[pmc123]

The used G20 I just bought came with one fob.

(I tried to get the dealer to throw in a new fob, but they refused to budge as the price of the car was pretty rock bottom)

Anyway, I got a quote for $500 including the new fob and programming from their parts desk. (not sure if this is a discount price or the normal price).


Can I buy one of these online and program it myself? (and have a lcoksmith cut the blade)

Or is the dealer the only option for this?

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by pmc123

The used G20 I just bought came with one fob.

(I tried to get the dealer to throw in a new fob, but they refused to budge as the price of the car was pretty rock bottom)

Anyway, I got a quote for $500 including the new fob and programming from their parts desk. (not sure if this is a discount price or the normal price).


Can I buy one of these online and program it myself? (and have a lcoksmith cut the blade)

Or is the dealer the only option for this?

BMWNA has a number 1-888-575-5397 for CA owners to get replacement fob, and the price includes dealer programming the new fob. The last I checked the price was $350-ish.

https://www.bmwusa.com/contact-us/key-replacement.html

[arkhi]

Originally Posted by pmc123

Can I buy one of these online and program it myself? (and have a lcoksmith cut the blade)

Or is the dealer the only option for this?

The keys have the VIN precoded on the remote by BMW and only BMW. They're also the only ones who can program these as they maintain a tight grip on it.

So yes, the dealer is your only option as they won't give keys to anyone but the verified owner and they only let BMW dealers handle that part.

As the previous poster said, CA is the only exception to this as they allow you to order from them directly.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by arkhi

As the previous poster said, CA is the only exception to this as they allow you to order from them directly.

The CA 1-888 number requests callers to send in copies of driver's licenses and registrations to BMWNA, but I think the key fob is still sent to a local dealer of your choice for programming to your car. I think pickup at parts dept does require ID + registration info as well.