Prices for Key Cutting

[Workerat]

Greetings to everybody, Has anyone recently had a key duplicated at a fair price?

I contacted Timpson to enquire about the cost of duplicating a key for my E53; it is approximately £350 for a vehicle that is 20 years old, astonishing! They stated that they do not manufacture them; rather, they procure them directly from BMW. I will program the key myself; I have bought an AK90+ programmer, which should facilitate the coding process. I merely require a blade cut.


I would purchase a £150 key cutting machine from Ali Express and maybe risk electrocution, as indicated in the following YouTube review, rather than pay for a replacement key.

[Workerat]

Examine this:

 

[Workerat]

I might need to pursue key cutting as a hobby.

[Startle]

I assume there is a significant Timpsons markup at that pricing!
Several years ago, when I requested a new key from BMW, the cost was approximately £180.


However, I am confident that there will be locations that will only sever the blade.
When my son sought a duplicate key for his Polo, I searched online for a nearby mobile technician who programmed a new key and cut the blade on-site.

[Startle]

Revise: This location was...

 

https://keytechautolocksmiths.com/

[Nekomp]

Exercise extreme caution when utilising the AK90+ I have observed numerous narratives in which individuals have utilised one and subsequently ruined everything.
I located a mobile technician on Facebook who visited my location and provided a spare part for £120.

[MutanX]

I just had a haircut and colour done by a local mobile stylist, which cost £150.

[Workerat]

Thank you for the responses. Indeed, I am certain that Timpsons is profiting significantly from customers who pay those prices; it is likely that their charges exceed those of primary dealers currently. Appears excessive for rather uncomplicated keys. I recall being charged significantly less for a key from a Mercedes main dealer several years ago for a key from a comparable model year.

Thank you for the caution regarding the AK90+; they appear to be quite perilous based on my observations.


I possess a second key that was provided with the vehicle, but it has never functioned properly. I assumed the battery was depleted due to disuse, but perhaps I can locate it to either rejuvenate or replace it.

[Startle]

If it is the rechargeable type (i.e., not Comfort opening), leave it on a wireless phone charger or toothbrush charger overnight to determine if it revives.

[Nekomp]

A depleted battery in the fob will not prevent the key from starting the vehicle; nevertheless, the locking and unlocking functions will be inoperative.
The older diamond-shaped key you possess contains a chip, which incurs additional costs due to the necessity of programming it to your vehicle.

[Workerat]

If I locate it, I will verify; I am confident I tested it upon acquisition, but I cannot recall whether it would initiate the vehicle.

I contacted the local main dealer to enquire about obtaining the code for my security nut, and during the conversation, I also asked about the cost of a replacement key. He indicated that if they can still acquire them, the price would be approximately £180. Fifty percent less than Timpsons!

[Nekomp]

£180 seemed to be an appropriate amount. Indeed, I have observed posts indicating that they have made that payment.
The only requirement with the major dealer is that you must provide three explanations for your existence, humorously speaking.
V5, photographic identification, and confirmation of address are required.

[TraumaLaugh]

The last time I checked for a key for an E90, the prices were £155 from a local key cutter, £160 from BMW, and £95 from BWC Chiptune; however, I believe Jason no longer provides this service, as I previously requested him to obtain one for my M4.they are more expensive for the F series.