Replacement Key

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
I have searched long and hard for an answer to this but no joy - I only have one manual key for my 1999 2.8 Auto and no remote and BMW say they offer no support now. Can I simply get a blank and have it cut or does the key have be coded to the car - thanks
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Key has to be coded to the car so the transponder in the key fob is read by the car to allow starting. People did get replacements from BMW that came cut and coded to your car, they did them using records held on your cars build details at the factory. Other option is a mobile locksmith who should be able to read the EWS module which has to be taken from the car and cut and code a replacement. Further option is to send your working key to one of the key suppliers who are Ebay but risky with the post these days.
 

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
Key has to be coded to the car so the transponder in the key fob is read by the car to allow starting. People did get replacements from BMW that came cut and coded to your car, they did them using records held on your cars build details at the factory. Other option is a mobile locksmith who should be able to read the EWS module which has to be taken from the car and cut and code a replacement. Further option is to send your working key to one of the key suppliers who are Ebay but risky with the post these days.
Cheers - thought as much - BMW Customer Services not very helpful on the matter when contacted saying they no longer support Z3s which surprised me with the amount still on the road
 

ljbmwz3

Zorg Legend
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 30, 2019
Points
79
Location
Lymm
Model of Z
Dakar 2.0
i have an old key from a different z3 can that be reused and coded assume so ? kept it for that reason as only have 1 main key and dog hides em if left around
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
No the blade will not be cut to fit your car so wont turn the locks or ignition.
Go speak to a dealer spares department they should be able to order a key still.
 

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
No the blade will not be cut to fit your car so wont turn the locks or ignition.
Go speak to a dealer spares department they should be able to order a key still.
Tried the local dealer - no help at all - waiting to hear back from BMW UK
 

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
Update - message back from BMW UK who tell me their local dealers can still get them via the VIN build spec - so why did my local dealers offer no assistance - have mailed a couple more dealers in the area and waiting for a response
 

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
Update - BMW Tring very helpful - they can provide a spare key but the remotes are discontinued - around £75
 

Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
218
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
Your 99 model may not have a separate remote.
My 99 has the 3 button remote key.
Stephen.
 

z3ddie

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Points
34
Confirmed by BMW UK today that- remote keys are discontinued but you can still get a manual key coded to the car from your VIN for £75. BUt you must present the car to an authorised dealership with your V5, driving licence and a current utility bill
 
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