The factory stopped selling the black plastic handled "auxiliary" keys. (The one that unlocks the doors etc) Is there a key from another car that is the same size? ie I am looking for a parts cross-reference for the 328 "other key." I don't feel right about paying $25+ for what appears to be a run of the mill key.
I don't know about the 328 keys but for my 308 I went to the local locksmith and he had all the blanks (just 2) that my car uses and at normal key prices.
Remember, there are a number of configurations for the "other" key (which unlocks the doors and the side louvres), three or four different ones perhaps, which are all the same basic shape but have the side grooves in different places. So the blank can look similar but unless it's identical, it won't work. --Mike
If you have the original "S.A.F.E. Torino" door keys, they will have a 4 digit key code like "6121" or "2148" etc. The first digit of the code will always be a 2, a 4, a 6, or an 8. This denotes which key blank is required, because as Mike328 said, the look the same, but are slightly different. A hint here is to look and the tip of the key (the end of the key the goes into the lock). This is the easiest way to compare blanks to find the correct one.
I had mine cut at a local key cutter that you find in shopping mall etc, a pretty standard blank and cost just a couple of euros. You can get a pair of ignition key blanks on Ebay for just a few dollars. Either take them to a key cutter or do what I did and make a couple with a Dremel, a 10 minute job each key. They are simple keys on the 328
If you still want the black plastic-topped keys, Ricambi has them in stock. In any regard, as those here have stated, make sure you get the right code number for the key blank.
Hmm, it would appear my 'other key' is not original as it lacks the plastic grib and only has a 3 digit number on it (which starts with 6)
