Can auto locksmith replace the keys or do I have to go to dealers?

[W12x]

One of the key fob of my M3 got lost with my luggage, and I need to get a replacement key fob.

Just wondering if I can go to an auto locksmith and get a replacement key from them and have them program it, or only dealerships can do it.

I have AAA Premier membership so they would pay up to $150 if I use a locksmith, and it's probably cheaper than dealership anyways...

[Flying Ace]

the key is weird design, but I think any shop can cut it for you.


Dealership would sell you a reprogrammable fob, but get ready to shell out $$$. You can try ebay and 3rd party sellers, but I've heard that there's something particular about the type of fob you need to buy to make comfort access work...I don't recall.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=447096
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239563
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330570

[crypticc]

Just leave the car out long enough and when someone tries to knick it clobber them and steal their key

[iansanderson]

If you are looking for the path of least resistance, just order it from the dealer. Everything will work and you're done. No need to program it unless you have comfort access. Just stick it in and press start.

[Canuckles]

Order from dealer man, it's a pita cost wise. FYI we can only have three sets of keys made for our cars, what I was told. Maybe someone can confirm that.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

If you are looking for the path of least resistance, just order it from the dealer. Everything will work and you're done. No need to program it unless you have comfort access. Just stick it in and press start.

This. If no CA, any unprogrammed BMW fob appropriate for your model will work as long as you currently have another fob that already works. Unlock the doors with the already-working fob, then insert the new one into the slot and start the car to program the new one. This will NOT work with a fob that has already been programmed for some other car!!

If you have CA or need to replace your only fob, you need your dealer.

[W12x]

Originally Posted by jphughan

This. If no CA, any unprogrammed BMW fob appropriate for your model will work as long as you currently have another fob that already works. Unlock the doors with the already-working fob, then insert the new one into the slot and start the car to program the new one. This will NOT work with a fob that has already been programmed for some other car!!

If you have CA or need to replace your only fob, you need your dealer.

So if I have CA on my car, and I use the procedure you mentioned, does it make CA not work on the new key, or is the new key unusable at all?

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by W12x

So if I have CA on my car, and I use the procedure you mentioned, does it make CA not work on the new key, or is the new key unusable at all?

I think that if you do this with a CA key, you'll only give up CA functionality until you get a dealer to program it, but you'd still be able to use the buttons on the fob and start the car with it -- but I'm not certain. You definitely wouldn't permanently disable CA on the fob by just starting with this procedure though.

[anthonyedwards1]

Originally Posted by W12x

One of the key fob of my M3 got lost with my luggage, and I need to get a replacement key fob.

Just wondering if I can go to an auto locksmith and get a replacement key from them and have them program it, or only dealerships can do it.

I have AAA Premier membership so they would pay up to $150 if I use a locksmith, and it's probably cheaper than dealership anyways...

Locksmith is probably cheaper than the dealer. They are able to provide you the key at half the rate asked by the dealer.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by anthonyedwards1

Locksmith is probably cheaper than the dealer. They are able to provide you the key at half the rate asked by the dealer.

Bumping a 2 year old thread to post that...hmm, interesting 1st post here.

[DanielLee5]

Originally Posted by W12x

One of the key fob of my M3 got lost with my luggage, and I need to get a replacement key fob.

Just wondering if I can go to an auto locksmith and get a replacement key from them and have them program it, or only dealerships can do it.

I have AAA Premier membership so they would pay up to $150 if I use a locksmith, and it's probably cheaper than dealership anyways...

I got my key fob replaced for the price lower than dealership's. I just found a local locksmith via http://replacecarkey.org/ , very reliable guys. Using their site, you can get it touch with their managers and they will offer you new keys or a locksmith's services, as you want.

[WantedPzen]

"it's probably cheaper than dealership anyways" - yes, it definitely is.

[LakeSurfer]

I still confused and shocked at all the things people can do with cars form a modification perspective but no one has found a way to avoid the dealer when it comes to keys.

Someone stole a Tesla out of my neighbors driveway, how the hell did they do that for example?

[dpaul]

Originally Posted by LakeSurfer

Someone stole a Tesla out of my neighbors driveway, how the hell did they do that for example?

Like this:
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/heres-h...-in-2-minutes/

[nycplumber]

Originally Posted by LakeSurfer

I still confused and shocked at all the things people can do with cars form a modification perspective but no one has found a way to avoid the dealer when it comes to keys.

Someone stole a Tesla out of my neighbors driveway, how the hell did they do that for example?

I don't go to the dealer. I go to the guy the dealer hires when they need stuff done lol. I just bought a new key last week for $165 and it was the new G style. Cool upgrade from our older key. These people are out there you just gotta know who to contact. Find a really good indy shop and ask who they use for keys