Where to go for replacement keys?

sesmic

Well-Known Member
Dear all, I've just lost my E39 (pre 2000) car key. I like to find out whether anyone else other than PML does replacement? What will the cost be to replace the key? I do have another key but I still like to make another one.

Thanks in advance
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

AFAIK only PML can help you. Got to indent and takes about 3 weeks to arrive. My 320's key cost me $300, and there's a programming fee of $50 to block the key that you lost, and get the new key working. Try various way of sourcing the key previously to no avail.
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

For the E39, you will need to go back to PML.

If you have a favourite CSA, now's the time to ask them very nicely to see if they can help waive the re-programming fee... :) Good luck.
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

thanks alot proscar and emiffy
I will wait afew days to see any kind soul will surprise me with my lost key. After that, then i will go to PML to get itdone.
really appreciate both your help
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

sesmic said:
thanks alot proscar and emiffy
I will wait afew days to see any kind soul will surprise me with my lost key. After that, then i will go to PML to get itdone.
really appreciate both your help
The key can only be coded at the factory because of the embedded chip.
This is a security feature that ensure that only original keys can unlock the doors and start the car.
Bo pian, gotta go back to pml in this case.

Waiting for miracles is 1 way to save, but only if you park your ride in private car park. Can ask the security to ensure no one else except you drive the car out.
But if your key is lost at somewhere near places where you usually park your ride, then I would be damn worried what if the person who pick it up goes locating your ride and sweep all your valuables in the car. Worse it'll be if the barger drives it away.

Better be safe than sorry.
Hope you get your key back soon!
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

I read on bimmerforums that when the DME (ECU) of the car is manufactured, there will be a total of 10 keys which are produced as well.

Usually 2-3 keys are given to the dealer.

Replacement keys are held at the factory. Hence there could be a waiting time before the keys can be sent to you.

Not sure if that is still the case currently. Hope you get the keys done soon. Take care.
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

emiffy said:
I read on bimmerforums that when the DME (ECU) of the car is manufactured, there will be a total of 10 keys which are produced as well.

Usually 2-3 keys are given to the dealer.

Replacement keys are held at the factory. Hence there could be a waiting time before the keys can be sent to you.
Not what i understand, though.
Does not make sense to keep so many keys in stock just for each car.
What if the owner never loses his key, then the stock would be wasted.
What if the owner keep losing his keys, does that mean no more replacement keys unless he replace his DME?

I thought the keys are more or less universal (model for model), just that the coding data is kept at factory.
The waiting time for the replacement keys is due to the coding job required and freight forwarding time required.
This sounds more logical to me.
Just my view. Cheers!
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

Again.. my most sincere thanks to all you guys for your tips and advice.
I actually misplaced my keys overseas so i guess the risk of some one actually driving off with my car under my nose is somewhat greatly reduced , i should think. keke *fingers crossed* And i guess that should also take care of the 50 bucks for the reprogramming.
I'm just hoping that the keys were dropped on the plane instead of the my destination. I have informed the airline involved and they will follow up and inform me if they find anything. One week waiting time is about right before i lose all hopes of recovering my lost key and that will be when i pay a visit to PML and "donate" more money to them. :p bummer
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

Seven_heaven,

you are probably right. Was googling away on the web, seems that it's a matter of programming the keys to match your DME.

Not too sure how to remove one key from the current list of keys though. Maybe that's the additional programming charges by the dealer.
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

yeap, you must bring all your keys to PML if you want one of the key to be blocked out. However, the blocked key can still be used to open the door and boot manually, but the built in immobiliser will not allow the car to start.
 
Re: Where to go for replacement keys?

emiffy said:
Not too sure how to remove one key from the current list of keys though. Maybe that's the additional programming charges by the dealer.
Each key is programmed with an unique code, which is registered in the control unit.
They just update the control unit to remove the code of the missing key, so that when this lost key sends the signal to the control unit, it will not be accepted at all.

On DreamDriver's question, you can still do through pml.
You just need to prove your ownership to them by showing them the log card and your IC. They just need the chassis number for the factory to code a new key.

To cancel the missing key, you gotta bring all keys that you have to them, so that they can identify which key is missing.
:cool:
 

Latest posts

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
82,745
Messages
1,019,304
Members
77,587
Latest member
fb88vnblack

Latest posts

Back
Top