I only got one key with my used '05 530i. I know I could get another from the dealer but they cost over $150! Is there a cheaper way to get another key? I've seen BMW keys on Ebay for under $50, but I'm not sure they could be cut and coded properly.
Any suggestions?

 

no you have to go to a bmw dealer, they verify your ownership and have the key programmed at BMW. $150 is not bad compared to other electronic key prices.

 

ONE key?

Well, who has the second key and the valet key?

I'd be worried...

 

yeah, whomever sold you the car needs to give you the other key(s)!

 

+1..

 

Agreed!

I bought mine at a dealer and he got me the second key new.

 

On my '01 e38 I lost and needed/wanted a new "master" key. When I bought that from my dealer all of my keys were programmed at the same time; The old key, wherever it went missing, would no longer work on my car.

I suspect, since the new "keys" are pretty sophisticated, something similar occurs during programming and prevents the former key from accessing the car.

 

ill be calling the seller

 

If you dont wanna spend 150$, and just need one in case you lose your master, your cheapest alternative is to buy the plastic cut key from BMW, it will run 20$.

 

Mine didn't came with a second key either, but i strongly advise you get get a copy . Here's how i see it: If you can afford the payment on a BMW you can def. afford to make a second key.