Copy key or new dealer cut?

[bobdavisnpf]

Just picked up a BMW key blank from Garagistic, now time to get it cut. Local dealer can cut from the VIN, or I can take it to a local locksmith/key-copy place.

Is it better to copy the worn key, or to cut a new key to fit how the lock was when new?

All the keys I've got are no-name copies, all are super worn, none of them work great and they pretty much only work on the trunk and ignition.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Cut a new key.

[TheStigg]

I haven't had very good luck with duplicate keys. Not so much that the master was worn but more because the duplicate is weaker metal. Our local locksmiths won't cut steel keys. The dealer can order you a steel key made per the VIN and guaranteed to fit (unless a previous owner had the locks changed). My e30 key is thin and very narrow at the last notch near the head and a duplicate key snapped off in the ignition tumbler. I wasn't able to remove the broken stub and could only turn it with a screwdriver. I replaced the entire ignition barrel and key with a much beefier key style from my wife's e36 VIN. The door locks never worked well with a key. I had a new factory e30 key made per the VIN and can only lock/unlock the car from the trunk, so it doesn't much matter to me that the ignition key doesn't match.

[Jeffnhiscars]

Id buy a code cut key from the dealer (or a new coded ignition switch if thats iffy). Then rebuild the drivers door lock and you will be good in the places that get 96% of the wear

[nick325xit 5spd]

The key is to at least get one new key, and then copy that. Brass keys are not awesome, but are OK. But it's way better to start with a good new key for any further copies. Also, I pay about $40 for a new key at the dealer, so it's not really even worth the effort vs. buying a steel blank.

[bobdavisnpf]

Thanks all for advice. Code-cut keys working great.

Called the closest dealer - $120 + 2-3 business days, plus 2 in-person visits (1 to buy, 1 to pick up).
Called the downtown dealer - $47 for new key cut on the spot, plus they cut my new BMW blank for free.

so adding in Garagistic blank, 2 new BMW steel keys (one with a light!) for $77 total.

Bonus: door locks work again! Pretty stiff, but they do lock/unlock and activate central locking.

[jclausen]

Dealer

[nick325xit 5spd]

Thanks all for advice. Code-cut keys working great.

Called the closest dealer - $120 + 2-3 business days, plus 2 in-person visits (1 to buy, 1 to pick up).
Called the downtown dealer - $47 for new key cut on the spot, plus they cut my new BMW blank for free.

so adding in Garagistic blank, 2 new BMW steel keys (one with a light!) for $77 total.

Bonus: door locks work again! Pretty stiff, but they do lock/unlock and activate central locking.

Before you bend your keys up, I'd suggest lubricating the locks.

[bobdavisnpf]

Before you bend your keys up, I'd suggest lubricating the locks.

Yeah, refreshing door lock operation has been on my list. Picked up a couple lock cylinder rebuild kits, backed off from the project when I went into driver door to clean & lube window regulator (I'm kind of a "one-thing-at-a-time" guy). Looking forward to seeing if it's the lock cylinders (rebuilt once already, around 2005) or the mechanism.