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Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 10:28 am
by DougieV8
A lot of misinformation out there so thought I would add this

I have only 1 key so thought I would get a back up -

Timpsons could cut one for £50 that would open and start car but they were unsure if alarm would disarm.

BMW dealer - Basic key which will unlock, start and disarm alarm - Around £38 all in, so I ordered. A fully functioning remote key would be around £135 all coded.

I asked what situation would be if I lost all keys - Simply go to dealer and order a new one which would be available within 1 or 2 days. No real issue at all then - You need your V5 document and photo ID with same address as verification.

I hope that helps clarify :)

Re: Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:08 pm
by Bargain Bucket
[quote="DougieV8"]
BMW dealer - Basic key which will unlock, start and disarm alarm - Around £38 all in
[/quote]

Hmphh. They never mentioned that option when I enquired. They just tried to sell me the all singing, all dancing version. Useful info. Many thanks for that.

Re: Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 3:14 pm
by DougieV8
I will confirm once I have key in hand but assume that alarm will go off when opened by key and will only disarm once car started. Therefore not ideal.

Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:40 pm
by stevox5
[quote="DougieV8"]
I will confirm once I have key in hand but assume that alarm will go off when opened by key and will only disarm once car started. Therefore not ideal.
[/quote]

This is the way it will work if you open the door with the key in the lock after being locked via remote, the alarm will go off and will disarm once the engine is started.

Re: Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:22 pm
by DougieV8
Cheers for confirmation Steve.

What do you think about a Timpsons key - Would that do the same as imobiliser chip has done job and started car?

Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:32 pm
by stevox5
I would go for the non remote genuine key as a spare mate that's what I have done.

Re: Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 9:03 pm
by DougieV8
Yeah, that is what i have done - was cheaper option anyway.

But our VW has also only got 1 key but VW do not offer a basic key option and want over £150 for a coded remote key. Timpsons quoting £35  for chipped key but no use if alarm will keep on blasting!

Re: Key myths

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:40 pm
by Raj
The plastic service/wallet key is the £38 one and works a treat in an emergency.

Re: Key myths

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:05 am
by DougieV8
Picked up my key today - One day turnaround so very good.

Raj has described it correctly - I had not expected this so was a bit dissapointed to receive a plastic "wallet key" that looks like it fell out of a cracker!

It does the job though :)