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Lost My Keys! Lost My Keys!
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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 8 Mar 2009
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Lost My Keys!
Hello, I'm an idiot and I've lost both my keys in the space of a week. I am leaving england - australia in three weeks and need to get some new keys sorted quite quick. Does anyone know if it is best/possible/cheaper to get a new set through a bmw dealer, or to order a new ignition switch and key from motobins and replace the lot? any help appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 8 Mar 2009
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What model is it ?
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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BMW keys are numbered and can be reordered/cut to that number. The number is supplied on a small black plastic tag accompanying the keys on delivery.

Life being life, this usually gets lost!

The original supplying BMW dealer should also have a copy of the number in their documentation and records. If they are sympathetic and cooperative (rare for BMW dealers who are usually so far up themselves that any customer for just a part is a total inconvenience) they should be able to look it up.

The next problem is, if you bought a used bike from other than a BMW dealer, a BMW dealer will probably say they are unable to provide the number/key to anyone other than the initial customer on the grounds of security - but I think it is just their usual arrogance and unwillingness to even consider there is anything or anyone non-BMW out there beyond the white marble, stainless steel and smoked windows.

Good luck.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Just remembered something!
(And maybe the thinking behind Pete's question)

There was a thread here a year or so ago in which Maria discovered many F650s all work on the same key.
If your bike is an F650, maybe worth trying some others' keys. Mine, for example if you are in London in the next 2 weeks.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Sorry should have mentioned, it is a 1988 r100gs. I don't have the black plastic with the code on and it was a used bike when it came to me. I have had a look around and on the back of the ignition switch there is a sticker, it says 0635. Thought this could be a part number but apparently not, do you think there is any chance this is useful?

I was hoping bmw may be able to act from a VIN number or something similar. Do you think not?
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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If BMW are no help and a new ignition is very expensive you may be able to get a good lock smith to cut a key for your lock.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quincy View Post
I was hoping bmw may be able to act from a VIN number or something similar. Do you think not?
Yes, a friend of mine had the same problem. He got new keys in less then a week.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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If you can get the ignition barrel out it is possible that there will be a serial number on it that will help Bmw order a new key. But 1988 was a long time ago. Failing that start looking for another barrel that will fit.

Ask in a local motorbike shop they will have ideas...if they are any good.

Steve
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Locksmith
Once, a few years back, I arrived at work to find the car I used had been locked and the last person had lost one set of keys and taken the spare set. It took a locksmith, with a small device to see into the door keyhole and a hand operated key cutter, less than 5 minutes to cut one side of a key blank, open the door, and start the engine! I say try a good locksmith.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Try here, one of these should do.

Motorworks - BMW Motorcycle Spares - Products **R45/50/60/65/75/80/90/100 (2 valve)
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Last edited by Crusty; 8 Mar 2009 at 22:59. Reason: Inserting a link that actually works..!
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  #11  
Old 9 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
Once, a few years back, I arrived at work to find the car I used had been locked and the last person had lost one set of keys and taken the spare set. It took a locksmith, with a small device to see into the door keyhole and a hand operated key cutter, less than 5 minutes to cut one side of a key blank, open the door, and start the engine! I say try a good locksmith.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
Here's my vote for a Locksmith, we beat the dealers on price and speed every time!

Glen
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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That was my thinking Tony
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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Thanks for replies. Motorworks do have the correct barrel if I do need to change myself. I've taken the barrel out but no sign of any seriel key but
I'm going to call bmw first thing this morning just to see if they can help. Failing that I have found a decent looking website that may be able to help me, they can cut a new key if you sent them the barrel. £35 seems reasonable Motorcycle Key Services - Moto Guzzi Motorcycle Accessories

This is incredibly frustrating and the worst part about it is knowing it is entirley my fault!!!
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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You have the barrel out. That was the hard part.

Now you only need to drive/walk/bus down to your local lockcsmith and see if he can help.

If not, then fork out the £35 for the Guzzi service.

However, if it does work, sounds like a locksmith might get it done for under a tenner...

I think this is worth the time needed to drive/walk/bus to town and back...
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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As its an 88, its just a plane old ignition. Right ????



Hack the old one off and get a new one wired in.
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