///M insert key part number?

[diegom6]

Anyone ??

Thanks

[Jeremiah]

ebay, it's not a BMW part

[Markus]

it is a BMW part,,,, as far as i know it is from the M5 E34 and costs around 20 Euro

Markus

[Jeremiah]

it is a BMW part,,,, as far as i know it is from the M5 E34 and costs around 20 Euro

Markus

Thanks, I've never seen that b4. Learn something new every day :thank you

[L James]

it is a BMW part,,,, as far as i know it is from the M5 E34 and costs around 20 Euro

Markus

You can also look at the key insert for a '95 E36 M3

[Ratinoff]

Is this the key insert that everyone in this thread is referring to:



I'm interested in purchasing one however after taking my key apart I can't figure out how this insert would install. I've provided some photos below. Notice that the key appears to be cemented to the base plate of the current insert. How can you separate the two without breaking the insert or the key?

[alexw]

weird, my key isn't like that...

All I have to do (with my M3 and both tourings) I just have to press the button and slide it over, and the insert portion pops out.

And FWIW, I bought one of these OEM inserts, and it died on me in less than maybe 4 months. The LED fell out, completely.

[bmwm3owner]

I have a couple of these on my key. I got them from ebay. I believe they came from user arinman or someone like that. To remove, you push down on tge BMW logo as if you were activating the light and while pushed down, you also push it to the side to slide the unit out. You may have to push pretty hard to remove it.

[Ratinoff]

I recently purchased a general illuminated key and ///M key insert from Tischer BMW's online parts website. Make sure to enter your BMW CCA number in the "comments" section of the parts order so that you receive free shipping on your order. Here are the parts unopened, just as I received them in the mail:

General Illuminated Key Blank (part number: 51-21-1-900-894):



the reverse side of the packaging:



///M Key Insert (part number: 51-21-2-252-682)



the reverse side of the packaging:



Front side-by-side view of both the insert and blank key:



Back side-by-side view of both the insert and blank key:



Here is what the insert looks like after it has been installed on the blank key:



In order to make the key operational I'll have to get it cut by a locksmith to match my current ignition key. In order to avoid having to have the blank key cut just substitute the general illuminated key blank for a coded key instead. The part number for the coded key is:

51-21-1-900-876

I've ordered coded keys from my local dealer in the past and they have never worked. All of the part numbers I've listed above are also special order and most dealerships do not allow returns of special order items, therefore if you order a coded key and it doesn't work then you are stuck with it. Some dealerships do allow you to return special order parts, and if they do, then they will usually charge you a restocking fee. My point is, unless you are sure that BMW has your correct key code on file, then I would not risk ordering a coded key from your dealer.