I only got one key with this car so is this a main dealer purchase or are there alternatives
Spare key
- Thread starter JohnE
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Going through exact same key issue with my newly aquired Z4, route I am taking is some blank keys from ebay (Chinese supplier). Will be getting them cut locally when they arrive followed by coding them to the car using a AK90 coding machine from another member on here. Thought about investing in a cutting machine again from ebay or Amazon to duplicate keys myself, will see how the coding of the keys pans out with mine before I commit to the cutting machine. No doubt I could recoup the outlay just sorting keys out for members on here at minimum charge. I did enquire at Timpsons, they wouldn't cut any blanks just sell you a coded key for circa £180, I declined their services. There are people on ebay who will cut and code a key but you have to send them your EWS module from the car and your key to do it. Cheapest I've seen is circa £55 for that service.
The keys I have ordered are 2 x Diamond keys and 1 upgrade flip key, they all come with the required chip in to programe to the car.
Ebay key supplier here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CM12-EUR-12-1999-Z3-BMW-Z3_19&diagId=13_1733
The keys I have ordered are 2 x Diamond keys and 1 upgrade flip key, they all come with the required chip in to programe to the car.
Ebay key supplier here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CM12-EUR-12-1999-Z3-BMW-Z3_19&diagId=13_1733
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Just spoken to my local dealership and a key from BMW is £174 inc VAT. I am not technical enough to sort the coding out etc and I dont know of anyone local to me who can do it so it looks as though I will have to fork out the £174 but thank you for taking the time to respond
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Yes BMW rip you off for a key most manufacturers are the same when it comes to keys, been caught before with a Kia we had with just one key. Trouble with doing it yourself is finding a key cutter that will cut blanks supplied by you, they of course would prefer to sell you a complete key. The key supplied that way can be synced to the car easy enough but that will only operate the central locking the key needs programing with the EWS module in the car to enable it to start the car.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-BMW-...113247?hash=item3fcc4684df:g:5ZcAAOSwj35dfnPU
These people on ebay will do one key for 59.99 but you have to send your working key and the EWS module from your car to get it done, 1 day turn around service. Its not difficult to remove the EWS module its under the steering wheel held in by two nuts, just disconnect the lead and your done, you can secure the car whikst the box is out by using the keyin the door lock.
When it comes back refit the EWS box and check the key turns on the ignition. To sync the key to the EWS for remote locking put the key in the ignition and turn it to ignition without starting the car, remove the key holding down the unlock button and press the lock button three times in quick succession the door locks will lock and unlock to indicate that the key is synced. Immediatly repeat the button presses sequence with your other key to sync that one. Youtube videos are available to walk you through the process.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-BMW-...113247?hash=item3fcc4684df:g:5ZcAAOSwj35dfnPU
These people on ebay will do one key for 59.99 but you have to send your working key and the EWS module from your car to get it done, 1 day turn around service. Its not difficult to remove the EWS module its under the steering wheel held in by two nuts, just disconnect the lead and your done, you can secure the car whikst the box is out by using the keyin the door lock.
When it comes back refit the EWS box and check the key turns on the ignition. To sync the key to the EWS for remote locking put the key in the ignition and turn it to ignition without starting the car, remove the key holding down the unlock button and press the lock button three times in quick succession the door locks will lock and unlock to indicate that the key is synced. Immediatly repeat the button presses sequence with your other key to sync that one. Youtube videos are available to walk you through the process.
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£60 is cheap money for a fully programmed key if those guys are reliable. But removing your EWS is not for everyone and sharing it with people carries a security risk.
Some things to bear in mind - all covered in old posts btw (for Z3 at least) where there is further detail.
Some things to bear in mind - all covered in old posts btw (for Z3 at least) where there is further detail.
- The best keys are cut by CNC milling machines by reading the original BMW code from the cuts on the key. Not trace cutting as you inherent wear facets. For this reason never post photos of your keys!
- Some of the Chinese key blanks are cr*p. They are made of metal that is too hard and will break cutting bits. This is the other reason people don't cut blanks they haven't supplied
- The Chinese keys don't fit together very well by the time the PCB is installed. The BMW OEM is Silica and the keys are available from them (when they don't have shortgages as they did earlier in the year)
- I have a reliable locksmith who cuts keys for me. He is very good and not expensive. Personally I wouldn't consider the expense/responsibility of buying my own cutter
- You can indeed programme Z3 keys with an AK90. But it's not for the faint-hearted or those who lack patience!
Blimey, thank you but I will bite the bullet and go to the dealer 
