the other after market co's ) is easy to copy by any Mr. Minit or similar equipped shop, provided they want to do it and law allows (in some countries they are not allowed to handle certain keys).

Then we have in Japan special shops which are advertising to do car keys, Toyota etc., but they usually do not have the blanks for the older BMW. So that is why I needed to buy the blanks. In the ads they usually state the dimensions of the blanks, compare these with your original, if that fits, it is a matter of minutes for the shop.

[F4Phantom]

i took a BMW key to a locksmith and he said he cant cut BMW keys they are to complicated. He tried anyway and gave it to me for free, said it probably wont work, he was right, it didnt. Anyway why would you bother, I call BMW before 12 noon, they have the key ready to pick up by the afternoon $17. They aparently get an email from germany with the key lined up with my vin # which is then computer cut.

[Dave M]

i took a BMW key to a locksmith and he said he cant cut BMW keys they are to complicated. He tried anyway and gave it to me for free, said it probably wont work, he was right, it didnt. Anyway why would you bother, I call BMW before 12 noon, they have the key ready to pick up by the afternoon $17. They aparently get an email from germany with the key lined up with my vin # which is then computer cut.

Wow, cost me $60 Can. Some things are cheaper in Aus.

Dave M

[adamisbomb]

anyone in the us had a key made? dealer needed proof of ownership and i just got the car and it was $50 for new key. they said for a 1990 i should be able to go to home depot or a locksmith. i doubt home depot can do it i would get a key off ebay and have it cut but dont know where to go.

[Fred Tyler]

anyone in the us had a key made? dealer needed proof of ownership and i just got the car and it was $50 for new key. they said for a 1990 i should be able to go to home depot or a locksmith. i doubt home depot can do it i would get a key off ebay and have it cut but dont know where to go.

I only had to send a photo file to a firm in Canberra Aust and he cut 2 keys for $60 and they work great. Give a good locksmith a call.
regards fred