E90 replacement key fob

[Lancs Jag Boy]

I've lost one of the keys to our 330d and I wondered if anyone could give me an idea of replacement cost and the hassle involved.

[technogogo]

Not sure how much a dealer would charge. But I was searching eBay for BMW key rings and sellers offering fobs appeared in some quantity. I was surprised because I would have though they would be supplied only via dealers or official channels. The fobs appeared identical to the originals I have for my 330d. But I have no idea if there would be issues. They seemed quite cheap and worth a look? If only to use to get discount from a dealer?
Has anyone used a fob from an eBay seller? I guess you'd need to know how to program one into you car?

[Arrive Alive]

My understanding is that the keys are produced for a specific car - there is no programming as such. You can order them through a BMW dealer only after you have presented the registration document and a form of identification. The 'electronic' key is about £130 and the 'back up Key' which fits in the fob is about £20. Delivery should take about three or four days.

[technogogo]

Yes programming is the wrong term. It's perhaps more accurately described as registration. I would imagine that each fob has a unique code. The cars system is instructed to respond to this new fob via a process or special equipment.