Need a replacement key with keyless entry-remote access for 2011 335is

[3XXM]

Hello, My used 2011 335is came with just one key with keyless entry/remote access. The dealers in the Washington DC area have quoted me around $4-500 for one. Does anyone have any insight on how to get a replacement key without spending a small fortune at the dealer?Any help deeply appreciated.

Alternatively, I would be happy to forego the creature comfort and have just a key that can lock/unlock and start the car, if that is an option. Thanks.

[montaillou]

$4 is a good price, I'd jump on that.

You can get what's called a wallet key. It's not got the electronics and is essentially a dumb key also available through the dealership. Last I saw they cost much less, around $50 I think. $500 seems high for me for a key (I would've expected the price to be more around $200), maybe the price varies between dealers like other parts.

[project e36]

that sounds a little expensive i dont think that model car has the huge fat key should be the regular fob which at my dealer is around 250..then to program is 1hr at 145.30 every dealer has its own labor rate but still i only see that pricing when its the newer models with the "fat key"

[modular93fox]

that sounds a little expensive i dont think that model car has the huge fat key should be the regular fob which at my dealer is around 250..then to program is 1hr at 145.30 every dealer has its own labor rate but still i only see that pricing when its the newer models with the "fat key"

Nailed it... Most keys work right without programming unless somewhere down the line the remaining keys have been deactivated... If not it should work right away.

[3XXM]

I have noticed that there are aftermarket remote keys with blank blades. Did you mean those remotes will work without programming, and all I need is to have the blank cut to fit my car?

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The wallet key you referred to is the blade part that you can pull out from the fob. Older bimmers used to have a valet key, which is a plastic/graphite key so flat you can put it in your wallet, but newer ones just have a pull-out blade. You are correct - the blade only costs about $45 plus the cutting (a few $), but it's pretty ugly without the fob, unlike the old valet key. Thanks.

[modular93fox]

No eBay crap.. I'm talking about going to the dealer and buying one.