how do I get a duplicate key for E36 - Page 2

E30 Girl · 08-21-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve30

I called bmw to see how much a key would be for my e36 and they want $600! My dad paid 180 for his e30 key.

$180 for an E30 key when I had an extra key cut for my E30 it cost me $20.

328i Cab · 08-23-2009, 04:26 PM

If you just want another physical key (no chip), I can help you out. The 98 has ews, so you have 2 options (without disabling the ews altogether): new key from the dealer OR take the chip out of your current key and mount it in your dash and cut some non-ews keys.

There are 10 slots available for each ews car (only sure ab this until mid 00s) - there is 2 components of the coding of the chip: the fixed (doesn't change) and rolling portion (changes every time you use your key). The way BMW codes them is that they have every car's fixed portion stored in their database. The floating portion starts at zero and cycles from there. That's why when you get a new key from bmw that it doesn't need to be programmed. The problem is that once all 10 have been made, they don't have any more info about your module and all of the floating portions of the code have changed so they can't make any more keys without changing the ews module and giving you all new keys.

IF**** you are at key number 10 and need some more, I have a programmer that reads the current fixed and floating portions of the keys and I can make more chips but I WILL NOT do this unless you are at your last key and need to get a new ews module. The procedure required de-soldering a wire on the ews circuit board, reading it and re-soldering it. I don't want the liability for this in case it messes up!

Please PM me if you have more questions about the EWS system, I spent ages trying to figure it out and I think I have a pretty good understanding. Sorry if I didn't explain something perfectly, I'd be more than happy to clarify!

-Todd

brunp · 08-25-2009, 01:47 PM

Turns out my replacement key (without the key-fob for the security system, don't need that) is: $60.

So, I took the hit to get a duplicate key made, which is cut and coded based on my VIN information in Germany. :-)

I had to pass my ownership and driver's license for security purposes to make sure I am the rightful owner of the vehicle.

Paul

damameke · 08-25-2009, 10:39 PM

quoted $350 for my xi from a dealer...
the price in the States from a dealer is much cheaper...

moogles · 08-26-2009, 12:37 AM

hmm.. i'll get a quote too.. i need a spare...

LondonWraith · 08-26-2009, 01:46 PM

in London dealership $35 for regular key, $75 for one with light

jiggatwist · 08-27-2009, 10:49 AM

I need a spare key for a '94 e36 320i can someone PM me details instead of going to the stealer.

Thanks,
Matt

brunp · 08-27-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiggatwist

I need a spare key for a '94 e36 320i can someone PM me details instead of going to the stealer.

Thanks,
Matt

cheapest option will be the dealer. The e36 keys are really cheap actually.

Paul

jiggatwist · 08-27-2009, 10:53 AM

Eh' Paul,

They quoted be 120 bucks? I was trying to do better.?! thats all.

brunp · 08-27-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiggatwist

Eh' Paul,

They quoted be 120 bucks? I was trying to do better.?! thats all.

$64 for me.....curious why Otto's in Ottawa is cheaper then the Toronto dealers.....wow.....this does include mt 10% members discount for being w/ the club, but still.....doesn't make up the different to $120.

Paul

Sonu · 09-15-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkieMoscow

Just because it's chipping doesn't mean you have to take your business to the stealership. My friend had a key made at pacific mall for 40 or 60 bucks (can't recall, it was 2 years ago). Go to pcm and inquire there.

got mine made from pmall for 50