Original Keys

My 1989 328 GTS's original ignition keys(I have two-I assume originality) are not folding keys. They have the black plastic end with a chrome horsey on them. My car was a one owner car and the owner claimed they were original. I haven't seen these keys mentioned here.

I agree about the place in Australia. I ordered a bunch of copies based on key codes for the door keys and digital photos for the ignition. They work like a charm.

Here's a picture of my orignal.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I hate to bust your bubble, but what you have there is an F-40 OEM Key. They are not 328 keys (those that fold), but are quite nice and made by Ferrari. I have two like yours, one 'cut' and one un-cut. Both were sold to me, from different sources, as F-40 key blanks. All F-40 key blanks will fit 308/328 ignition tumblers if cut correctly. Mine is alittle 'off', and takes alittle technique to get the key to turn-over the ignition, but I consider that a safety feature more than anything.....

 

I purchased one of these keys recently - just to 'have one'. They're cheap, but its not really a 'key' per-se, just a two-prong fork that is inserted into the holes of the locking clasp. Its a Euro-style luggage key/lock mechanism. A paper clip can be used for the same function, without the $4 cost and the cache. Dumb-butt me bought the key anyway, only to notice that the clasp on the flap had disappeared/fallen off, so now there's nothing really to open......lol!

If someone can find REAL, ORIGINAL Neiman keys without having to spend more than $20 per blank, I'm interested. I'm not interested in reproductions, aftermarket replacements or fakes, thanks.

 

As I understand it, the keys purchased from FNA will be pre-cut to fit your specific lock tumblers - somewhere, out there, the factory has a database of key patterns/profiles that are cross-referenced with VIN number and/or key code. This should guarantee that the key you receive will 'fit' - great idea, since I have had less success stateside with having Ferrari key blanks correctly 'cut' from the set I received with my car. Since un-cut key blanks are starting to soar in price (I paid $70 for an F-40 key blank three years ago, and I believe the street price has doubled - some OEM parts suppliers are charging over $300 for un-cut OEM Neiman blanks, and I have seen the receipts for these). Now, take these blanks into Lowes/Home Depot/Ace-TruValue and have it cut - good luck! One small slip or mis-alignment with the cutting tool, and you've just pissed $300 away. So, in a sense, FNA is trying to save you from a 'bad happening'.

 

Yes, it will have a black plastic end with a chrome prancing horse, like the picture jonesdds posted a few replies up. You will have to provide proof of ownership and identity to purchase a key blank.

The factory no longer supplies cut keys for 328's or older models. They will provide an uncut key and the key code, it's up to you to find someone to cut the key.

I couldn't find anyone who could cut the ignition key using the code. My locksmith was able to cut the door key using the code, however. They made a very good copy of the ignition key from my original one. This time last year I paid $65 each for 2 blank F50 ignition keys (that's what I was told they were, not F40, but it doesn't really matter). I told the locksmith that he needed to be careful since the blanks were expensive and the lock tumbler even more so. He spent quite some time inspecting the original key under a magnifier looking for wear or damage. He said he could make some adjustments to how the blank would be cut if the original key was flawed in some way.

After 90 minutes at the locksmith shop I had 2 door blanks cut from code and 2 ignition blanks cut from the original key. They all work perfectly and look great. The 4 blanks cost me $200 total from Lake Forest Sportscars and the locksmith charged me $42.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by mike
So if I understand correctly, I can go to my Ferrari dealer and get a new oem key...for my 328 and it will have the black plastic end with the prancing cav?

Yes, it will have a black plastic end with a chrome prancing horse, like the picture jonesdds posted a few replies up. You will have to provide proof of ownership and identity to purchase a key blank.

Thank you Jeff.. that is exactly what I wanted to know. my Original key broke at the point where the metal key goes into the plastic end, so I want to replace.
Thanks again!

 

Interesting.....without the codes, is it possible to have a key made using the removed ignition assembly? I have no 'original' keys, just cheap copies made using Renault/Peugeot blanks.....the French re-cuts are prefect, but if I make any keys using OEM blanks with the French re-cuts as a pattern, they're junk.

 

The closest Ferrari dealer is 100 miles from me but I was able to get the blanks and the codes for my car over the phone and via e-mail. I gave them my VIN, a copy of my current vehicle registration certificate, and a copy of my driver's license. About 2 weeks later they called me back with the key codes that Ferrari in Italy gave them and I had them send me a set of appropriate blanks. They did not charge me for obtaining the codes.

My local locksmith was able to locate the door key code "decoder" in their reference material but could not find the ignition key decoder.

www.keys4classics.com claims they can cut the ignition keys from the code. They are in Australia and I didn't want to risk sending my expensive blanks there and back if I didn't have to. You may want to send them an e-mail.

I also think a locksmith could make a key to fit the lock. I've seen it done for door keys when the usual slim-jim methods wouldn't work on lock-out calls. Not sure how good of a key results from that, though.