new Key fob

Bought an 03 330xi with only 1 remote key. I want another key that will start the car. Do I have any options other than the dealer? Getting confused by some of the threads on this subject

Dealer, forget all the ebay ideas, its not worth it, too much you have to do on your end and it may not work in the end anyway.

Here is the deal, there are 4 key types.

1. Wallet key, plastic key with EWS chip, will start the car and open all doors, glove box and trunk. Should cost about $60
2. Valet key, metal bladed key with EWS chip, will start car and open door, not glove box or trunk, dealers always try to sell you this, you really do not want to buy this key. Should cost about $60
3. Master key, metal bladed key with EWS chip, will start the car, open all doors, glove box and trunk. This is a good option if you do not want to spend the money on a real remote keyfob. Should cost about $60.
4. Keyfob, remote lock & unlock, has EWS chip, will start the car and open all doors, glove box & trunk. Should cost about $160.

The prices I quote are not guaranteed, but if the dealer wants much more than I stated, you need to ask if the parts depart can cut you a break or shop them around. You can also find many online BMW parts departments will sell you the keys and for close to the price I am quoting.

Good luck.

No, only option is to get a new key from the dealer. Your car requires a chip (within the key) to start the vehicle. You can get a blank key ebay key cut but it will only lock and unlock your car.

Bear in mind, you have a 10 key limit before you have to replace the entire locking system/computers.

dealer only.

The 10 key limit can be overcome by some with the proper knowledge!

http://www.rpmmotorsport.net/

They also sell key sets as well.

^although not cheap by any means. It is still considerably cheaper than replacing it through the dealer.

Yeah, that's what I figured. I work for Napa so with my discount from the dealer it's $131. Hafta decide if it's worth the extra $$ for the remote key. I guess the dealer will tell me if I'm over the 10 key limit. And if they ship it to me I can program it, rite?
Thanks

If you can get a keyfob for $131, I would jump all over it.

You want a keyfob as the drivers door linkage is made weak on purpose for security reasons and the link will not hold up unlocking and locking the door multiple times a day.

As for programming the keyfob to lock and unlock the car, that is easy, search the site you will find plenty of info on that, just remember you have to program all keys at the same time, otherwise it will knock out any key that is not used during the reprogramming cycle.

My dealer told me $400 for a remote key.

$400 sounds ridiculous. What's your year and model? Does it vary?
I'm trying to decide if it's worth $85 more a key fob that I'm not really gonna use. Just need something for a backup in case I or someone loses my key fob.

Spend the money for another keyfob, you will need it sooner or later when the battery in your original gives out.

What you need to understand is the link between the door lock cylinder and the locking mechanism is not strong and is designed to break as an anti-theft measure. So if you end up locking and unlocking your car with only a mechanical key when your only keyfob breaks and your door lock link breaks, you cannot get in your car.

The $85 you save now will be a bargain when the above situation happens!

Trust me!

As for a $400 keyfob, not for a E46, E39, E38, dealer is ripping you off. $160 is all you should be paying for a keyfob at the max.

Shop it around.

Thanks for the info. Gonna order up a key fob from the dealer

Just went thru this. ONLY option is dealer. But call around costs vary and some wanted dbl from what I spent . You'll need to provide some docs to confirm it your ride, so get that confirmed before you go.