Spare key for a E60/61

[Gad-Westy]

Our 2007 BMW E61 525 only has one key. It's facelift car where the key is just a pebble shaped thing. Having just one occasionally causes us a problem and I don't like the lack of redundancy so probably going get another.

BMW quote about £240 including coding to the vehicle. Is there a cheaper option out there or is that my best bet?

[helix402]

Try BMkeys on eBay or Facebook.

[Mr Tidy]

I've read good things about bmkeys too - they are based in E. London.

Back in 2016 I got a spare key cut and coded for my Z4 by a guy called Mike in Cheshire for less than £100. You'll find him on FB if you search ZedShed Cheshire. Although Z4s are his speciality, a BMW key is the same whatever model it's for!

[Gad-Westy]

Cheers both. I'll follow up both of those suggestions.

Do you know if they need physical car to do the coding?

BMW said yes. If that is the case for all I may need to think carefully about where I take it as I'm a long way from London or Cheshire.

[JakeT]

I tend to be a bit funny about keys, and get them from BMW. They come pre cut to the car, and in the case of an E46, they work right away with the immobiliser. I also find BMW keys last better than aftermarket ones. They also carry the BMW warranty in case the key does stop working.

240 is a good amount of money for a key, though. Especially if it's a spare. I normally use the nice new one and keep the spare at home.

[Mr Tidy]

Gad-Westy said:

Cheers both. I'll follow up both of those suggestions.

Do you know if they need physical car to do the coding?

BMW said yes. If that is the case for all I may need to think carefully about where I take it as I'm a long way from London or Cheshire.

It's much easier if they have the car because the keys need to be coded to it. I think the only other option is to send them the GM5 module, but then you can't use the car until it comes back!