snj5
Well-Known Member
The BMW dealer could not duplicate the CSi keys. Where do I go ?
Keys!
- Thread starter snj5
- Start date
Lots of threads on this, try a search
snj5
Well-Known Member
Cool. Thanks.
I know know what a "Pebra" and "dimple" key are.
The joys of new ownership.
I know know what a "Pebra" and "dimple" key are.
The joys of new ownership.
Search for keys 4 classics in this thread. Cheap and fast. I had no keys but emailed the code from the ignition lock and 10 days later I had a working set of keys. Now if only I get could the door locks unfrozen but we'll tackle that as the doors come apart.
Would the keys made from a non-BMW dealer outfit, such as keys 4 classics, look exactly the same as those coming from a BMW dealer? I'm talking about the shape of the black head, markings, textures,etc., purely visual stuff.
Can someone post photos of their dealer-supplied keys and of their non- dealer keys?
Can someone post photos of their dealer-supplied keys and of their non- dealer keys?
snj5
Well-Known Member
Decoding keys / dimple positions
1. Keys4classics are the expert - the only people I have found (incl. BMWNA) that understand old keys. Highly recommended.
2. When I bought my car, I had a small Pebra ignition key and a second black topped key that opened the doors and trunk. BMW would only make a copy of the larger black key and just told me flat that they could not do the igniton key without explanation. I found this rather odd.
3. After many deadends, sent jpegs of keys to Keys4classics in Oz. One email later I learned that the problem was that the two keys came from different groups - i.e. my ignition key was in fact, a 'valet key', and did not match the others indicating my car had a different ignition cylinder than with the original car. They explained that the master key for a CSi has seven dimple positions, and the valet key 6, so the valet had no access to the trunk or locked compartments. The first six dimples on the ignition did not match the first six on the car master, so they must be from different locksets.
4. They are making me two new ignition keys, should be here in a week. I am on the hunt for a complete set of matched lock cylinders and keys that match with the master and valet key.
Hope this helps anyone with a key mystery.
1. Keys4classics are the expert - the only people I have found (incl. BMWNA) that understand old keys. Highly recommended.
2. When I bought my car, I had a small Pebra ignition key and a second black topped key that opened the doors and trunk. BMW would only make a copy of the larger black key and just told me flat that they could not do the igniton key without explanation. I found this rather odd.
3. After many deadends, sent jpegs of keys to Keys4classics in Oz. One email later I learned that the problem was that the two keys came from different groups - i.e. my ignition key was in fact, a 'valet key', and did not match the others indicating my car had a different ignition cylinder than with the original car. They explained that the master key for a CSi has seven dimple positions, and the valet key 6, so the valet had no access to the trunk or locked compartments. The first six dimples on the ignition did not match the first six on the car master, so they must be from different locksets.
4. They are making me two new ignition keys, should be here in a week. I am on the hunt for a complete set of matched lock cylinders and keys that match with the master and valet key.
Hope this helps anyone with a key mystery.
interesting that they list the 2002 + variants, but not e3 or e9. please keep us informed as to how this goes.
RogerB
Well-Known Member
I'm sitting here looking at five key blanks (Silca Italy), and still looking for a locksmith that can cut them for me at a reasonable price. RB
snj5
Well-Known Member
Bwana
Well-Known Member
Too bad I didn't see this earlier, glad you got it solved. There is a guy in Huntsville that can do everything including matching all the locks for one key or rebuild the tumbliers of any of the locks. Can also do strange keys like from my Guzzi and Ducati.
'Steve Sandlin' <[email protected]>
'Steve Sandlin' <[email protected]>
snj5
Well-Known Member
This is good info, thanks. Once the dust settles here with the interior, perhaps will see if he can do my car and drive up there. It would be nice to have the original functionality.
