Folks - I have recently come into a cache of keys, and I believe they will fit Boxer ignitions. Here's my research, using original 1978 parts books for both cars: The BB cylinder part numbers go like this: 106614->127297->127298->168785 The 308 (US) cylinder part numbers go like this: 106664->127298->168785 The 308 cylinder absolutely uses the key shown below, so I know my 168786 keys fit 168785 cylinders. My gut tells me the keys are the same pattern, but I wonder if anyone can confirm. I certainly can't accept a return of a cut key, and want to ensure that customers get a usable item, not a fancy souvenir. I welcome your input! The keys I have are the 168786 puppies: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Looks like an F40 or F50 key, if so they fit the 308 and a boxer is the same again. I posted pics of my boxer keys in the boxer buyers thread if that helps.
That looks like the Identical Key from my 512 boxer, I purchased the Blank from Wide World of cars...I think it was $80.00 for the blank....It also looks identical to an alfa that I had years ago...You need to speak with a good parts guy! he'll recognize it!
I'd love to Daniel, but am leaving monday for a 6 week tour on the rusty old bucket of bolts work boat. I doubt the other guys would want to wait for my return. John
My '81 Boxer (late carb) has a gold key- I thought they all did. It is mentioned in some of the period magazine articles about the car. It is stamped 14k and has the Ferrari logo and prancing horse.
Good day Daniel, I have used a key like the one you posted as a spare for my BB. I originally bought it for my old 308 and I never used it. After comparing the OEM key to this type, I found them to be identical. So, I went to Home Depot and had them cut the key... It continues to work perfectly. So much so, that I have safely stored my original and only use this one. Here are some pics... Cheers, Sam Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
^^^ EXCELLENT! I have now updated my notes to reflect that key 168786 will fit the boxers. THANKS SAM!!
I will tell you that the side cut key with the plastic head will fit a 308 / 400 / 246 / some 365's and some 328's...but it is not the same as original, though it is a factory replacement. Keys for some 365's / all 308's / 400's and 512's were Stainless (not gold) and were stamped with "Neiman", they had no Ferrari ID. FYI, as someone mentioned these keys were also used on some Alfa's through early 1969 as well as BMW 1600 / 2002. The first Ferrari to adopt the plastic head were Mondial 8's. Some 328's had a plastic head on the door keys, as did series II 400. Testarossa's / 348 / 355 on had a double side cut key which is the same profile as used on many mid- late 70's Fiat's and some late (164) Alfa's. And for a final bit of key trivia. Ferrari does (or rather did not) sell the electrical part of the ignition switch as a spare part. The electrical portion can be removed by a circlip, it is a Bosch part and is the same as some BMW 1600's / 2002 from the early 70's. Exciting stuff eh men?
That is really interesting, the cross use of parts... how about a sticky thread listing the alternative parts we can use, especially the one's that are NLA or cost a small fortune from ferrari but are actually a V dub part?
are the original "neiman" keys available? I assume they were standard on many German cars since the ignition is a bosch part? anyone have a cross referenced part number?
Yes you can get them from ebay on the regular basis. Its believed that they are hard to come by so people ask around $300USD for a blank. Ive been told they arent hard to get and the the prices are over inflated but I dont see anyone offering me one for $20 either.
From a bit of googling, it looks like they were used on some older Mercedes models, and also BMW motorcycles. There are several BMW motorcycle sites with discussions about the keys, and the difficulty of finding the blanks. I don't think they are generally available. After reading those sites, I do think I'm going to write down my key number! Apparently a locksmith can cut a key from that number, and there are blanks which will fit, but they won't look original. The BMW sites also make the recommendation that you get a copy made from the number, and use the copy and save the original. I think that's not a bad idea-- I should probably do that.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-Ferrari-Neiman-Key-Blank-275-365-Daytona-Boxer_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42606QQihZ015QQitemZ250090861706QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
I havent heard that its the same cosmetically as the BMW keys. Thanks for the link Murph. That key will probably fetch $250 which I refuse to pay. I would sooner buy the F40 fancy horsie key and use it, stash the original and keep the extra $150 for a tank of fuel, lol.
I have original Nieman 308GTB keys, but Ilco, Taylor, and others also make the identical steel blank........
