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Recommendations for a high-quality leather BMW key fob cover?

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Hey everyone, I recently picked up a 2023 G20 and I'm absolutely loving the car, but I’ve noticed the key fob is already picking up some light surface scratches from being in my pocket with my house keys. I’m looking to get a high-quality leather cover to protect it, but I want something that actually feels premium and matches the interior of the car.

I’ve spent some time looking at the official BMW M Performance alcantara and leather cases, but honestly, they look a bit too chunky for my liking. I’m really searching for something slim that won't turn the fob into a brick. I’d love to find a brand that uses top-grain or vegetable-tanned leather that will develop a nice patina over time rather than that cheap, plastic-feeling "genuine leather" you see on Amazon.

A couple of specific concerns I have: Does the leather thickness make the buttons hard to press? And have any of you experienced issues with the Comfort Access signal being weakened by a thicker sleeve? I've looked at a few boutique options on Etsy, but it's hard to tell if the fit is truly snug for the newer trapezoid-shaped keys.

Does anyone have a specific leather cover they’ve been using for a while that they’d highly recommend for both fit and durability?


5 Answers
19

Bookmarked, thanks!


17

Quick question - what kind of interior trim did you get in your G20? Honestly, I'm new to this but safety and signal range are huge for me. I've been eyeing the Lecent Leather Key Fob Cover for BMW cuz it looks slim, but I'm worried about blocking the Comfort Access signal. Ngl, it would be so weird if the leather was too thick to even press the buttons properly...


5

Curious about one thing: does your G20 have the M Sport package with the blue/red stitching inside? I ask because I had issues with a generic sleeve before; unfortunately, it was sooo thick that the Comfort Access basically died unless I was standing right against the door... super annoying. NGL, I'm kinda disappointed with the bulky OEM stuff too. Have you checked out the Bellroy Leather Key Cover - Second Edition or maybe something from Crazy Horse Craft BMW Leather Key Fob Case? They're usually way slimmer than the brick-like BMW ones.


3

yo, congrats on the G20! honestly i feel u on the scratch situation... my keys looked trashed after like two weeks cuz i keep 'em in the same pocket as my wallet and coins. i've tried a few options and tbh it's a bit of a gamble with the fit.

so basically, here's how i see it:

* M Performance Key Case Alcantara/Leather vs 3D Design Leather Key Case for BMW Type A: i actually bought the OEM M Performance one first but it's literally a brick. way too thick. the 3D Design Leather Key Case for BMW Type A is much slimmer and uses actual high-quality leather that doesn't feel like plastic. plus, no signal drop for comfort access at all iirc.
* CRAFTER BLUE Handmade Vegetable Tanned Leather Key Fob Cover: if ur looking for that patina, this is the way to go. it's thick enough to protect but doesn't ruin the lines. i noticed the buttons were a bit stiff at first, but they soften up after like 3 days of use.

ngl i was pretty disappointed with the cheap amazon stuff... the "genuine leather" is basically cardboard. if ur worried about the trapezoid fit, just make sure u get the Type A or G-series specific one or it'll slide around. gl!


2

Agree 100% on the signal range issues - it’s basically a physics problem. Most off-the-shelf covers use leather that's way too dense. From a technical spec perspective, you really want to stay under 1.0mm thickness to avoid button resistance and signal attenuation. If u are handy, the best DIY route is to get some 2oz Vegetable Tanned Calfskin and wet-mold it directly to the fob (wrap the fob in plastic wrap first, obviously lol). The secret to that slim "not a brick" feel is a process called skiving - where u shave the leather down at the edges. Most mass-produced stuff skips this to save costs, which is why they feel chunky. Honestly, if u want to go the professional route but keep that DIY quality, look at a Bespoke Wickett & Craig Leather Cover. Just make sure to ask for a "skived" finish. Anything thicker than 3oz leather will definitely mess with the tactile click of the buttons. Also, treat it with some Smith's Leather Balm every few months - it'll help the patina develop without the leather getting brittle and blocking the signal. Works like a charm for my G20 keys.


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