Just out of interest: What metal do they make the OEM keys from (standard yellow/gold hue)?
And, are they are coated after machining - does this account for the yellow/gold tint?
Reason I ask is I'd like to know the possibility is of them to start rusting after many years of use.
Keys don't rust.
Well, my former 316i's key that lay "lost" in the gutter for two years (including winters, with salt on road) disagrees :) But I do admit the conditions were exceptional.
Most keys are made of Brass - they don't rust.
Some OEM keys are steel, and will rust if left out in the weather. Would be very unusual for a key to rust under normal usage though. But I did have a rusty Peugeot key that had been left in a magnetic key holder under the bumper for 20 years. :-)
Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, Maine
91 318is
Was it an original key or a duplicate? I have never seen a key blank made with ferrous materials.
If I can find it I'll check and report back.
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