jjs 64 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 How do I find out what key my E36 requires? It is not practicable to take it to the dealer right now. Am after a basic key to use as a spare. Its a 328i coupe, manufactured 10/95. I'm hoping it will require a standard key, and not a chipped one! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 Big J, I was at work last friday shock horror on my day off and dropped in a picked up a few parts, also picked up a new key for a spare, I belive all 95 onwards E36's have a chip in it. How ever you can pick up a non chipped key blank for $24 then you have to get it laser cut which is $35 or so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 A non chipped key will get you into your car I *think* but wont start it. What does your key look like? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw.maniac 1 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 Don't you wish you had an e30? $8 from Mitre 10 will do me thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 Those keys look gross, OEM only is best haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 I think all M52 engined cars are OBDII so you need a key with the chip. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted August 20, 2008 A non chipped key will get you into your car I *think* but wont start it. What does your key look like? You are correct. If you need a functioning key it will have to be ordered through the stealers by chassis # Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw.maniac 1 Report post Posted August 21, 2008 Those keys look gross, OEM only is best haha I know, I seriously need to order me a new one! My grubby, BMW shape 'Silca' just doesn't cut the mustard next to my nice, new BMW keyring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted August 21, 2008 Yea order one man, they are cheap as chips, espessially for E30. Hell when I took it to the lock smith the didnt even charge me for it haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw.maniac 1 Report post Posted August 21, 2008 (edited) Did you just buy the blank? I really need a brand new, laser cut one as mine is quite worn down and is starting to get stuck. Edit: Spelling Edited August 21, 2008 by Eddy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted August 21, 2008 Yeah I just bought a black from the dealer then took it to a key cutting place, not all places have a laser cutter though and costs about $35 to have it laser cut to spec Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi328i 118 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Yeah I just bought a black from the dealer then took it to a key cutting place, not all places have a laser cutter though and costs about $35 to have it laser cut to spec I just orderd another key from TMM and it was mentioned that from feb 1995 on, the keys have 'chips', so big dollar item, I dont know if that date coincides with with the obII dates but there it is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr E34 11 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Bavarian supplied a new spare for the E36 318is for approx $240-$250(over 12mths ago).You young guys probably blow that amount on a night out with a few birds, so why worry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Bavarian supplied a new spare for the E36 318is for approx $240-$250(over 12mths ago).You young guys probably blow that amount on a night out with a few birds, so why worry. Thats a really good price for a chipped key! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjs 64 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Bavarian supplied a new spare for the E36 318is for approx $240-$250(over 12mths ago).You young guys probably blow that amount on a night out with a few birds, so why worry. Hmmm, maybe I will just be extra careful with my lone key.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 (edited) Hmmm, maybe I will just be extra careful with my lone key.... Get a non-chipped one so if you do loose your master key you still have the key pattern to get a proper new one made off it and plus its good to have as a non-chipped key will still get you inside the car for if you lock your master one inside. Edited December 1, 2008 by RJS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr E34 11 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Found the invoice $213.48 + GST.....Key (with remote & coded). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Found the invoice $213.48 + GST.....Key (with remote & coded). They've gone up now $315 + GST and no trade discount on the prices now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjs 64 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 They've gone up now $315 + GST and no trade discount on the prices now I have an E36 328i production date 10.95. Is $315 + GST the only option? I.e., is there no cheaper option without a remote? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 I have an E36 328i production date 10.95. Is $315 + GST the only option? I.e., is there no cheaper option without a remote? Yes...Standard key (with chip) coded to vehicle X Germany $171 + GST Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites