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[blackstallion]

I have a 97 328IS. I would like to get a copy of my key made. Can I go to any local hardware store or do i have to go to the dealer? They want around $50 for a single key. The key had the regular logo on it with a light.

Thanks

[woobiee]

i dont think its possible.

they are all laser cut...only the dealer can cut them for you.

[bimmerfan620]

sorry bro... your luck has run out, Only the dealer can make the key for you, don't try and make one yourself at a hardware store, it won't work at all...

[Furious]

yup lazer cut

[blackstallion]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CBA]

laser

[El Presidente]

not mention theres also a chip in the key.

[TheHire]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Mar 2 2004, 01:04 AM
not mention theres also a chip in the key.

no kidding?? there's a chip in the key????

[bitcore]

Yep, see that rectangle thing on the far right? Thats the chip. Took these pics when I replaced the disgustingly un-bright amber LED out and plopped in a 10,000mcd white LED and 2 CR16 batteries to double the standard voltage to 6 volts. Worked like a charm and I used it as a freaking flashlight untill I lost the flatspring (that metal piece at the very top in the pic) that makes it all work. (my key loves to come apart A LOT, I've been meaning to glue it or something but lost a piece RIGHT before I was about to when I was visiting a college buddy and drunk off my ass. It's in his dorm somewhere, so I consider it GONE.)

BTW, Anyone know where I can get another flatspring like that? I dont want to fabricate one myself

[woobiee]

i believe this goes along with E36s, but def in E46.

The chip communicates with the car's system by sending codes. Whenever you turn off the car, the car sends out a code to the key. When you return to the car to start the car, the code that the key was given must match the cars system. Car cannot start if the codes do not match. Furthermore, the multiple codes rotate everytime the car is off. So its not just one code that needs matching; it differs everytime.

This goes for the 99-00 + bmws, battery in the key is recharged via the ignition.

[KingScare]

So my 98 m3 has a chip in the key????

nice...

[bitcore]

I don’t know about your keys but my 2 CR2016 batteries are not recharged by anything. I can take them all out and everything works just fine (except the light, obviously)
The chip I have is a RFID chip. I don’t know about rotating “codes” since there is no battery or capacitor to hold a charge.

What really happens with RFID is an emitter puts out a charge at the specific frequency the chip was designed for, and the chip is now able to respond back with a certain string of data because it is now being bathed in EM radiation which it can convert to regular ol' electricity, and back to EMR again. The car matches the codes bla bla bla Vroom.

What you are describing must be E46 and later since my key doesn’t have a dedicated capacitor or battery of some sort, Ohwell.

[woobiee]

like i said above "
This goes for the 99-00 + bmws, battery in the key is recharged via the ignition. " ***For 1999-2000 + bmws. Some 99 models have the older keys, some with new keys (and the new keys have the rechargable batter)

but the chip thingy...i know some keys have it. the new diamond shapped keys (late 99 models and newer) have the rotating codes. And I believe the old larger 3 button keys have them too. I dont think the M3/M roadster, z3 keys (single button | flashlight) has it.

[El Presidente]

i may be wrong about this, but doesnt the e46 key also contain driver information, such as seat position, climate control preference, mirrors, ect? Or rather, does it have the ability too?

[woobiee]

you are correct. this also applies to any car that has the diamond shaped key.