That ^@*&# Key FOB!

[roadfrog]

So... like so many others here, one of my FOBs was not working as it should (buttons don't work). The other one is fine. Anyway, I cut the thing open and took a reading on the battery and showed 3.42 volts. So clearly the battery isn't at issue. When I took a reading on the battery while I pushed a button, the voltage dropped to about 3.16, so the circuitry should be fine since the commands are obviously computing in the FOB. SO... why don't the &*^% doors open??

Yes, I tried re-programming. I was also told by the Bimmer dealer (Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver) that to order a new key invoves getting it from Germany. They explained that there are 10 keys made for every vehicle and each vehicle is shipped with 3. Leaving 7 keys in what I envison to be a Fort Knox-heavily guarded-leave us your first born, type of scenario, hence the 300 dollar figure.

I was also told that they cannot cut or program a replacement key from a third party such as Ebay.

UGH.!

[tonycajjo]

dealer. it may be the ignition or control module for the keys. mine is in north haven right now waiting for new keys and such.

approx 1000$ for two new keys, and the control module. i hope all is well when i get her back.

i reprogrammed my keys with the on / off click lock and unlock 3times then release lock method.
Xoutpost.com - View Single Post - No start. What is that?

that got the buttons working for awhile then it just failed again. i got fed up and brought it to the dealer. i did get a new 328xi as a loaner car... makes me want one of these little puddle jumpers even more.

[roadfrog]

It's only mine that's hooped. It starts the vehicle up and all, just the buttons don't work.. My wife's fob and key work fine.

I realize all vehicles have their idiosyncracies, but this BMW key FOB thing is something else! LOL

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by roadfrog

So... like so many others here, one of my FOBs was not working as it should (buttons don't work). The other one is fine. Anyway, I cut the thing open and took a reading on the battery and showed 3.42 volts. So clearly the battery isn't at issue. When I took a reading on the battery while I pushed a button, the voltage dropped to about 3.16, so the circuitry should be fine since the commands are obviously computing in the FOB. SO... why don't the &*^% doors open??

Yes, I tried re-programming. I was also told by the Bimmer dealer (Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver) that to order a new key invoves getting it from Germany. They explained that there are 10 keys made for every vehicle and each vehicle is shipped with 3. Leaving 7 keys in what I envison to be a Fort Knox-heavily guarded-leave us your first born, type of scenario, hence the 300 dollar figure.

I was also told that they cannot cut or program a replacement key from a third party such as Ebay.

UGH.!

each key is cut at the parts distrubution center in AMERICA, and programed there with a database of passwords for each key. after a new key is cut, it is logged in and the password is no longer issued. so when you get your final key, you'll have to purchase a new EWS unit and set of keys.

[CharlieHustleX5]

I've been in the same predicament for over 2 years now...Key will start the car, buttons wont do a thing, battery voltage registered fine, re-programmed with working key.... I still dont understand how the keys lose their functionality when they're inside a sealed enclosure. No loose components fell out when I split open the key... what else is there to blame? One key works fine, the other just wont lock/unlock through the remote functions.

[tonycajjo]

did you try the reprogram method from my earlier post?

[JT///MC]

Originally Posted by roadfrog

Yes, I tried re-programming. I was also told by the Bimmer dealer (Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver) that to order a new key invoves getting it from Germany. They explained that there are 10 keys made for every vehicle and each vehicle is shipped with 3. Leaving 7 keys in what I envison to be a Fort Knox-heavily guarded-leave us your first born, type of scenario, hence the 300 dollar figure.

I was also told that they cannot cut or program a replacement key from a third party such as Ebay.

UGH.!

Ok, this is the biggest BMW myth on the forums. I don't know why the dealer would lie to ppl to perpetuate this misinformation. First of all, they do not cut 10 keys and give you 3 and lock up the other 7. That is a logistically horrible idea. Imagine all room that is required to inventory/catalog and store those keys. Its also a complete waste of materials! Come on now. You can't seriously believe this.

The truth is the BMW EWS system can only be programed to accept 10 key codes. Once you loose a key (or your case it fails), then you can purchase a new key with the next sequence number in your EWS. Each car is assigned 10 codes. So when you order from BMW NA, they will 1. cut your key, and 2. program it with the next sequence code that is matched to your VIN.

So no, you can't get a key cut from eBay. It will not correctly match the EWS system so the car will not start. And No, the dealer cannot reprogram your key with a new code. Its embedded in the chip on the key.

[Tags]

you can always go down the same path i went down.........even though the guy who does the work is in Australia its still a cheap way to get a practically brand new key.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-options.html

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by tonycajjo

did you try the reprogram method from my earlier post?

Unless I followed the directions incorrectly, then yes I have tried reprogramming. I've tried 3 different suggested methods, 2 of which are on the first instruction picture you posted.

[ashrafkh]

my key battery didnt drain but i tried something told to me by a friend to put the key in the iginition position 2 and press hold the lock buton(i mean BMW logo) for 10 sec... then release it... he tried it on a dead key and worked, i did it on my working key and feeling that the X is responding for longer distances... maybe just a feeling :-)