How much can I expect to pay for said key? I don't have a spare and that bothers me.

about 100-150 range.

can i jsut take my VIN number to the dealership and they will give me a new key??

can i jsut take my VIN number to the dealership and they will give me a new key??

you will need current registration and your DL.

I paid $175... :shifty:
I dont remember it bein to difficult... I orderd it on the phone, then picked it up a couple days later... in and out...

I paid $175... :shifty:


Wow. I know it's a BMW & all...but Wow! Guess I'll wait on that one for a bit longer. I have other things to spend $$$ on like tires & SSK..and now thanks to you guys, Magnaflow muffler. Can someone toss me a part # for the muffler? Are there any muffler chain stores (like midas, car-x, etc) that carry Magnaflow? I know a lot of them carry Flowmaster.

You might get a valet key. I think I paid $45 for mine.

You might get a valet key. I think I paid $45 for mine.

I like that idea but I think I might just pony up the $$$ for the real deal.

When we had my key made for the other car, I think we called 'em up, gave em the VIN, and then when we picked it up, the technician had to program it for the alarm. So just make sure you bring the car, and they'll do their thang. And yeah, they're expensive. We had my basic e34 key and an e39 key made at the same time, and the bill was $210 or something. =/

Keep in mid, thats WITHOUT programming...
they wanted like $60 for that...

:shifty

The statement about the valet key (I don't get) :dunno. The real deal is...you need to have a spare key...regardless if it has the keyless entry buttons on it or not. The master key w/keyless entry buttons are the only ones that really cost a lot of money...the other master keys & valet key can run anywhere between $30-$100+ (depending on dealer).

I can't tell if you have the old style key or the new style key (starts with 9/99 build date)...but the instructions are posted (AGAIN) below for programming either type...no need to pay the dealer $60 for something really simple...just FOLLOW the instructions EXACTLY!

(Programming Instructions: old style key)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_140_full.jpg

(Programming Instructions: new style)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_155_full.jpg

First, you don't need to PAY for initializing the key...the instructions are posted ABOVE...and they've been posted to the board MANY times before.

Second, having a spare key should be considered a MUST. Have you read the horror stories from those that accidentally locked their keys in the trunk? You don't want to have to go thru that.

Third, there are multiple MASTER KEYS (some with keyless entry/some without)...then there's the VALET key which only operates the doors and ignition. Even if you've lost your master key...or even locked it in the trunk accidentally...that valet key is still the real deal in that you will still be able to use your car until you order another master key that will allow you to get into the trunk again.

Fourth, until you get a spare key...do yourself a favor by following some simple procedures that will help NOT get yourself locked out of the car.
turn your trunk lock to the vertical position and LEAVE IT THAT WAY ( | ) which will keep it attached to the central locking system
ALWAYS lock your doors or trunk with the key (which means the key is always in your hand and not still laying in the trunk)...and always unlock the (driver's) door as well as the trunk if you are only opening the trunk...that way if you do inadvertantly lay the key down in the trunk, then slam the lid shut, you can simply press the trunk lock cylinder, or the central unlock or trunk release button in the cabin to re-open the trunk and retrieve your keys (can't do this if you've seperated the trunk from the central locking system by leaving it in the horizontal position ( -- ).


The illuminated general/master key, spare key & wallet key are ALL master keys...they just don't have keyless entry buttons...and you have to insert them into the door or trunk lock cylinder to lock/unlock the car...BUT at least having one of them will keep you from being stranded, not able to drive your car if you were to loose or lock your ONLY key in the car! :eek: You can get an idea of how much the other keys cost if you look at the online parts database:
Up to 9/99 build date (see alternate and less expensive master keys #9 & #1... #10 is the valet (service) key): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DE63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_0012&hg=41&fg=40
From 9/99-up build date (see alternate and less expensive master keys #1 & #3...#2 is the valet (service) key): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_1330&hg=41&fg=40


http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/BMW%20Transponders%20Keys.jpg

If you've never seen the ILLUMINATED MASTER KEY (does NOT have keyless entry buttons) you can see it on the far left in the pic below...these are the keys for my 95 e34 525iT...the illuminated master is the same part nbr as the e39s because my car has EWS, too and requires a key with an embedded transponder inside of it.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_128_full.jpg

I hope this post clears up some misconceptions about BMW keys, what's available, and what they look like, and what you can expect to pay. :)

I hate key programming...
:shifty...

Good post though Qsilver7.

If I were to buy a blank key off ebay would I still be charged for the cutting?

If I were to buy a blank key off ebay would I still be charged for the cutting?

If you don't personally own a key cutting machine...or have a friend or family member that owns one and would be willing to cut it for you...then yes, you will have to pay.

But the question is...why would you pay someone to cut a key for you that isnt' going to start your car? :ponder The only thing you'll be able to do (if you get it cut) is...it will unlock the door & trunk (manually)...and if you initialize the key, you can get the keyless entry buttons to work...BUT...because the transponder won't be encoded with the ISN (individual serial number) that matches your EWS control module and ECU...the car will remain immobilized and won't start.

The key for your e36 (I'm assuming that's what you have, cause its the only BMW you have listed) has EWS:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_158_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_159_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_160_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_161_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_162_full.jpg

dude that wallet key is sweet! How much do those cost?

dude that wallet key is sweet! How much do those cost?

In post #11...there are TWO links right above the drawing of the keys (based on your car's build date)...if you click on them, it will take you directly to the online parts database which has the diagrams, part nbrs, and approx price.

