Keys and T4 mystery

[BigRuss]

Originally Posted by vitesse

Yes, hopefully BigRuss will notice and comment.

It's a bit complicated with the keys as the owner lives just south of Stockholm, and not only would it involve sending the EWS but he needs a replacement steering lock if he can't get the original keys. I've mentioned a local Xpart agent who might be able to order a key set but as Rimmer's don't do the service I'm a bit sceptical that the local guy can help (and at what cost?).

Thanks, anyway for the reply

Let's hope that X-part are still offering this service.

If they aren't then you would need a lock set with keys, new transponders would need to be matched to the EWS and then replacement remotes found and matched to the car.

If the car has been locked with the remote you would need to gain entry which may mean breaking a window, even then the doors won't open. You'd then need to remove the driver's door card with the door closed (which may damage the door card). Then you can reach in and unlock the car by turning the "dumbbell" on the catch.
Removing the steering lock from the column without the key is very difficult and if you break the built in weak point on the steering lock you'd need a replacement steering column too.

So far, far easier and cheaper normally to order a new key.

My main concern is that the whole service has been discontinued.


Russ

[clf]

Originally Posted by BigRuss

Let's hope that X-part are still offering this service.

If they aren't then you would need a lock set with keys, new transponders would need to be matched to the EWS and then replacement remotes found and matched to the car.

If the car has been locked with the remote you would need to gain entry which may mean breaking a window, even then the doors won't open. You'd then need to remove the driver's door card with the door closed (which may damage the door card). Then you can reach in and unlock the car by turning the "dumbbell" on the catch.
Removing the steering lock from the column without the key is very difficult and if you break the built in weak point on the steering lock you'd need a replacement steering column too.

So far, far easier and cheaper normally to order a new key.

My main concern is that the whole service has been discontinued.


Russ

I once read BMW could produce the keys via vin. Is my memory mistaken.

sent from my iToilet Pro 3□

[vitesse]

Thanks folks. Indeed if the service has been discontinued then that does present a major headache especially for us abroad. I suppose there's nothing to lose by asking a BMW dealer but I suspect there's so little demand that BMW have decided it doesn't make economic sense anymore.

We, me and my friend in Bergen, can possibly fix the missing electronic bits but with the physical key missing I don't know if the owner thinks it's worth it.

Regards

[Yorkshire GOC]

Have you tried X Part as suggested - cut and paste from their website

Expert Support
Through XPart, MG Rover Specialists have access to all the customer support functions such as MG Rover radio codes, MG Rover key codes and MG Rover emergency key access codes and because of their engineering skills they can offer a wide variety of services and work on all makes of cars.

[BigRuss]

Originally Posted by clf

I once read BMW could produce the keys via vin. Is my memory mistaken.

sent from my iToilet Pro 3□

BMW hold all the immobiliser details and key cutting codes for all 75's and ZT's
When you ordered one from X-part then they passed the details to BMW who then made up a new key based on their records for that car.

It then only needs the remote barcodes to be entered to the car with T4 as this is entered in to the BCU.

If BMW have stopped doing this service then for people who have lost their only key it's going to be a lot more difficult/ expensive.


Russ

[Ched]

Have you tried a locksmith?

[vitesse]

Originally Posted by Ched

Have you tried a locksmith?

Sorry I don't know if the owner has or not, I've not heard back from him since suggesting he contact the local Xpart agent. All communication is via our local FB page.

Regards

[clf]

Originally Posted by BigRuss

BMW hold all the immobiliser details and key cutting codes for all 75's and ZT's
When you ordered one from X-part then they passed the details to BMW who then made up a new key based on their records for that car.

It then only needs the remote barcodes to be entered to the car with T4 as this is entered in to the BCU.

If BMW have stopped doing this service then for people who have lost their only key it's going to be a lot more difficult/ expensive.


Russ

Thanks for that. It confirms my memory.

As they are (or seem to be) the same as Binis, I figured it would stand to reason what I had read made sense.

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by clf

sent from my iToilet Pro 3□

quite.


Don't let Vitesse hear you saying that

[vitesse]

Originally Posted by hogweed

quite.


Don't let Vitesse hear you saying that

Heretic! Please Roger some sympathy, if you look at the picture you’ll see I’m forced to use Windows on an ancient HP laptop, which weighs more than the average brick, possibly the reason Rover mounted the T4 on a trolley, but now I’m thankfully back to using my lightweight MacBook Air.

There’s a new post from an owner in Antrim, if you know of any T4s locally could you advise him?

Still need some advice about the red-circled section in the photo though ….

Mike