X3 key costs

[X3driver]

Hi all, just bought myself an x3 se 2012 from the auction. So far it has checked out okay and is pretty loaded more than i expected.Just hasn't got the tailgate button but can't win them all. It has a few dents which I need to sort but knew that before purchasing. Going to look for a local paintless dent repair to fix as I'm sure they will come out clean.

One of the issues I have is that it only came with 1 key. I rang my local bmw garage and their parts department advised it would be £235 and take 2 days. The guy on the phone said that they don't discount keys. That price is for the fob and blade.

Is there a cheaper way or anyone advise if they were able to knock a garage down on the price?

[Horizon]

Hi and welcome to the forum
Ring a few dealers, as they all charge different amounts, I've had to take in my V5 and picture ID before I've been able to order keys before. Never paid that much before though

[X5Sport]

Also, try Cotswoldbmwmini on here.  BMW Dealership that offers member discounts.  Send them a PM with your VIN and they’ll be in touch.  BMW will have spare keys for the car, but they are getting expensive due to currency changes (€/£).  Later plug in keys are more expensive than the old conventional ‘twist to start’ versions.

When you do get the key, get all other keys that you don’t have killed off the system.  All cars came with 2 keys.

And

[X3driver]

Thanks x5 and horizon. Will ring a few dealers tomorrow. Guy is spoke to did tell me I needed photo ID and v5.

My car is keyless start so thinking it would be slightly more.

[X5Sport]

Get an RFID screening case/wallet for it from somewhere like Amazon too.  Same sort of thing that you can get for wallets and credit cards.

Keyless systems are really easy to steal with the kit now available on the web - and demonstrated on a BBC News article this week.

[sharpharp]

LOL @X5 - you've just done what I did this week, I ordered the RFID key wallet in light of that video that did the rounds last week.

Been testing mine today, if you buy the Harry Tweed one, make sure you use the "barely there pocket" at the very back, other wise the main pocket does not block the signal (poor design especially given it's meant to block all signals).

Failing that people, just put the key in an empty Walkers crisp packet, the Canadian Ham works equally as well as any RFID blocker

[MattX]

One in Sidcup quoted me £258 yesterday so you're not doing badly at £235

I was so thankful a(nother) new battery cured my problems!

[X3driver]

I found a set of house keys in car so as it it Xmas have sent them off to the previous owner with a self addressed envelope on the off chance he has still got the spare key. Small chance he could turn up at my doorstep and drive off with my car but as I'm insured thought I'd punt it!  What's the worst that could happen

[X5Sport]

Put a Stoplock over the steering wheel.... 

[X3driver]

Received a letter thanking my from the previous owner and informing me that he returned two keys to the dealer when he part ex'd the vehicle. However of them was broken, he didn't go into detail as to how they were broken but have me the name of the sales person and dealership info so one phone call tomorrow than all avenues have been exhausted which means it's a brand new key for me.

[Pinewood]

Was the dealership of any help

[X3driver]

He said he may know where they are. He took my details so awaiting a late Xmas present. 50/50 at this point

[X3driver]

What a result, key turned up today in the post. Missing the blade but the fob works.

[Pinewood]

Excellent news. I wouldn’t bother getting the blade made up, as I’ve never used  it and you have it in the other fob anyway.
Google how to change the battery as it’s probably low.

[X3driver]

Going to get a blank prob from eBay at some point. Will change the battery.