Can I get a cheaper duplicate key?

[John1950]

I'm sure this subject has come up a number of times - the obscene cost of a replacement key.

Has anyone come across some way of getting an unprogrammed key and then having it done without giving BMW the pleasure of laughing while they charge so much?

[PCSAM]

I would be interested in this also

[OldskoolRS]

Have you tried a key place such as Timpsons? My OH's Mini only came with one key and we were horrified at the price of a spare at well over £100 IIRC. Timpsons quoted about £35 (which is still steep, but much less than BMW). You need to take ID and the V5 with you to get it cut, which we still haven't got round to doing...

http://www.timpson.co.uk/locate

[John1950]

Have you tried a key place such as Timpsons? My OH's Mini only came with one key and we were horrified at the price of a spare at well over £100 IIRC. Timpsons quoted about £35 (which is still steep, but much less than BMW). You need to take ID and the V5 with you to get it cut, which we still haven't got round to doing...

http://www.timpson.co.uk/locate

I'm afraid it doesn't work like that - the key has to be programmed. It is in effect a mini computer so to make a new key is much more than simply cutting the metal.
I was hoping there might be some 'independent' specialist who might be able to do the job - not very likely I know, but worth the question. Of course, if someone can help, then a PM would be appreciated...

[OldskoolRS]

Sorry, I figured the technology would be similar on a 2005 Mini compared to a 2000 ish Z3. Hence the £35 rather than £10 or so for a 'metal key' copy. If there's no tech in the £35 one then thats a very expensive blank.

[John1950]

Sorry, I figured the technology would be similar on a 2005 Mini compared to a 2000 ish Z3. Hence the £35 rather than £10 or so for a 'metal key' copy. If there's no tech in the £35 one then thats a very expensive blank.

All the prestige maker manufacturers now charge £150 to £200 per key! Hence my question.

[gelertd1]

John

I got a 'service' key, ready programmed for my Z3 from the dealer for £41 - see my previous post

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=32173

Steve

[JAV11S]

Do you know about the 'grey' key that BMW can supply? It does include the remote part, but it is chipped so it will let you unlock doors/boot and start the car. I ordered one about a year or so ago as a back up. I had to produce my V5 and ID to order it, and it was shipped from Germany, but it is only about £35-£40 (at the time).

JAV11S

[John1950]

John

I got a 'service' key, ready programmed for my Z3 from the dealer for £41 - see my previous post

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=32173

Steve

Ah - it seems you're right. I've just called my local BMW dealer at Portsmouth - they want £149 for an all singing, all dancing key, but a key which does everything - except remotely open doors/boot is £55 on production of licence and V5. I think I'll go an get one.

[OldskoolRS]

FWIW I passed a Timpsons today and they had a sign outside which was advertising 'chipped' car keys, but they looked quite busy so I didn't bother going in to check if they do Z3 keys. If I do at some point I'll post back. I knew the one they quoted for my OH's Mini isn't a remote one, but I'm sure it was also chipped so I could start the car with it if need be (it would be more so I could just open it when washing her car as she often has the key with her even if she's not driving). However, the saving doesn't look to be that great if BMW can supply one for £55, unless that's plus VAT.

[BladeRunner919]

My understanding of what Timpson do (and this is only my understanding, not from experience) is that they can read the transponder code from your key and programme that into a duplicate, so it should work perfectly. The only possible downside is if you have the scenario where a car has three keys, with individual transponder codes (for memory seat functions, perhaps) then if you duplicate key 1 you have to put up with two keys that act the same, if you see what I mean. Not that that's an issue for us anyway.