Keys - again !!

[andyy]

Hi all

I'm sure this question has been posted a thousand times but once again the search facility is down and all the posts i've read on this and other forums seem to contradict each other.

I've got a 2003 M3 E46 amd want to get a spare key cut but not at dealer prices - how difficult can it be?

1.If I buy a secondhand key off ebay can I program the remote to be the same as my existing key?
2.If I get a key blank where can I get it cut?
3.Is there a chip in my current master key that the car 'recognises' so a second hand one will never work?

Cheers Andy

[NBTBRV8]

You need to buy a new key from the dealer, then you can sync it to the central locking yourself. The keys weren't that dear from www.bmminiparts.com if I recall correctly.

[andyy]

Excellent - thanks i'll give them a try

cheers Andy

[TheEnd]

There's three parts to it, the mechanical blade, which anyone can make and that will open doors and switch the ignition lights on but that's about it.
The radio remote does the central locking and these can be synced yourself, but the final part is the EWS immobiliser transponder (part of the remote circuit board, but it doesn't need the battery)

You'd need to buy a blank key, get it cut, and then take it to a vehicle locksmith who would have to either program the new key with a valid immobiliser key code from the car, or add the key's details to the EWS immobiliser system.

[andyy]

Thanks for the advice
Is it a DIY job to register a new key to the car or dealers only?

[TheEnd]

Most car locksmiths should be able to make you up a key using one of the unused official key slots in the car.