Laser cut car keys - experiences - cost ?

[jpaul]

On an older E46, so no contactless start, the master key has become worn, so is sometimes sticky in the ignition.

I was considering purchasing a blank from ebay (£2, shops do not seem to hold e46), and having it cut in a shop, from the reserve key, and then transferring the transponder myself.

Has anyone done similar, any recommendations in the Cambridge area ?


The guy on the market suggested 'only' £7 to cut it, but I am perhaps sceptical that a high end machine is needed to duplicate/cut it.


(tip : Unfortuantely only came late in life to the joys of lock lubrication - Kasp graphite powder )

 

[jpaul]

bit more research - on ebay

BMW 3 Series Diamond Remote Key Case With Blade Cut to your locks!!

Get a new key blade cut from a photo of your old key!
We cut to precise tolerances - our keys are guaranteed to fit your locks, or your money back!
Want to go ahead? Its easy:
1. Click 'Buy it now!'
2. Send us an ebay message with a clear photo of one side of your original key blade (you can leave it in the fob too )
3. Your new blade will arrive in the post, cut, ready to fit perfectly into your original key fob.
Easy as that - and whats more, there's no risk for you!
Total guarantee - Total peace of mind!

Express Auto Keys
Kent
BR6 6BG

£17, seem to have good feedback.

Not sure what the insurance company would think, but even visiting a regular key-cutter, if they want to see proven ownership they could keep a copy and visit your home later.
(they would not have the transponder so immobiliser would still be effective)

...but surprising you can make a key accurate enough from a photo.

 

[jpaul]

Thanks, I have not take the key apart yet, but from bimmerforums had though the transponder was below component

I thought it was an unpowered, self contained, component like an rfid, and that 10 in total were created at car birth, with 3 delievered in the original keys

I do soldering, but would be a bit concerned about unsoldering a chip, when it played such an important (immobilizer) role, but, it is probably resilient to esd, and only 8 legs.

(Having one key for the central locking and another key that fitted the lock barrel, and started the car, would be ok too)

 

[jpaul]

Thanks, I will do as you suggest.

I am still a bit surprised by ability to cut from a photo, there must be more margin & fewer pins, than I thought

 

[jpaul]

Interesting - may get a more accurate key cut from a service where you send a picture to an online service.

- at least for bm keys, apparently 6 pins with 4 possible depths on either side of blade - if you send a picture they determine what original profile of key was, and cut that;
but if you go in a shop and they use old one as a pattern for new one it could be less accurate.