96 M73 Key Fob

[hsdady]

I still have my original M73 Key Fob but I need a spare as is my only ignition key.

What is the process for getting a spare key fob, cut and programmed? go dealer? locksmith? online?

Wondering what are my options and what the cost may be?

Is this link valid in terms of steps? https://bmw-key-replacement.com/bmw-...mw-rubber-key/

Cheers and I appreciate the guidance

[mbarrett635]

Go to the dealer with your VIN and proof of ownership (BMW requires this, even if they know you), and they will order a key for you which will then have to be programmed according to the directions in the link. Those are the same directions I followed when I had to program one for my car, and they work pretty well. I don’t think a locksmith can cut a key for you, and even if they can, they can’t get you one with the electronics.


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[DavesNotHere]

The link instructions are correct for programming.
You MUST program all your keys in the same session. Do not turn on the ignition for each key or you will start over and overwrite the already-coded keys.

If you don't use your remote/alarm, a locksmith can cut a key without the transponder if they have the correct blank.
Same goes for the valet key. If you need one of those and have a dead regular key, you can make one by filling the slot with JB weld or the locksmith can make a copy of one without the center grooves. (I know you didn't ask that, but I almost bought one from the dealer until the parts guy said something...)

[hsdady]

Thanks Dave. Quick questions please.

if I get this key fob on eBay as per the link bellow can I:

1. Program it myself based on the instructions?
2. Have a local locksmith cut it for me after is programmed?

https://www.ebay.com/i/262635551645?...SABEgLKAfD_BwE

[henryc]

hsdady - I'm not 100% sure of this, but that eBay key (see link above) if it is a real BMW key with electronics can't be cut by any locksmith I know. Their key cutting equipment is not made for cutting that type of steel. And I have never heard of a BMW dealer who would cut a key that you brought to them. I'd investigate further before buying the key on eBay.

Maybe others can chime in about this- Henry

[tran2tran]

Yes,
Those eBay key work fine. I have bought 5 set on various Bmw car.
E31
E39 and
E36
Had a local locksmith cut them and follow that YouTube video and program them myself


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[hsdady]

Thanks Daves. Quick question here. When you say all keys, you mean I have to re-program even the existing / original key all over again? or just program the new ones? I don't want to screw up the only working key fob I have . THANKS

The link instructions are correct for programming.
You MUST program all your keys in the same session. Do not turn on the ignition for each key or you will start over and overwrite the already-coded keys.

[mbarrett635]

You have to reprogram the existing key(s) as well, or they will stop working. AMHIK


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[hsdady]

Thanks much Sir. I am a CPA not a techie 😀 what is the likelihood to screw something up, like screw the only key fob I have? Can I repeat this procedures if it goes wrong? A bit nervous 😀.

You have to reprogram the existing key(s) as well, or they will stop working. AMHIK


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[tran2tran]

Very easy. That YouTube video walk you through step by step


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[CD05001CIA]

I just don't think anybody is getting much from a dealer right now. COVID . . . closed.

[hsdady]

Just to make matters more interesting there are 2 confusing listings on eBay for the same key and car, one with a 433Hz frequency and the other one with a 315Hz. Which one the heck it is They both look the same as my original key

https://www.ebay.com/itm/262647065508

https://www.ebay.com/i/262635551645

[hsdady]

So I source the 315Mhz keys from eBay and contacted a local locksmith to cut and program them. He seems very experienced.
That being said he is telling me that as soon as he program my 2 extra key fobs the original one will get kicked out and it will not program as stated but some of you gents. That's his experience. Is he doing something wrong when re-programming the original key? I just don't want to lose the original

[Timm]

There are two parts of the key that are matched to the car:

The transponder: This is supplied by BMW against your VIN when you purchase keys from them. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key/Index.htm

The remote transceiver: This can be programmed using this method (all keys must be programmed at the same time):

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key_Program.htm

[hsdady]

Thanks much Timm


So can this local locksmith program my 2 keys, the transponder and the transceiver? Is it true that when they program the new keys the original one will stop working as it won't take the re-programming?

Cheers and thanks mate

This post I think it does provide some explanation which may be the same for the E31

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...tarts-the-car)

There are two parts of the key that are matched to the car:

The transponder: This is supplied by BMW against your VIN when you purchase keys from them. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key/Index.htm

The remote transceiver: This can be programmed using this method (all keys must be programmed at the same time):

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key_Program.htm

[CD05001CIA]

I just don't think anybody is getting much from a dealer right now. COVID . . . closed.

Some dealers are coming back "online" opening with modified operating parameters [social distancing, hand washing, sanitizing, etc. ]

[hsdady]

I found a BMW dealer in Houston to do it for me. I got the original key fob and a valet for $275 all together. Not too bad. I still had to go through this sequence with both keys, new and original. It worked perfect

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Key_Program.htm

Thanks everyone