Flip keys for E30

Post Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:10 pm

Now that the remote car locking is working - and very well overall - the tranmitter has a blank flip key with the encouragement from the manufacturers that it will be but a simple job to get the suitable key made for your vehicle. Some hopes. BMW don't do them, neither do Hickley-Vantone and the Halfords man was truely scratching his head.

Just a long shot therefore. Has anyone any ideas on succeeding with this task please?

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:49 am

it sounds like you bought the same ebay kit that i did! I have managed to insert my own key into the transmitter but i'm not sure how long it'll stay there. All i did was get a full metal key cut and shaped the end using a grinder/grinding wheel/dremmel. The hardest part is the groove that the fixing screw goes into but if you get a couple of keys cut to experiment with you'll get there in the end.

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:59 am

Thanks, datourer, for your response.

Yes, I had thought this one out and can see that cutting the groove would be a major issue. The other thing, I suppose, is the sturdyness of the mount cum base. It doesn't look as thought it is really meant to take the pressure of any twisting action, even if it is only a back-up.

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:15 am

Exactly, every time i turn the key in the ignition i expect the whole thing to fall apart!

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:10 am

I will email the manufacturers to see what they say because they were full of it that it would be a simple job to get the flip key made

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:12 am

i'd be interested to hear what they have to say

Post Wed Nov 09, 2005 1:06 pm

Is that one of those fobs with 4 buttons, if so I got one too and would be interested to see your results.

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 5:36 am

No, Andy. It has three buttons; open, close and boot. Which make is yours?

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 6:35 am

The manufacturer wrote:

'a professional key-cutter should be able to modify your original key (or a copy of it) accordingly - this is the standard procedure all our customers have to follow. As for stability, the handheld transmitters should be quite capable of taking the twisting of the key.

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 6:46 am

where did you guys get this from is there a website?

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 7:49 am

On eBay. They are still being listed.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Remote-Keyless-En ... dZViewItem

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:10 am

Look for Funk-Fernbedienung on ebay.de. I got mine for E28 (about 18 quid).

Post Thu Nov 10, 2005 9:20 am

NigelA wrote:On eBay. They are still being listed.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Remote-Keyless-En ... dZViewItem

FAQ on this site says the fitted key is for demo purposes and you have to fit your own.
This unit looks exactly like what I assume is OE equipment on a 2000 VW Corrado I was looking at yesterday.

Post Sat Nov 12, 2005 7:19 am

Got one done!

Went to local Timpsons (shoe repair, key cutting and watch repairs) and the manager there thought it a challenge so set about it before my very eyes. Excellent.

He took a standard blank from his stock, removed the black synthetic (the bit you hold) to reveal the shaft and then templated that from the shaft of the blank which came with the transmitter.

A bit of grinding and jiggling and it was done. If anyone is short of a Timpsons I will get keys done them done for you- just the blanks to fit the transmitter, not the key cutting itself, obviously.

The manager did not charge me for this occasion, which was very good of him, but I would expect him to charge between Ãƒ”šÃ‚£5-10 a go. All I will do is pass the cost on, plus the postage.

Post Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:16 am

any lcoksmith can cut these keys. I am a central Florida resident. Hope you guys don't mind me being around....lol

I though this was a great avenue to explore more minds ont echnical stuff and parts......

I bought one from ebay as well. The remote is a little different, but same principle. Mine came with blanks already mounted in the remotes. I got two units that came with two remotes each.

hope this helps........

I found that telling the locksmiths that I had a flip out key fob for a BMW madethem all run scared. Turns out, cutting this key is no different than cutting any other keys. I am sure different machines for different places,but the person I took mine to, didn't even have to take the blank key out of the fob.

Post Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:18 am

p.s. -

Now I have to install the actual module to make the locks work. I want to install in the driver side kick panel. I want ot be able to use the parking light flash option of the unit. I was told this can not be done when mounting in the trunk.

I have a 1990 and a 1993 E30 cabrio. All the DIY write up I have found are instruction on mounting int he trunk. HAs anyone used the driver side kick panel method and have any advice of which wires to use and/or a DIY write up?????

Post Sat May 06, 2006 7:16 am

Two things:
Firstly avoid using the flip key where possible; the base is not robust enough to take the twisting action and the key will break there (twice for me).
Secondly, this unit starting working intermittently and now does so very occasionally. Why should this be please? Are there any technical gurhus out there to give helpful advice please?
Have changed the batteries on the transmitters and the IR light shows when button are pressed.

Any help will be appreciated. TIA

Post Sat May 06, 2006 7:31 am

sorry to interupt but is this cos u want remote locking or just fancy the flip key. if u want remote locking isnt it easier just to get a remote locking system from a scrappy? mine had it from the factory.

Post Sat May 06, 2006 7:37 am

Hi Debbie

Thanks for your reply. I have already installed the remote (see start of topic) but it has since gone AWOL. You are obviously luck to have a car with the factory installation.

REgards

Post Sat May 06, 2006 8:19 am

yeah i realise you have already installed an aftermarket system. Would recommend anyone just get a 2nd hand bmw one (please dont take offence, its just my opinion)

Just an idea, i know many merc's have those flip keys as standard don't any bmw's? maybe a dealer could cut one for you?

Post Sat May 06, 2006 9:08 am

Thanks for your comments. Probably is a good idea to look for a BMW item, but at the moment only really want the remote key facility and, as far as I understand it, the BM stuff is integral with a whole alarm system. Comments?

Getting the flip keys cut can be done, but they are not strong at their base.

Post Sat May 06, 2006 2:12 pm

I am rather upset with my setup. I guess I Should have expected it, given the price.

Now my tail light warning light stays on in the check system up top. Not sure why, but has done so ever since I installed the parking light flash option. I have confermed with the manufacturer that the right wires were used, and the the unit is connected correctly. But why the false warning light? I have made sure all lights are working properly.

pisses me off..........