$10 Roof Rack New Key

[mcurcio1989]

Short story if you need a new key made go to a good locksmith and tell them this is the same blank as a thule rack, he can then use the code to make a new one from a computer based off of the number.

I have recently searched for some advice on replacing the roof rack key on my new to me x5 with an oem BMW roof rack. The answers I found where kind of vague. I called my dealership and they were no help either. They said they would look into it and call back and they didn't (I anticipated not going there anyways as I am sure they would charge an arm and a leg). So I went to the local locksmith company. These guys are very good at what they do. The guy pushed open the cover on the lock cylinder and goes hm I think we can do this. Runs inside and grabs a blank which slid in perfectly then two minutes later he comes out with a cut key that opens the locks perfectly. I was there five minutes thanks to this hero being able to identify a thule lock cylinder by eyesight!! Needless to say I am impressed and happy to have a working key for $10.

If anyone has trouble with this let me know. I should be able to have them cut a key based off of the 3 digit number on your cylinder.

[Qsilver7]

If the diagram below represents the cross members you have...not sure why your local dealership dismissed you...unless they were busy and what you needed wasn't clear to them (still not a good excuse for lousy customer service).

It took less than a minute to find this info...so again, not sure why they weren't more helpful. Sometimes it's good to look up the info yourself...that way you can easily guide them. If you had gone to them already knowing the 11 digit BMW part nbr & "code" nbr for the key...you could have been in & out in a few minutes.

But going to your keysmith was still faster...they provided a key the same day whereas BMW would have to order the key...usually takes 2 or3 days.

As you mentioned, there's a code on the lock cylinder, that's all they needed to order the key (#2 in the diagram). According to the part nbr index...it's only $8.50.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Roof rack systems

[mcurcio1989]

My dealership def isn't gonna go out of their way for something like this. The fact that the price says plus a core really has me wondering if they will actually make a new key or just a copy. . .but that is just me. The point is this is a Thule rack and if you don't want to deal with a dealership than a local locksmith can make one for you.

[upallnight]

If you know the code there are sellers on eBay that can cut you a key. If you have the Thule control key you should be able to remove the core and replace it with another core provided the lock is not in the lock position.