KEYS ?
- Thread starter hondansxr
- Start date
The keys were changed around during the Z3 life, and there are a few different variations.
The earlier cars came with a key with separate alarm fob (affectionately referred to as the brick) where fitted. Mine has the rounded style black key with three buttons which integrated the alarm system. Later on they used the diamond shaped key.
I would guess you have the original key. Usually they were supplied with 2 + a valet key so you could lock stuff in the glove compartment and not have your valet steal them
The earlier cars came with a key with separate alarm fob (affectionately referred to as the brick) where fitted. Mine has the rounded style black key with three buttons which integrated the alarm system. Later on they used the diamond shaped key.
I would guess you have the original key. Usually they were supplied with 2 + a valet key so you could lock stuff in the glove compartment and not have your valet steal them
Hi - A grey key only with no buttons sounds a bit like a service/valet key which only opens door and operates ignition. To check try locking/unlocking you glovebox or rear storage box with it.
The earlier models (I have a 98 1.9) have a separate alarm fob commonly referred to on forums as a `housebrick' - later models have the alarms incorporated into the key fob. I'm not sure of changeover - no doubt somebody will soon advise.
EDIT - Gary beat me to it!!!
........Not to be confused with a real 'housebrick' which is useful if you lock all the keys in the car and need to smash your way in! 
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zedonist
Guest
Mine is late 98, it has two remote three button keys and one grey valet key, but i don't let the valet near the zed, so that is hidden away. He does always have my shoes nicely polished though.......
Yup, no one drives our Zeds, but everyone wants to!
The keys changed in October '98 so have a look at the build date on the drivers side suspension turret under the bonnet and if it is before October '98 then you should have this key and fob;
But if it is October '98 onwards then you should have this type of key;
Although the boot open button is actually an interior light button on the Z3.
But if it is October '98 onwards then you should have this type of key;
Although the boot open button is actually an interior light button on the Z3.
Good info Ian - A point to note is that on the early models the alarms were not factory fitted but installed by BMW GB prior to delivery to customer. My build date is Dec 97 but the alarm was installed April 98 at time of purchase. The keys are the housebrick type as in your first pic.
............. you then need one of these to silence the alarm - or another housebrick........Not to be confused with a real 'housebrick' which is useful if you lock all the keys in the car and need to smash your way in!
That sounds more like a Butler.
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zedonist
Guest
Valet and varlet are terms for male servants who serve as personal attendants to their employer. In the Middle Ages andAncien Regime, valet de chambre was a role for junior courtiers and specialists such as artists in a royal court, but the plain term most often refers to a normal servant responsible for the clothes and personal belongings of an employer, and making minor arrangements.
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zedonist
Guest
A butler is a domestic worker in a large household. In great houses, the household is sometimes divided into departments with the butler in charge of the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry. Some also have charge of the entire parlour floor, andhousekeepers caring for the entire house and its appearance.[1] A butler is usually male,[2] and in charge of male servants, while a housekeeper is usually a woman, and in charge of female servants. Traditionally, male servants (such as footmen) were rarer and therefore better paid and of higher status than female servants. The butler, as the senior male servant, has the highest servant status. He can also be sometimes used as a chauffeur.
There you go then your butler could be your chauffeur.
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zedonist
Guest
And your valet can buff your boots.......bonus
You will find that. You get the serious answers first then sometimes things go a little sideways. But always with the best interests of fellow zedders at heart. Welcome to the forum by the way.
B
bonzo
Guest
Mine was built in April 98, but has the post October 98 key type!
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zedonist
Guest
Could be a cut and shut Bonzo?
Hey Guys, on the subject of keys...
I will need to get a duplicate key for my 2001 2.2i Z3 next week. I only have 1 key. I am thinking of buying the new blank key complete with transponder from Ebay and just getting it cut, then I can program it myself as per the instructions in the forums. I ask:
1. Can this key be easily cut and how much should it cost? [approximately]
2. If a key is lost or stolen will the key be electronically disabled once a new key is created and sync with the car? The reason I ask is it could be easy if someone gets a hold of a key to my Zed [and knows what it looks like] and then when I return to the same spot use that lost key to get in and drive it away! [probably to be broken and sold as parts on this site
.
Thanks in advance.
I will need to get a duplicate key for my 2001 2.2i Z3 next week. I only have 1 key. I am thinking of buying the new blank key complete with transponder from Ebay and just getting it cut, then I can program it myself as per the instructions in the forums. I ask:
1. Can this key be easily cut and how much should it cost? [approximately]
2. If a key is lost or stolen will the key be electronically disabled once a new key is created and sync with the car? The reason I ask is it could be easy if someone gets a hold of a key to my Zed [and knows what it looks like] and then when I return to the same spot use that lost key to get in and drive it away! [probably to be broken and sold as parts on this site
. Thanks in advance.
B
bonzo
Guest
I don't think anyone would cut and shut a key Zedonist, come on!