Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll
FWIW, I think the EWS induction RF field and comms signal is a lot lower than 315/433MHz (which is used for the remote fob radio) - more like 125kHz or something.
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Good to know. I assumed it would just use the same carrier as the remote fob, since it's already there, and the EWS just needs a little coded signal. That's maybe one of the details in Qsilver7's figures, which are always very informative when I can see them. And I can believe that whatever BMW did, it was well done, and for a good reason here.
Another general comment on the keys - it is amazing how much confusing, changing, and sometimes wrong info is out there. If I did not have these valet keys in hand and working, I might not know or believe they exist.
When I bought them from an online BMW dealer -
thebmwminipartstore.com - (order placed over the phone after emailing scans of the registration and my driver's license) there was some confusion / misunderstanding when I ordered them. I did not want valet keys, I wanted what I now understand to be the "master" key (although the valet keys are fine - I just can't lock/unlock the glove box with them, and there is no light, which is a plus for me), and thought that's what I'd get. And the valet key is actually better for my needs due to having no battery, completely solid, impervious to water, etc.
But this is what I got. I was going to post the part number + the superseded one, but doing a quick google on them, I have doubts that they are right. So basically, watch out, be prepared for confusion, photographs should be helpful.
EDIT - I just checked, and these are the two keys on that site I bought my valet keys from. Obviously the $170 one is the "diamond key." No confusion about that one, but ... The other one is called a valet key there. Shown in the figure but not offered for sale looks like what my understanding would call a "master key." I think pricing was around $140 and $40 when I bought mine in late 2014.
It says there, "Plastic Valet Key." What I got clearly has a plastic head and a metal blade. I have heard legends of true plastic keys with plastic blades that are supposedly delicate and not intended for repeated use. The plastic-head/metal-blade valet keys I got are probably the toughest keys available.
https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/...86-66126955748
https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/...ey-51217127047