where to get extra g/s keys?

[ked]

just picked up a g/s and it only has 1 key. where can i get spares? i would like both the folding key and a regular flat key.

thanks, ked

[ignatz72]

Local dealer or any OEM parts house (Max BMW, etc) will have blanks.

Any locksmith shop or local BMW dealer should be capable of cutting the blank.

[bmwhacker]

I bought a "folding" key blank a while back for my R100S but couldn't find a lock guy who would cut it. Realizing that most lock / key guys aren't rocket scientists, I dug out my small file collection and carefully filed it to match my old key. Took 10 minutes and was free.

[ignatz72]

The trick to the folding blanks is you can poke the pin out that holds the head on, then it's just a flat blank.

Learned that after my local dealer had trouble cutting one.

[One Less Harley]

I'm not sure if it's the BMW keys or not, but if the keys are steel then you might have problems w/ a lock smith cutting them as the cutters are for AL key blanks and steel will damage the cutter..

[ignatz72]

Didn't think of that angle, OLH, good call.

Guess the BMW dealer near me had the right cutter, as his only complaint was trying to line up the blank correctly. This was a "fat" folding blank, with the color roundel.

[R100RT Mark]

I know that I am fortunate in that I have two BMW dealers close by, but I have never understood the “key availability/buy a blank on eBay” deal. I walk across the road from my work into BMW Ducati Husqvarna Motorcycles of Atlanta http://www.bmwmcoa.com/ and they have folding and non-folding blanks in stock. Cutting takes a moment or two. From memory, a cut folding key is around $10 and a cut flat key a good bit less. I have to believe that any BMW dealer has the same setup. I think there might be a trick if you want someone to cut to the key code rather than than a pattern.

[Renner]

Originally Posted by R100RT Mark

I know that I am fortunate in that I have two BMW dealers close by, but I have never understood the “key availability/buy a blank on eBay” deal.

Looking up the key on the BMW parts fiche/IPC gives a N/A result.
Calling the dealer yields a "got 'em all day long" response.

that may contribute to the confusion

[ignatz72]

Weird, I got mine (blank) from Max about a year ago...

Maybe it's the coded key that's NLA?

[Kikemon]

I don't want to hijack this or anything, but does anyone know why the keys fold? It is harder to manipulate with gloves on. Am I just not appreciating a benefit here?

[ignatz72]

Originally Posted by Kikemon

I don't want to hijack this or anything, but does anyone know why the keys fold? It is harder to manipulate with gloves on. Am I just not appreciating a benefit here?

The flat keys are subject to getting snapped off in the steering head lock, and some bag latches (newer model touring cases) can be tricky to operate without the folding head.

Plus the folding keys just look cooler in the ignition.

[bmwloco]

Steering head lock?

You must be joking. Of the 31 (yes, really) BMWs I have owned, NONE of them worked. I just pulled the key out and walked away from many bars and weird areas wherever. Weird bars too.

They are, without question, about as good as tits on a boy. No nourishment there.

BMW used to sell a great red rubbery brass lock that folded. Now that is the biz. Not only is it great for locking up a rear wheel (perfect for New Orleans... trust me rangers, or go and find out yourself). You can also use it as protection in hinky situations. Fully extended, it's got a 5 foot reach. Start swinging that head height.

People back up.

Security and safety.