Hi Guys,

Well, after 6 months without central locking, 600$ to get a new key after the stealer told me the key was the problem, reading forums until my eyes fell out and trying everything, I finally got my remote central locking fixed.

Turns out, the problem wasn't resynchronising the key, but was actually a wiring problem in the boot area, where a loom had been chafing and shorting!

long version: (and apologies for the indy plug) but anyway, I called Peninsula BMW here in Victoria, who are a BMW wrecker, and have a service dept as well. I originally rang them to find out how much a replacement general module would be, and they told me that 9 out of 10 failed remote central locking problems they encounter are problems with wiring in the boot area. I didn't believe them, but thought I'd get them to have a look, and when they didn't find a wiring problem, they had spare RF receivers and spare general modules in stock, so they could just put the new bits in.

Anyway, I was wrong: they were right. For 99$ of labour (1 hour ish), I now have remote central locking working again. WUHOO! I am over the moon. Good customer service too..

For those who are interested, the tech found that my rear hatch had been taken off at some point in the car's life to be resprayed, and when they refit the wire looms, they hadn't allowed enough free play. When the hatch open/closed, it chafed, and eventually, was intermittenly shorting. He re-insulated the wires, and loom, re-hung it so there wasn't any strain, resynced the key; and away I go.

Very happy customer. Very unhappy with he Victorian BMW stealer (eastern suburbs) for selling me a 600$ key that was as useful as tits on a bull..

Hope this info might help someone else..

Cheers,
Scott.