Any reasonably priced ways to get another comfort access key fob?

[omniphil]

I got the car used (2009 E92) and it came with only 1 key. Seems like a bad idea to only have one key. I can only imagine what these things cost from the dealer...

[Gossypiboma]

Unfortunately I don't think there is. I needed an extra key and spent awhile researching it. While there are members who say you can have a used key recoded no one has said how, those claims were also in response to their own for sale threads for used keys. I went to 6 dealerships to ask and they all say a used key cannot be reprogrammed.

I paid somewhere around $350 after the comfort access portion was programmed. You can save money by not paying for the comfort access to be programmed. When you first get it put it in the key slot and start the car, it automatically links the key and car together, no needed programming and the key will simply function as a normal key.

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by BigBoosting

Unfortunately I don't think there is. I needed an extra key and spent awhile researching it. While there are members who say you can have a used key recoded no one has said how, those claims were also in response to their own for sale threads for used keys. I went to 6 dealerships to ask and they all say a used key cannot be reprogrammed.

Well that doesn't sound promising. So what are people paying to get a second key made?

[7500rich]

I would also think you would want the traditional mechanical key insert to work as well. I'm guessing dealership would order it for you with proper key based off vin number

[K_style]

I am in same boat. Called the dealer and was told about $300 for a new key fob + programmed. Or, $240 ish for key fob without the emergency key that comes with key fob.

I am ordering the one without emergency key.

[Beemdog]

There are online companies (e.g.: freshcarkeys.com) claiming to be able to "erase" a used CA fob and make it look like it had never been programmed to a car before. Supposedly, you take this erased fob to a locksmith or indie BMW shop that has the re-programming equipment and they can program it to the car. I have not tried this and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has.

[Flying Ace]

no cheap way, you're looking at a $400 bill to get it done, and if someone can post the best price, I'll appreciate it too. When I bought my X5, it only came with 1 key.


One way to save some money is to buy a pre-cleared CA key online, but I've read countless issues where a CA key was mislabeled as CA or the program was never cleared out. It almost seems the best way is to buy a blank CA key from a dealer (online of course). I don't even know what the P/N is.

At the end of the day, you still need the dealer or someone with dealer equipment to program the key, which is minimum $100 labor.

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by K_style

I am in same boat. Called the dealer and was told about $300 for a new key fob + programmed. Or, $240 ish for key fob without the emergency key that comes with key fob.

I am ordering the one without emergency key.

Is that $300 for a comfort access key, not sure if it matters or not?

[K_style]

Originally Posted by omniphil

Is that $300 for a comfort access key, not sure if it matters or not?

That was for a comfort access key. I gave my last 7 digit of VIN for them to make sure they have the right one also I asked to make sure if it will do "comfort access" ability. They said Yes.

I called 2 locations and same answers.

Kuni BMW - Beaverton OR
Keeler BMW - Latham NY

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by K_style

That was for a comfort access key. I gave my last 7 digit of VIN for them to make sure they have the right one also I asked to make sure if it will do "comfort access" ability. They said Yes.

I called 2 locations and same answers.

Kuni BMW - Beaverton OR
Keeler BMW - Latham NY

I guess $300 isn't that bad for a fully functional second key. Well, It is highway robbery, but I guess for BMW I figured we'd be looking at $500

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by omniphil

I guess $300 isn't that bad for a fully functional second key. Well, It is highway robbery, but I guess for BMW I figured we'd be looking at $500

Newer BMW fobs are closer to $500...

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by Beemdog

Newer BMW fobs are closer to $500...

Of course they are lol. those tiny chips are really expensive

[Time Lord]

I have key ins. I call them whenever I misplace my key... I usually find it.... I'm on my 4th set. 300$ one time cost and can use it how many times you want.

[avantegardestyle]

interested in following this too. i only have one key for my car.......

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by Time Lord

I have key ins. I call them whenever I misplace my key... I usually find it.... I'm on my 4th set. 300$ one time cost and can use it how many times you want.

Hmmm, this sounds like a good thing.. Where do you get key insurance?

[bkdore]

I paid $269.00 including tax for a replacement comfort access key. I didn't pay to program it for comfort access - it's just an emergency spare key for me. The service manager commented that I should bring it when I have other service done and they can get it programmed free or inexpensively since it takes no time at all. I think they wanted a half-hour of labor to do it as a standalone job.

[Flying Ace]

anyone have the part number for the CA key?

[smyles]

The remote is ~$200 online, the metal insert ~$30. Part # is easily located on realoem.
However, I'm not sure what the procedure for online order as usually they ask for vehicle registration, so it may require local pick up.

[Time Lord]

Originally Posted by omniphil

Hmmm, this sounds like a good thing.. Where do you get key insurance?

Pming you info now. Supprised everyone dosent have this.

[omniphil]

Originally Posted by bkdore

I paid $269.00 including tax for a replacement comfort access key. I didn't pay to program it for comfort access - it's just an emergency spare key for me. The service manager commented that I should bring it when I have other service done and they can get it programmed free or inexpensively since it takes no time at all. I think they wanted a half-hour of labor to do it as a standalone job.

The real key part is already cut to match the car?

For programming I think all you need to do is hold it next to the key mark on the right of the steering wheel and start your car with the other key nearby, isn't that how it works?

[bkdore]

Originally Posted by omniphil

The real key part is already cut to match the car?

For programming I think all you need to do is hold it next to the key mark on the right of the steering wheel and start your car with the other key nearby, isn't that how it works?

Yes, the metal key was already cut for the car. I'm not 100% sure what the 'correct' procedure to make the new key work (remote and car start, not comfort access) but I think I had to put the new key in the dash slot before the remote buttons worked. I may have had to start the car with the other working key first - I don't remember. The one thing that was kind of interesting that I didn't expect was the new key started with all new 'default' memory settings for the radio, seat position, etc.

[oolas3]

INFORMATION ON KEY REPLACEMENTS
If you need assistance with a replacement key, please contact your BMW Center directly. Locate a dealer
California residents needing assistance with a replacement key, please call 1-888-575-5397 at any time.
_________

The above is from the BMW website. I wonder why only CA owners are directed to call an 888 number?