Where to get another key?

[76R90S]

2003 540iT

Where's the best place to get another key/fob? I only got one from the original owner and would like to get another however they're a ton of money from the dealer.
I suppose I could find one online, but would prefer a trusted source.

Currently I believe I have a diamond key.

Thanks as always.

[TiagE39]

Honestly these days the dealer is the best game in town as long as you can get the price down to ~$200. Try calling multiple parts counters and ask them what the cost of a new master key is (you'd be surprised how variable the pricing is).

Otherwise look on Craigslist, ebay, or Facebook marketplace for people offering key services. When I needed a key for my X3, the only guy I knew of in the NYC area was charging about $160 to do a master diamond key. After bridge tolls this was almost $180. I decided to get a key locally at BMW of Park Ave for $210, I looked at the price increase as being worth the convenience.

[CPHES]

This is a dealer item. Shop around to get the best price. Save your $ elsewhere. Just trust us.

[Nfs021]

Dealer is best bet. Can get the key to you really fast too. Most cases 24 hours. Make sure to bring the cars registration and your license to show you are the legal owner of the car.

[effduration]

Thebmwminipartsstore.com is the cheapest dealer source....I have no affiliation...but have bought several from them.

[Mike WW]

Agree with all of the above, but you might have one or more options depending on if you want remote or not, or just valet or whatever, all with a different cost. I don't like remotes and much preferred a key I got with the little light in it like BMWs used in the 80s. And it was cheaper. YMMV.

[R Shaffner]

Thebmwminipartsstore.com is the cheapest dealer source....I have no affiliation...but have bought several from them.

+1 Good prices, great service. I've gotten several BMW and Mini keys from them.

[76R90S]

Thanks all. I ordered from thebmwmini place just now. Seemed simple enough. At some point I'll have to send a pic of my registration and license but less than $200 (just) it seems like the best from what y'all and others have said.
Thanks again.

[E39 Newbie]

Thanks! Great info. My E46 key was garbage when I got the car. This looks a whole lot easier than fiddling around with the locksmith.

[Dking078]

If you have AAA Premier, you can also get a certain amount back for a key replacement

[76R90S]

If you have AAA Premier, you can also get a certain amount back for a key replacement

We do have that. I'll look into that. I just got the shipping confirmation that my new one is on the way from thebmemini place.

I see you have an M-Sport, my wagon is a white M-Sport. Is yours an auto?

Thanks for the tip.

[E39 Newbie]

If you have AAA Premier, you can also get a certain amount back for a key replacement

Oh! Hot tip! I've been Premier for 48 years. Seriously. I'll check into this. Every little bit helps.

[easymoney]

I used to get my keys from another member here in the forum. He’s from North Carolina and his name is Dillon Olson and few members here have used him and have rave reviews on him. His email is: *******
Great guy and forum member.

[76R90S]

My key came in from thebmwmini. Got it in about a week, even with the extra email asking for a copy of my license and registration to verify ownership. For less than 50% of what my local dealer would've charged.
That works for me.
Thanks all who helped.

PS. I looked through the AAA site to find where I might get some reimbursment for the key, but although I double checked my Premier status, I can't find how/where to contact AAA. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Twistytee]

My key came in from thebmwmini. Got it in about a week, even with the extra email asking for a copy of my license and registration to verify ownership. For less than 50% of what my local dealer would've charged.
That works for me.
Thanks all who helped.

PS. I looked through the AAA site to find where I might get some reimbursment for the key, but although I double checked my Premier status, I can't find how/where to contact AAA. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Do they still use a gmail account for this? Felt odd giving my PIN to a non-commercial email address.

[76R90S]

Twistytee, all my comm with the store was from support@thebmwminipartstore.com. After my order I got an email requesting docs from that address. No PIN involved for me.

[Twistytee]

Thanks. Good to know. I meant to type PII (personally identifying info), but when I inquired through them a few years back I was asked to send it to a gmail account and decided against it.

[76R90S]

Thanks. Good to know. I meant to type PII (personally identifying info), but when I inquired through them a few years back I was asked to send it to a gmail account and decided against it.

T, I found the email from the dealer asking for info. This is it:

Hi, I received your order for a new key. Along with the order BMW will need a copy of the vehicles current registration or title and a copy of the owners drivers license. Most people take a picture of the two and send them through an email. Our email is TheBMWMiniPartstore@gmail.com. A confirmation email/message will be sent once it is received.
Thanks!

Sean

I just replied to Sean using the address that the email above came from, which was not the noted .gmail account.

[theWalkinator]

Got to ebay, order diamond key fob ($15, you want EWS remote key fob with 315mhz/433mhz) and order AK90+ key programmer kit ($30), find a local locksmith who can cut the key blade for you, then install the software come with AK90 on your laptop, to program your new key fob, you need to take the EWS (under driver side steering column panel) out of the car, program the new key fob on the bench, search youtube for the instructions. I got 2 new key fob this way for around $120.