Cut new programed ignition key for 850Ci/M73

[hsdady]

What's the process to cut a new ignition key for my 850Ci/M73? I still have the original but I want a spare ignition key just like the original, with the electronic lock/unlock fob. I need to be able to purchase one and program it. Is dealer the route? expensive? Other alternatives?

[Timm]

There's a couple of options:

Buy the complete key from BMW against the VIN - you will need proof of ownership - quite expensive

Buy the wallet key or valet key from BMW against the VIN - and then oik out the transponder and fit it to an Ebay blank key with remote - get the shank cut by a cobbler (or whatever they are called in the US) - a lot cheaper

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More info here:

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/Key/Index.htm

[btnh]

when i had my e36 m3 13 years ago , i used to lock my keys in the car all the time... i just called the factory at bmw of south carolina spartanburg, and they cut me keys for like 20 bucks.. i got the tip from someone on the forum, and curious if it still works.

[Khan850i]

What's the process to cut a new ignition key for my 850Ci/M73? I still have the original but I want a spare ignition key just like the original, with the electronic lock/unlock fob. I need to be able to purchase one and program it. Is dealer the route? expensive? Other alternatives?

Bimmernav I bought my own online for $99 it's a basic key in my 91 850 the electronic key is 278

[rjbaren]

Not sure about 850s but if you bypass the EWS on an 840 and then you can use an ebay key for cheap. But you have to bypass the EWS to do that.