| Hey an update on the FOB key!
BMW wouldn't cut it for me but an inside guy there told me the only place in the New York area that cut BMW keys. It was an old rustic locksmith shop on the Upper East Side. The old guy there used an ever older drill-like machine that traced my original master key and cut the new key at the same time. In 3 minutes and for $20 dollars I had a new master key on my Ebay Flip FOB! You could imagine I was skeptical at first but the darn key worked! Well it sort of worked so read below (BTW BMW charges $100+ for a master key):
What the key does:
The FOB does turn on its own into the number 2 position in the ignition. This is the position that turns all the electrical function in the car (lights, radio, etc...). The key was cut to master key specs and also opens the doors, glove box, and trunk.
What the key doesn't do (for 1995-1999 E36 owners):
The only thing is, and I found out after the fact, my Original Master key for my 1995 318i is chipped! So the FOB does not start the car's engine (turn to number 3 position in ignition) unless the Original master is nearby (say dangling on the same the key chain for instance). Also if I start the car with the original master key and I take it out I can start the car with the FOB (on its own) within a 30 second period.
Also my electronics guy told me you could place my Prestige Keyless Alarm in the FOB to replace the little red light circuit that comes in the FOB but it wasn't worth the bother or cost.
See pictures:
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