New FOB Key at Dealer almost $300

[Dathaeus]

Local dealer, $284 for a new FOB. :mad:mad:mad

Tried replacing battery, didn't work.

What do you guys do... I thought it was like $180 before, gezuz krist.

Have any of you recently succeeded in replacing the battery on the key and had it work for any extended time?

I am pretty handy with engineering stuff but I have heard mixed results about this and know some guys who just bought a new FOB anyways.

So basically, if you do everything perfect, is it still possible to get this old FOB working? I am willing to give it another try since cash is tight right now, have other repairs to make and more bills coming....

[stockXgarage]

I have purchased 3 key fobs in past year from the local stealership in LA.
First one I got raped at $240 out the door, and second one for $220.
Different service advisors give you different pricing.

Ordered a third one a month ago through my indy shop for $175 (they ordered from same dealer).

Pricing is all over the place but just depends on who you know

[///Mark_D]

What exactly about your key isn't working? The internal battery only controls the lock/unlock/trunk functions. The electronics in the key that actually start the car are powered by the inductive ring that surrounds the ignition barrel.

A few years back I got a new key for my sedan here, and it was 182.55 including shipping:

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-master-key-with-remote-e46-e83-e53-e85-e86-66126955748?c=az0y

I had to provide the VIN and proof of ownership, and they make the key, code it to your car, and send it out. The key will be able to start your car when it arrives, but you'll still have to program the locking functions just as the dealer would if they were to order the key for you. It only takes a few minutes, programming steps below:

https://bmw-key-replacement.com/bmw-key-programming-free-guide/bmw-remote-key-fob-programming-guide-instructions-for-bmw-diamond-key/

[az3579]

I just made my own keys. Made several keys for less than the cost of 1 from the dealer.

It involves buying key blanks from eBay that have replaceable batteries in them, then ordering a key programmer and installing/operating the software for the programmer I have some instructions somewhere... Removing and reinstalling the EWS is the hardest part and even that is relatively easy. Cut the keys at a hardware store, pair them with the car, and you're good to go.

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[fredo]

Check this link, they offer the key for $174. Less than $200 delivered to your door.

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-master-key-with-remote-e46-e83-e53-e85-e86-66126955748

Edit: I just noticed ///Mark_D posted the same link.

[JJR4884]

Check this link, they offer the key for $174. Less than $200 delivered to your door.

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-master-key-with-remote-e46-e83-e53-e85-e86-66126955748

Edit: I just noticed ///Mark_D posted the same link.

Rats - had no idea this existed. I was under the impression that you had to get it from the dealership because they physically had to verify you in person as the owner of the car.

Either way I spent $280 and don' regret it - the daily convenience of keyless entry was worth it after the month long drag of my fob not working

[Dathaeus]

Just the remote functions, un/lock, trunk


What exactly about your key isn't working? The internal battery only controls the lock/unlock/trunk functions. The electronics in the key that actually start the car are powered by the inductive ring that surrounds the ignition barrel.

A few years back I got a new key for my sedan here, and it was 182.55 including shipping:

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-master-key-with-remote-e46-e83-e53-e85-e86-66126955748?c=az0y

I had to provide the VIN and proof of ownership, and they make the key, code it to your car, and send it out. The key will be able to start your car when it arrives, but you'll still have to program the locking functions just as the dealer would if they were to order the key for you. It only takes a few minutes, programming steps below:

https://bmw-key-replacement.com/bmw-key-programming-free-guide/bmw-remote-key-fob-programming-guide-instructions-for-bmw-diamond-key/

[cakM3]

Botond made two keys for my ZHP this year and so far they have been working perfectly. He has the equipment to program the key to your car and made the process look easy. Only thing I had to do after was get the key cut at a hardware store so thanks to Botond I now have three keys for my ZHP.

[AM1GO]

Botond made two keys for my ZHP this year and so far they have been working perfectly. He has the equipment to program the key to your car and made the process look easy. Only thing I had to do after was get the key cut at a hardware store so thanks to Botond I now have three keys for my ZHP.

Which store can cut auto keys? I tried HD and they could not do it for me.


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[John in VA]

Which store can cut auto keys? I tried HD and they could not do it for me.
Try a neighborhood hardware store vs. big box.

[az3579]

Which store can cut auto keys? I tried HD and they could not do it for me.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI have a local hardware store that I believe is affiliated (or is) ACE Hardware. Try them.
They didn't even charge me for it since I brought my own keys. They said they weren't certain they can cut these and made no promises, but every single one of them was perfect.

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[Dathaeus]

I just ordered one of these from someone's advice.... $180

Just wondering if I have to activate and program when I get it, I think there is some process where you stick the key in the ignition and do some weird steps to activate and match to your car or something?

[Dathaeus]

Check this link, they offer the key for $174. Less than $200 delivered to your door.

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-master-key-with-remote-e46-e83-e53-e85-e86-66126955748

Edit: I just noticed ///Mark_D posted the same link.

Thanks, did it :thumbsup