I guess there might be some security in obscurity but I've had a lot of issues trying to figure out how to obtain, program, and activate an additional key for my 2020 Clubman. It might be an inability to effectively search, who knows!

I want to install the Eurostart kit which comes with everything EXCEPT the key that it requires to start the vehicle. It seems odd that remote start is not a standard option and I wish there was another option that didn't involve having to have a key inside the vehicle but anyhow I need to get a 3rd key. I see a bunch of cheap aftermarket keys on eBay that might work but I'm unsure if or how I can program it myself as there doesn't seem to be much, if any, discussion of this here. Yes, I could go to the dealer but that's not the point and honestly a last resort. I have seen that BimmerTech does sell programmed keys at $465 a pop which is about what I guess the dealer would charge, ouch.

I do have an OBD fob and the BimmerCode app. If I can do the programming and activation with this it would be ideal!

A few questions:
1. Any experience with the cheap eBay keys vs. a real OEM key?
2. Anyone programmed a key successfully themselves?

 

I lost a key and got an OEM replacement (which comes from Germany) at predictably high cost. There was going to be an extra charge for programming if it didn't do the hands-free bit (which I wouldn't have paid for given it's a spare key) but fortunately it worked straight off.

 

So I ended up just giving Caesar his due and getting the key from the dealer after providing Registration and License and waiting about a day. It's P/N 66-12-5A40-7B4 and it is $300 list. This includes just the Fob, not the key blade that snaps into the Fob, and it of course does not include programming (I think this is $125 or one hour of labor). Since you provide the dealer your VIN info the key comes to you preactivated to work with your car. It worked straight off with no issues - just hold it to the steering column and toggle the start/stop and you're off and running. The Eurostart key doesn't need to be a "convenience key" meaning it just needs to have the transponder in it so no need to worry about programming it (or having a battery).

Oh, and I did eventually find a few folks discussing this topic for older models (like I said, maybe inept searching!) thanks to Google analytics or whatever they use here suggesting a "related thread". In summary, I'm not sure what good the eBay keys are since I can't see them working unless you need the plastic parts. The key transponder chip is programmed to the VIN (or something that is associated to the VIN) so unless you have that equipment, the key would never work. There is someone that actually published the procedure to do the work on the older models, but I have to say the level of effort to get RFID equipment, get the software, and learn it seems just not worth it unless you have, ahem, a "business". Thus, I would just stay away from those keys or used keys.