[ricko177]

A while back I submitted a post to see if anyone had any bright ideas about obtaining new/spare keys that were a bity more reasonable than my local dealer's quote of "about $850".

Jusy thought some might be interested in my experience with a supplier found on Ebay, listed as "carolyncbishop" based in Tintenbar, NSW (not a place you'd expect a major commercial enterprise!).

While a bit apprehensive, comments from past customers were almost 100% positive so I thought I'd take a risk. I signed up through Paypal for a genuine BMW factory key for my 330i. After paying, ($378 + postage) I lodged my rego/VIN details and copy of passport through their secure dropbox.
I got an email shortly after confirming receipt of details and advice that the key would be sent by Australia Post Express within 2-3 weeks.
After about 2 weeks I got advice that it had been dispatched and I received it yesterday about 3 weeks after ordering.
As advertised, the key was a genuine part, was fully coded and it worked! From my experience, this supplier provides a good service.

[JJH]

Thanks for posting - that is a great saving over your first quote!!

[lifeboat5]

gutsy move buddy, congrats on the result

[tenji]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MakeTrack=true


150 for the key + if your in melbourne it can be programmed

[VendettaBMW]

A comfort key in Canada is 290$ Cdn & .5hr ($70) to program from dealer.

[stephano5]

I bought my car from a BMW stealership and it only came with one key, they said they'd order another but I didn't get it in writing. Anyways when I inquired a few weeks later they totally denied ever ordering or promising it. Lucky when I got the car I demanded they fix up all scratches and the sneaky weasel accountant/whoever accepted my check reprinted the contract but with those promises of respraying the front bar removed, I demanded he re-add them into the contracts. Borderline criminals. I fucked up by not getting that extra key in writing. I should probably get a spare.

[donR]

I have started investigating this key issue since I only have 1 key... prior owner lost it.

BMW Artarmon just quoted $1180 for one with Comfort Access.

I had a look on ECS and couldn't find the key.

There are a lot of locksmiths on ebay these days selling aftermarket keys fully programmed and cut for $350 to $400. But few say they are genuine. I've checked carolyncbishop and there are no listings anymore.

Just wondering if anyone knows how to identify the difference between an after market key and a genuine one? And if anyone has found a good supplier recently? I guess I'd probably prefer the genuine think if I can get it particualrly if it will work my comfort access. I've heard mixed info whether or not the after market ones will do it.

thanks

Don

[R3N]

I just got a spare comfort access key from carolyncbishop on ebay, took a few weeks but all good and it works, if there are no more listings, just get it from here
http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catal...-item-318.html

I believe its the same people anyway.

[donR]

Ok thanks, good to know they are reliable. Lots of copies out there & I believe the comfort access thing can be tricky.

Did you have to get the dealer or someone to "de-program" the lost comfort access key?

I have heard the CPU will only support 2 comfort access keys. I am wondering if I need to go to the dealer for this or if I can go to anyone with the full BMW service diagnostics computer? Also curious to know how much they might charge?

thanks

don

[tenji]

im currently in the process of working on the coding for spare keys. Will let ppl know how i go and see if we can save people some money.

[donR]

Ok sounds great... I ordered a new one from carolyncbishop above which is http://www.bimmernav.com

It was around $500 with comfort access & a new blade or $430 without. Much better than the $1200 I was quoted at Artarmon BMW.

I found some cheaper sites in the US for around $250 but you need to go in store.

There is also a place in the US that re-flashes used keys, presumably from wreckers for around $100 but of course they don't have Australian Freq keys.

Anyway keen to hear if you know how to re-code comfort access. I understand the key part is easy but instructions would be useful.

[fontana302]

E89 software (i.e. E82, E87, E88, E89, E90) can support 4 keys with unique settings for each.

[djpro1]

last i checked a few months ago bimmernav didn't ship e92/e93 keys to Australia. has this changed since?

[CYL]

just curious....is it possible to have comfort access if my car doesnt come with it originally?
i do not need the comfort access to the trunk, but i feel great if i could start my car without inserting the key.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by CYL

just curious....is it possible to have comfort access if my car doesnt come with it originally?
i do not need the comfort access to the trunk, but i feel great if i could start my car without inserting the key.

No.

[djpro1]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

No.

Unless you do a retrofit - I wouldn't go near that haha

[donR]

I ended up getting a comfort access key from Bimmernav.

Received the key put the car in accessory mode, pushed the new key into the slot and held for 20-30 sec but error message comes up:

"Remote Control! Unidentified key"

I tried every possible combination to try to get the key to code up the basic functions but no go.

I then took the key and car to my indi who has BMW ISTA which said the key is defective, see below:

So Bimmernav sent me a replacement key but same problem occurs where my car wont even code up the basic functions. Though I haven't tried it again with ISTA given I can't even get the car to code the basic functions so probably no point going back to my indi.

So the question is what am I doing wrong, what could be the problem and where should I go now?

I am thinking maybe the BMW Dealer or another Indi?

[PerthBMW]

Are you aware you can only have a maximum of two keys coded for your car at any one time. Perhaps this becomes your third key and it won't register it?

Just a thought....

Originally Posted by liteonled

I ended up getting a comfort access key from Bimmernav.

Received the key put the car in accessory mode, pushed the new key into the slot and held for 20-30 sec but error message comes up:

"Remote Control! Unidentified key"

I tried every possible combination to try to get the key to code up the basic functions but no go.

I then took the key and car to my indi who has BMW ISTA which said the key is defective, see below:

So Bimmernav sent me a replacement key but same problem occurs where my car wont even code up the basic functions. Though I haven't tried it again with ISTA given I can't even get the car to code the basic functions so probably no point going back to my indi.

So the question is what am I doing wrong, what could be the problem and where should I go now?

I am thinking maybe the BMW Dealer or another Indi?

[donR]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, I have heard that 2 is the maximum for comfort access and one needs to be removed but then I've heard it is 4 or something for the normal key functions. Talking to other people who have bought keys from bimmernav they work out of the box with basic functions so something extra weird going on.

Though I hope it is as simple as what you are saying and a dealer or someone can fix the problem.

I telephoned Northshore BMW and they unhelpful to say the least.