Key copies ?

[apaiva]

My R65 only came with one key so obviously it would be a good idea to have some copies.  Do I have to do this through a bmw dealer, or can I order appropriate blanks online and have a typical hardware store make copies?
If so, where can I find the blanks?  I checked ebay and didn't see there but did find what looks like what I want at A&S Cycles
http://search.ascycles.com/search?w=r65%20key

thanks,

[Bob_Roller]

I've gotten duplicate keys made at local Locksmith shops without any difficulties .

Hardware stores, or home improvement stores may not have the correct blank available .

[anaxolotl]

my bike only came with one as well, so after a couple weeks of being concerned i would lose/break it i purchased two blanks from ebay (this seller: http://myworld.ebay.com/etj2?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:1181).  I actually had a bit of trouble trying to get the keys cut as the first three places i brought it said they couldn't/wouldn't cut steel keys.  Finally I found a locksmith that would cut them for me (at 5.99$ a piece.. which at that point, i was happy to pay)

[nhmaf]

Yes, soem of the BMW OEM keys are stainless steel blanks - very durable, but hard to cut and quickly dulls lower-end key cutting wheels like you'd find at common hardware stores - so they will often refuse to cut them.   I have gotten keys made at a locksmith in town, who had blanks as well.

[bruce_launceston]

I have also bought the genuine folding blank keys for about $12 each and the local locksmith cuts them no problems at all.

[Barry]

When looking for key blanks it might help to know they are made by Neiman.

Lots of info on keys here:-

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/keys/index.htm

[apaiva]

great. thanks for the info dudes.

[Bob_Roller]

After the key is made, it may not work when you put it in the lock, there's a lip on the key that prevents it from going in all the way .

Put your original key next to the duplicate and it will be obvious what bit of metal needs to be removed with a file, to let it go into the lock all the way .

At least on the Ilco key blanks .