A key question

5518 Views 56 Replies 17 Participants Last post by robn, Feb 20, 2014

Stetec

Discussion Starter · Sep 21, 2010

I've searched the key threads and now my head hurts!

What are my options?

I have 1 key and the fob is damaged. The unlock button is missing.

So if I lock it I won't be able to unlock it as for some reason the key won't work in the door lock.

It works in the boot and ignition.

So, can I buy a ZT/75 key and fob off Ebay and swap the blade and guts of the fob around?

And if so, if I also get a blank and another Ebay ZT/75 fob, can it be reprogrammed to open/lock/start my car?

If so what kind of cost am I looking at for reprogramming?

Cheers!

1 - 20 of 57 Posts

Pauliexjr

· #2 · Sep 21, 2010

I have a similar problem, my ZT only has 1 key. Bad news is my understanding is the ZT/75 key is chipped and coded to the car, the one's off E-Bay don't have the chip and are only useful to get into the car if you accidently lock your key in, they won't actually start it.

Cost of a duplicate from BMW is around (you may want to sit down here) £160-180, which is why I am being very, very careful with my only key!

Stetec

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 21, 2010

Thanks mate, the keys on Ebay I'm thinking of are actually spare keys that have been previously used on others of the same car. So I'm wondering if I can swap the casing of that key for the broken casing on mine. As at present I can't lock mine! Or if I did I wouldn't be able to open it again unless I went through the boot.

Stetec

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 21, 2010

As well as that, if I could get a remote fob or 2 that could be programmed to at least open the car, I could leave my key that starts it somewhere stealthily hidden inside...

wullie480

· #5 · Sep 21, 2010

Found this on Ebay would it be worth contacting seller to see if he has the other parts required to make this workable? Or would it be a waste of time?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZT-Steering-column-Ignition-Barell-2-keys-/200508967142?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaf4408e6#ht_500wt_928

simcor

· #6 · Sep 21, 2010

If you want a fully working key the only sure fire way is to buy one from an xpart dealer or similar who can supply via BMW as said at around £15-180 and have it programmed to your car with someone with a T4 diagnostics kit.

If you can get a brand new key cheap on ebay with it's barcode then someone with a T4 can program this to your car.

If you want a basic key that will open your car and start the engine people have managed this, but you need to obtain a blank key and get the key cut and the transponder programmed to your car to allow you to start it, the key must be able to unlock the car door manually otherwise it is of very little use.

Some timpsons stores are able to cut the key as to where can program the transponder it seems some can some can't.

There is a guy in the preston area that says he can program the transponders to the EWS (BMW) security ECU without any issues, there are some posts on this here somewhere.

Some people opt for a spare key blank that will open the door but not start it just for a spare that will egt them into the car should the keys ever get locked inside.

Simon

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ts autos

· #7 · Sep 21, 2010

Stetec said:
As well as that, if I could get a remote fob or 2 that could be programmed to at least open the car, I could leave my key that starts it somewhere stealthily hidden inside...

I can repair your key internals if a button is missing or re program you a spare remote,

Dave Goody

· #8 · Sep 21, 2010

Save your pennies and buy a proper one, all other ways can open a can of worms [but maybe not the car

] and you can spend loads of money and still end up buying a proper key. Been there, done it, got the T shirt

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simcor

· #9 · Sep 21, 2010

ts autos said:
I can repair your key internals if a button is missing or re program you a spare remote,

Yep I can vouch for good old Terry, makes a nice cuppa too.

He has a T4 kit and knows his stuff.

Simon

philfatkid

· #10 · Sep 22, 2010

Key question.

Hi mate,
Which part of the country are you ?

MG-ROVER-CODES

· #11 · Sep 22, 2010

key fob

Do you know what key fob you have weather its a lucas 17tn or 3txa or 3txb as we sell the replacement casing with buttons for the lucas 17tn fobs.

mgmorley

· #12 · Sep 22, 2010

You can try Timpsons the key cutting people, for £75 they will cut you a new key and chip it .
To send it away would take a week and about £150 they do it onsite in about 30 minutes.
My local store does not do the ZT/75 but the town I work in does.

