Myth about BMW Replacement keys from eBay or other non BMW Sources...

[ArNarX5]

So I only have one key for my X5 and the dealer wanted about $300 here in California to get a replacement one made. I found a bunch of uncut keys online from various sources and all claiming to work once cut and programmed for a fraction of the cost of a new key from the BMW dealer.

I read some other posts that warned otherwise so I ended up asking the sales rep at a local dealership here to once and for all give me a straight answer. The question... If I buy a blank key that has never been programmed and find a way to get it laser cut, can I then bring the key to the dealer and have you program it to my car? If so, what's the charge?

Quickly all three salesmen at the counter dropped what they were doing and joined the conversation. their unanimous answer... NO!, unless you want to throw your money away. They said they've lost count of how many people buy keys online and then call them asking to get the key re-programmed only to find out that the dealer does not have the capability to program the car's code to the key. That process can only be done by BMW and will require a copy of your registration and your ID. This process is in place so not anyone can grab your keys and run off and get a copy and bye bye BMW. The guys went on to say whoever does end up buying it, they end up with an inoperable key costing anywhere from 50-100 dollars. Basically an expensive paper weight, if you may...

I was very happy to finally get an answer to this question once and for all. No, you can not buy non BMW keys online and have BMW or someone else program them for your car. Not happy that we really have to pay around $300 US dollars for a replacement key but I guess we just have to cough up the cash and buy a genuine key.

I thought I'd put this out there to let anyone who may be in my shoes to know the answer that I received from three BMW sources and not waste their time and money.

If you have any comments or experiences, I'd love to hear them...

Cheers1