Hi All,
I just joined the forum on behalf of my father, who just got a brand new 530i. As the family's designated tech support resource, it's fallen on me to help setup all of the gizmos and doodads. One of the questions I'm trying to answer is about replacing the key fob without the $600+ charge the dealer nails you with. I've seen a number of online services claiming to be able to accomplish the same thing for a fraction of the cost, but I'm skeptical. I figured I'd ask the folks who know - is there anything out there that's worth looking into, or should I just tell him it's the dealer or nothing?
Thanks!
There are no alternative for keys
If you just want an extra key, not the FOB, they should be around $100.
I just purchased a 2014 328i that only came with one key fob... I called my local dealership to inquire about the price and I was quoted $489.95 plus $5.00 for key cutting and to program the key includes a service fee and he quoted all of this with a straight face... I did ask about 3rd party vendor but the parts guys claimed that you can't use those because they don't have the chip in it to programmed and that only comes from the dealership... I did contact a guy on Ebay who has a key from his leased '14 328i and it was one of his original fob that he had lost and found later after turning the car back in... Can I purchase that one from him and get it purchase since it is an authentic BMW key fob?
Ask about a valet key.
No, a key from another vehicle will not work for your car.
And BTW, keys are laser cut in Jersey by BMW NA and express shipped to the dealer. You have to provide a driver's license and proof of ownership to order a key.
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ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician
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