Dave Goody

· #13 · Sep 22, 2010

mgmorley said:
You can try Timpsons the key cutting people, for £75 they will cut you a new key and chip it .
To send it away would take a week and about £150 they do it onsite in about 30 minutes.
My local store does not do the ZT/75 but the town I work in does.

This will only unlock doors and start the car? Will not work remotely I think?
Lots of threads say Timpsons don't do this. Have you had one done? Or is it heresay? They do a lot of other cars but 75s & ZTs ? Dave

simcor

· #14 · Sep 22, 2010

Dave Goody said:
This will only unlock doors and start the car? Will not work remotely I think?
Lots of threads say Timpsons don't do this. Have you had one done? Or is it heresay? They do a lot of other cars but 75s & ZTs ? Dave

There certainly are members that have had keys cut by timpsons and some have had the chip programmed.

Not every timpsons can do them though it seems.

Simon

Raykay

· #15 · Sep 22, 2010

MG-ROVER-CODES said:
Do you know what key fob you have weather its a lucas 17tn or 3txa or 3txb as we sell the replacement casing with buttons for the lucas 17tn fobs.

It's not a Lucas system, the 75/ZTs have a Valeo system.

top mg zt

· #16 · Sep 22, 2010

A Question???

Hi Lads, can I ask you a question about are bloody expensive keys fobs, these keys fobs you can obtain from EBay ECT, are they just an empty fob? With the blade, if so why can’t you just have it cut and replace the inside parts of the old one to the new fob? Would it not work or do you know something I don’t! because all you are doing is replacing the plastic fob, ‘yes’ I am lucky I have two working keys one still as new, the one I use all the time the blade come away from the fob, they are bonded in, the little plastic bit that holds the blade in come away from mine so I just used some superglue and glued it back in, no problems with it, I am only asking because I was thinking of buying a couple of fobs, having them cut and use when needed, just thinking that in time the only place you can obtain them from could be BMW at their expensive prices, Steve

ts autos

· #17 · Sep 22, 2010

The fob will be useful if it has a barcode that'll sort the central locking side if you have it programmed, the key side if you buy a uncut blank get that copied (cut) then that will manually open the doors, the transponder is the difficult part.
I have fobs instock now for this very purpose as an emergency back up if you lock them in scenario, and if the mechanical side of the key isn't opening the door I have spare lock sets in order to repair those too

Stetec

Discussion Starter · #18 · Sep 22, 2010 (Edited)

Hello again guys. Right: I have one key with built in fob which has a lock and an unlock button. Except the unlock button is missing! So basically, with this key I need a new case with my blade and key internals swapped over.

The blade of mine will not open my door lock manually for some reason.

So a new lock set might be an option, can I have a price for that please?

So at least I'll be able to gain access then.

Mine unlocks the boot but not the door strange.

As for make of key, its a Valeo one.

So if TS Autos and MG-ROVER-CODES wants to post on here or PM me some details would be much appreciated!

Because even after this key's fixed I'll want a spare so I can gain access at least and then I'll just leave this working key in the car hidden somewhere.

A question: are these cars alarmed or just immobilised?

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Stetec

Discussion Starter · #19 · Sep 22, 2010

ts autos said:
The fob will be useful if it has a barcode that'll sort the central locking side if you have it programmed, the key side if you buy a uncut blank get that copied (cut) then that will manually open the doors, the transponder is the difficult part.
I have fobs instock now for this very purpose as an emergency back up if you lock them in scenario, and if the mechanical side of the key isn't opening the door I have spare lock sets in order to repair those too

Not sure if this is the same thing as I PM'd you, but do you need the car to hand to program a fob just unlock the doors or can I send you my current key for that?

simcor

· #20 · Sep 22, 2010

Stetec said:
So if TS Autos and MG-ROVER-CODES wants to post on here or PM me some details would be much appreciated!

A question: are these cars alarmed or just immobilised?

Terry can supply the right item and program it for you. MG Rover codes supply the fobs for the earlier MG Rover cars.

As said the 75/ZT key is made by Valeo not Lucas all the older car had Lucas key fobs.

Stetec said:
Not sure if this is the same thing as I PM'd you, but do you need the car to hand to program a fob just unlock the doors or can I send you my current key for that?

Terry will need your car a she needs to hook his T4 kit up to program a new fob if that is what your after, otherwise if it is just swapping the internals over into a new case then it should work ok.

Simon

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