You can take the 11 digit part nbr from the database and call your local BMW dealer and ask how much they sell that key for. It varies from dealer to dealer.

In post #11...there are TWO links right above the drawing of the keys (based on your car's build date)...if you click on them, it will take you directly to the online parts database which has the diagrams, part nbrs, and approx price.

You can take the 11 digit part nbr from the database and call your local BMW dealer and ask how much they sell that key for. It varies from dealer to dealer.

Sweet, thanks :buttrock

The statement about the valet key (I don't get) :dunno. The real deal is...you need to have a spare key...regardless if it has the keyless entry buttons on it or not. The master key w/keyless entry buttons are the only ones that really cost a lot of money...the other master keys & valet key can run anywhere between $30-$100+ (depending on dealer).

I can't tell if you have the old style key or the new style key (starts with 9/99 build date)...but the instructions are posted (AGAIN) below for programming either type...no need to pay the dealer $60 for something really simple...just FOLLOW the instructions EXACTLY!

(Programming Instructions: old style key)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_140_full.jpg

(Programming Instructions: new style)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_155_full.jpg

First, you don't need to PAY for initializing the key...the instructions are posted ABOVE...and they've been posted to the board MANY times before.

Second, having a spare key should be considered a MUST. Have you read the horror stories from those that accidentally locked their keys in the trunk? You don't want to have to go thru that.

Third, there are multiple MASTER KEYS (some with keyless entry/some without)...then there's the VALET key which only operates the doors and ignition. Even if you've lost your master key...or even locked it in the trunk accidentally...that valet key is still the real deal in that you will still be able to use your car until you order another master key that will allow you to get into the trunk again.

Fourth, until you get a spare key...do yourself a favor by following some simple procedures that will help NOT get yourself locked out of the car.

turn your trunk lock to the vertical position and LEAVE IT THAT WAY ( | ) which will keep it attached to the central locking system
ALWAYS lock your doors or trunk with the key (which means the key is always in your hand and not still laying in the trunk)...and always unlock the (driver's) door as well as the trunk if you are only opening the trunk...that way if you do inadvertantly lay the key down in the trunk, then slam the lid shut, you can simply press the trunk lock cylinder, or the central unlock or trunk release button in the cabin to re-open the trunk and retrieve your keys (can't do this if you've seperated the trunk from the central locking system by leaving it in the horizontal position ( -- ).The illuminated general/master key, spare key & wallet key are ALL master keys...they just don't have keyless entry buttons...and you have to insert them into the door or trunk lock cylinder to lock/unlock the car...BUT at least having one of them will keep you from being stranded, not able to drive your car if you were to loose or lock your ONLY key in the car! :eek: You can get an idea of how much the other keys cost if you look at the online parts database:

Up to 9/99 build date (see alternate and less expensive master keys #9 & #1... #10 is the valet (service) key): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DE63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_0012&hg=41&fg=40
From 9/99-up build date (see alternate and less expensive master keys #1 & #3...#2 is the valet (service) key): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_1330&hg=41&fg=40http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/BMW%20Transponders%20Keys.jpg

If you've never seen the ILLUMINATED MASTER KEY (does NOT have keyless entry buttons) you can see it on the far left in the pic below...these are the keys for my 95 e34 525iT...the illuminated master is the same part nbr as the e39s because my car has EWS, too and requires a key with an embedded transponder inside of it.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_128_full.jpg

I hope this post clears up some misconceptions about BMW keys, what's available, and what they look like, and what you can expect to pay. :)


I just ordered 51-21-8-205-310. I paid $52.04 out the door. Thanks!

I just ordered 51-21-8-205-310. I paid $52.04 out the door. Thanks!

Cool...$50 out the door sure beats having to pay $100+ :D Thanks for posting back the current going price of the valet key.

:handclap

Cool...$50 out the door sure beats having to pay $100+ :D Thanks for posting back the current going price of the valet key.

:handclap
No problem :). But I do want to point out that I didn't get the Valet key. I bought the Illuminated General key. The valet ket doesn't open the trunk. In my 10+ years driving, I think I've been valet'd 3 times...2 of which, I wasn't driving MY car :D. I'm not worried about keeping people out of my trunk. As for the wallet key, It sounded great in theory but does anyone remember that episode of 'Seinfield' where Georges wallet exploded because of all the crap he had in there? That's how my wallet is beginning to get. Too much junk in there & not enough $$$:(

The valet ket doesn't open the trunk. In my 10+ years driving, I think I've been valet'd 3 times...2 of which, I wasn't driving MY car :D.

Try coming out to Hollywood, you pretty much HAVE to valet, and trust me, I'm fuckin' cheap when it comes to things like that.

No problem :). But I do want to point out that I didn't get the Valet key. I bought the Illuminated General key...

Better yet! :D I was only going by the BMW part nbr you typed...the illluminated (master) key is BMW part nbr 51 21 8 205 311.

Wow, the illuminated key is still approx $50! :alright There's no excuse now for anyone that doesn't have a spare! :redspot

Better yet! :D I was only going by the BMW part nbr you typed...the illluminated (master) key is BMW part nbr 51 21 8 205 311.

Wow, the illuminated key is still approx $50! :alright There's no excuse now for anyone that doesn't have a spare! :redspot


dude u n ur posts rock :buttrock:buttrock:buttrock:buttrock:buttrock:butt rock:buttrock:buttrock:buttrock:buttrock:buttrock: buttrock:buttrock:buttrock


p.s. sorry, had to say it lol :D

thank you ....now you're making me :blush2