Key

Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
208
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
Only a good quality locksmith or bmw dealer will be able to cut and code a new key.
Stephen.
 

Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
208
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
Its not so much the key if you had a blank any decent key cutter could copy your current one.
The issue is the coding within the key to work the factory installed rolling code immobiliser system no point in having a key that only opens the locks but won't start car .
Probably into couple of hundred pounds easily to obtain a proper working replacement key I'm afraid.
Stephen.
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
coding within the key to work the factory installed rolling code immobiliser system
What year is your Z3? Don't think my 1997 car has such immobiliser system, but might be wrong.
 

Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
208
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
What year is your Z3? Don't think my 1997 car has such immobiliser system, but might be wrong.
Chip is inside the key
All 3 of my zeds have it 97 and 99 pre face-lift and 99 face-lift so should yours .
Alarms upgrade optional but immobiliser standard kit across the board.

Stephen.
 

TriumphZ3

Dedicated Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2023
Points
39
I have three keys for mine but the one with the built-in light only locks the car, it won't unlock the doors, yet it starts the ignition. Any ideas why it won't unlock the doors?
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
All 3 of my zeds have it 97 and 99 pre face-lift and 99 face-lift so should yours .
Interesting, one of my keys in picture. Have two plus a valet key. Very thin though, doesn't appear to have a chip, but wouldn't really know how to tell! Have separate "bricks" for the alarm/Immobiliser/remote locking and Certificate for BMW Anti-theft System 3G.EWS installed by supplying dealer in May 1997 (car build April 1997).
1692599072474.jpeg
 

TriumphZ3

Dedicated Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2023
Points
39
Sounds like the key I have but your missing a fob for the alarm system and central locking.
I don't think I have an alarm, due to nothing letting me know it's set when I lock the car, plus there's a blanked-off circle on top of the dash where an alarm warning light may go. I have central locking - key operated - but doubt if I have remote locking. How do I begin to check?
 

Althulas

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jun 14, 2014
Points
198
Location
Banburyshire
Model of Z
M Roadster
Maybe you don’t then but have a look at this thread it will give you an idea what to look for.

 

Neil Wilson

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2019
Points
33
I had a new key cut and coded for £40, I got mates rates but key looks like genuine BMW and works perfectly. So it can be done.
 

e30cabrio

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
Oct 10, 2023
Points
54
Model of Z
2.8
I bought a '97 2.8 Z3 Friday, it came with 3 keys, the lighted one looks like the other 2 but is worn width-wise & will not do anything (a new battery has the light working) :p

I called the dealer, gave my vin & was told the only way to get anything but a basic key is to buy all new cylinders that come with keys. I am also trying to find out if I have remote opening (no fob came with the car) The dealer said the remote came with heated driver door cylinders & I have that but otherwise he can't see anything specifically saying I have that option.

I have what appears to be all the owner's package manuals, warranty, NOAA weather radio packet (unopened with the card that has all the radio info), and a remote unlock manual. Am I mistaken in thinking that ought to indicate it has the option?

The sticker indicates an alarm. I tried to open the locked door through the window, it won't open (mini jail) lol

Ebay searches show the diamond-shaped (knock off) remote fob will work. Any help finding the right key & remote would be most appreciated!
keys and front of remote manual.jpg
back of remote manual.jpg
Alarm sticker.jpg
 
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Zephyr

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Points
136
I have three keys for mine but the one with the built-in light only locks the car, it won't unlock the doors, yet it starts the ignition. Any ideas why it won't unlock the doors?
have you tried to turn two times to unlock. Clockwise, let go up and once again?
 
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