VQvroom

Hey, i have a 99 maxima SE.
I have a key with the so called chip built in.
A guy told me his BMW key has the mileage on the key with some other stuff.

Whats our key do?
Why is it soo expensive?
Can I get blanks cheaper elsewhere than the dealer?
What has to be done with the blank key besides milling it?

Sorry for the blasting of questions but I need some answers. Thanks.

pimpin8ez

Yo dawg. I be eatin' dem chips all da time!!11!

Irish

iTrader: (3)

our key is special becaues of that damn immoblizer system, its so expensive cause of that damn chip and the fact that u have to get them from dealers, i dont know about getting them cheaper. and after the key is cut, u have to program the chip in side the key to work with the ecu, other wise it wont start. i just replaced my key, u cant just have ACE or walmart cut ya a key. the big thing is they have to program the chip in the key to work with the ecu. hope that helps

p.s. those little bastars are expensive, like $51 for just the key for me.

Terran

iTrader: (6)

You actually DON'T have to get it from the dealer. There's a hardware store around here that does them.

Irish

iTrader: (3)

maybe for your 95. i HIGHLY doubt a hardware store carries a key and the program to get their key to run. theres a difference in the 95's and 99's keys

Negativezero

I have a 98, so Im chipless, but ive seen them on Ebay. Do a Search.

Brudaddy

iTrader: (2)

yeah, mine was like $65.
Anyway, you cannot just get a regular key, or your car will not start. It automatically locks itself down.
You can get a Walmart key for just doors and trunk though, just to have a spare.

DavidT

that's odd. I just had one copied at Walmart for my 99 SEL. Car started right up.

Brudaddy

iTrader: (2)

Then your Immobiliser system is not working.
It is not supposed to work without the chip key.
That way, it is supposedly harder to steel.

Terran

iTrader: (6)

Mine doesn't have a chip anyway. I work at used car dealership and I bring keys up to the hardware store when we don't have a duplicate. I haven't actually brought a max key to him yet, but he said he could do them and he has done a few chipped accord keys. They're still like $50, but that's less than the dealership.