I have a 95 355 and my only key snapped as i put it in the ignition. grrrrrrrr. what are my options? if i get a blank key, is it still possible to have a new one cut at the dealership?
very common problem, OEM keys are soft. Mine was bending before I got some new ones cut. Do you have another to use as a master to cut from? I hope so...otherwise I don't know how well they can cut a new key from a broken one. I went to a locksmith who handled Euro cars, there's a Fiat blank that matches the 355. Then I chopped up the Fiat key and inserted it into the Enzo key holder. Search on Fchat, there's a good how to thread.
unfortunatley, it was my only key. it wouldnt go in the ignition, and i looked at it, and it looked twisted. when i tried to straighten it, it broke. How hard is it to find a locksmith that does euro cars?
in New Hampshire...good luck John! There was one here in CT I used before but he closed...not sure where to go, there's plenty of German cars around but not sure how many locksmiths have Italian keys.
You may be able to find a locksmith who can remove and duplicate the old broken key, but I highly doubt it. I found this on eBay for you. The price is far more reasonable than a new one. Good luck! LINK: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FERRARI-355-STEERING-COLUMN-WITH-LOCK-AND-KEY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem359fe113daQQitemZ230315594714QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
I transport cars and had a lady who had lost her keys when I was to pick up her car so I called a locksmith and it took some work but he was able to make a key from the ignition with no key! So it can be done.
Hopefully you can get the broken key out. Might be able to make a copy from the remains, but will depend on the skill and creativity of the locksmith. Probably not a job for Home Depot. The dealers don't need your original key to make you a new one. They simply take your VIN# and re-make one at the factory in Italy. Takes 1-2 weeks, costs $75 or so, but it will be an exact original key. This will let you make further copies as you need. Good luck, John
Thanks for the tips. Luckily I have both parts of the broken key. Good to know the dealership can make me a new key with the vin.
John: Are you sure the dealer can request a new key from the factory, for Ferraris of the F355 vintage, with just the VIN? I was under the impression (perhaps erroneous) that one HAD to have the original key tag number (provided at car delivery). No key tag number requires the owner to purchase a complete new lock and key set for about $1100.00 (although I'm sure Daniel and Ricambi can better that price). Best regards, Scott
For the 348 model they need the VIN and a copy of the ownership and it comes cut from the factory, no tags or anything else - i just called them last about this...not sure if the 355 is different.
Thanks, Mike. It's probably the same for the F355. I must be getting senile, but I could swear I read a thread where someone lost their key and was told they needed the key tag to get a replacement from the factory. Sorry if I provided any mis-information.
To bring a little closure to this subject, I called FNE today. Apparently getting a new key was a lot easier than I thought. I just sent a fax with my licence and reg tot he parts dept, and my keys should be cut in a few days. Sweet. I was woried that I would have to get a whole new ignition and lock system. This turned out to be an easier fix than i thought.
good to hear...when you get the new one, I would pretty quickly have a few repos made with Fiat key blanks just in case.
I feel your pain----Mine broke as I was starting the car a few years ago. Luckily the broken part sort of fell out of the ignition.... It was a scary feeling.. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
......... maybe not that 'exact' one ................. but one of these awesome alloy keys currently on sale from Ricambi, will definitely fit ............. http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=284260 Image Unavailable, Please Login
The factory plastic one comes 'precut' from the dealer with proof of 355 ownership ........... they do not sell blanks .....
i just checked with Daniel at Ricambi and they no longer have these i wish i knew about these when they had them, i definitely would have ordered 1 and possibly even 2.
Sorry for the delay... been away from the computer. As has been stated, your dealer can get you a brand new key from Italy simply from the VIN# of the car. No old key neccessary for copying. No key ID# neccessary. The registration and picture ID are to confirm that they are giving the real owner (not a parking valet) a key to your car. While it may seem a pain in the a$$, the registration/photo ID are for your protection. Nice key, as shown black with silver horse, and an identical match to the one your car came with originally; no "rounding off" of all the little edges, etc. Fits tightly, securely, just like the original one did the day the car was delivered. Only catch: about $75 and one or two weeks wait. John
Ok, just got a call from FNE. My 2 keys are in. Turn around- about a week. Now for the good part.... $550 for two freakin keys!!!! ugggh I thought its would be like 75 or so each, so I figured to have 2 masters made. I guess I should have asked first. Doh