[Ozarktroutbum]

I'm working on a 2002 manual 325Ci and I've misplaced the only key. I'm doing a swap to a 97k miles 3.0L among other things. Brakes, interior etc... Plan is to start the engine swap in the next few weeks. Already replaced all the goodies you'd do with the engine out.

I have a donor 2003 automatic 330Ci. It came with 2 keys.

Can I take the lockset and ECU from the donor 330Ci to install into the 325Ci even though the transmissions are different? Any other issues I don'y know about?

 

[armenh7]

It depends. If the 2003 is before 03/03, you can swap the DME, EWS, ignition switch, and locks and it'll work

 

[Ozarktroutbum]

It depends. If the 2003 is before 03/03, you can swap the DME, EWS, ignition switch, and locks and it'll work

Thanks. I’ll do a VIN search and see what the production date is.


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[Effduration]

I have done an engine swap and I think you would better off keeping the orig DME - reflashing it to the 3.0 tune (though you don***8217;t need to to get it running) and get a new Key from BMW. Changing ignition and locks and coding new DME to EWS is a bigger hassle.

 

[DBecker]

The key transponders have the VIN and last-start mileage stored. The instrument cluster and several other modules have the VIN stored, and it must match (exceptions.. which are easily learned about if you go down that path).

Even if the hassle of swapping lock cylinders and coding modules doesn't put you off, the future paperwork hassle of a mismatched VIN and mileage might dissuade you.

I would order the least expensive key from BMW, and have a few aftermarket copies made from that key. You'll need to buy or borrow an AK90 to make the transponders.

 

[Ozarktroutbum]

Thanks again. I didn’t realize all that other stuff was coded in too.
The original key is somewhere, We just can’t lay hands on it.


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[Bali]

Go to http://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/ and enter 66126955750 into the Search by Part Number box. They are a BMW dealer. This should give you a price of $166.21 for a Cut Key with Code including shipping.
https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com...50&make=BMW&action=oePartSearch&siteid=218365

You'll need to send them proof of ownership, usually photocopies of your driver license and title.

The valet key part number is: 51218236594