Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 Can anyone tell me if my 1994 325i has EWS? My car only came with one key and I'm trying to figure out what my options are with regards to a spare key or two. Sorry if the info is already posted, but I'm damned if I can find it. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 IIRC EWS1 came out in early 94 so quite probably. Check build date - VIN number? I see this guy: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=468952020 has coded uncut keys available. Will need cutting & programming to the car but is probably the cheapest option available Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 most likly not , is the key shaft silver(chrome) then no . if its a gold colour then yes. most cars i see with ews are 96 onwards and some 95's etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 most likly not , is the key shaft silver(chrome) then no . if its a gold colour then yes. most cars i see with ews are 96 onwards and some 95's etc Brent - just checked EWS documentation I have & it states: 9/93 - 12/93 the first "Drive away Protection" system was fitted. From 01/94 EWS 1 replaced this system & was fitted to all cars from this date EWS 11 was introduced from 01/95 on Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 Have looked up the VIN on ETK, puts the build date at 04/94. Key is a chrome shaft with a wee LED torch thingy in the body instead of remote lock / unlock buttons if that helps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 Have looked up the VIN on ETK, puts the build date at 04/94. Key is a chrome shaft with a wee LED torch thingy in the body instead of remote lock / unlock buttons if that helps Can't say I was aware (not noticed) of the chrome/gold difference denoting EWS or not. Not doubting Brent on that though:- Your key - sounds like no EWS. I would say it is a runout & still has the first generation "Drive Away Protection", which simply uses door locking switch to trigger the immobilization, rather than EWS 1 (which has a different key - chipped). Soo, to the locksmith & just get a key cut Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted April 22, 2012 Can't say I was aware (not noticed) of the chrome/gold difference denoting EWS or not. Not doubting Brent on that though:- Your key - sounds like no EWS. I would say it is a runout & still has the first generation "Drive Away Protection", which simply uses door locking switch to trigger the immobilization, rather than EWS 1 (which has a different key - chipped). Soo, to the locksmith & just get a key cut Excellent, thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted April 23, 2012 FYI I had an EWS key imported from the dealer for like $150. (no remote though, just the grey base one) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted April 23, 2012 FYI I had an EWS key imported from the dealer for like $150. (no remote though, just the grey base one) Might PM you for details. Will take it to a locksmith / Brent / stealers to confirm just which version of key I have. Thanks for the help lads Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
polley 916 Report post Posted April 23, 2012 If the key is EWS you should be able to split it in half and see the chip in side it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted April 23, 2012 Might PM you for details. Will take it to a locksmith / Brent / stealers to confirm just which version of key I have. Thanks for the help lads I am familiar with the key you have (same as E30 - a centre button to activate a light) & 99% sure that version never had a chip fitted option. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted April 23, 2012 Just split the key open, no chips or circuitry to be seen. Just a small annoying spring that flew out and now resides in the one spot underneath my computer desk I can't reach. Any recommendations to where to have the replacements cut? Would the local Armstrong get it right first time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
my_e36 43 Report post Posted April 28, 2012 (edited) I had a local locksmith done mine a while ago and works fine first go. I guess you could drive your car there, have the keys cut then make sure it works before you leave. Edited April 28, 2012 by SpikeyLemon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
