Locked Out! 2001 x5 4.4

[Clockwork]

Question is tho, if the battery does die and you can swap out the battery does that key need to be reprogrammed again before it's useful? If so then this may not be a good option to have as a hidden key either. Just the basic vallet key is still the only sure way

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[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Question is tho, if the battery does die and you can swap out the battery does that key need to be reprogrammed again before it's useful? If so then this may not be a good option to have as a hidden key either. Just the basic vallet key is still the only sure way

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This isn't an issue with the old style remotes that have the red LED and uses the single 2016 battery. These remote keys have a memory...and if the battery is swapped out in a reasonable time period (like a minute or two)...they retain their coding.

The earliest 3 button old style remote that DON'T have the red LED & uses two 1220 batteries...doesn't have this memory...so avoid those.
.
I have no experience with the aftetmarket ebay keys...so buyer beware in those cases.

[Clockwork]

That's perfect. Glad to know they have a residual memory for a few minutes!!

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[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

That's perfect. Glad to know they have a residual memory for a few minutes!!

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No problem...below is the BMW data (see bullet #2) that describes the then (new) old style key when it went from the original two battery/no status LED...to the single battery w/red status LED:

{again, the original old style 3 button remote had removable back...BUT...uses two 1220 batteries and does NOT have a red status LED on the front...these remotes also do NOT have the EEPROM memory and may need to be reinitialized when replacing the batteries}

[Clockwork]

I notice on e-bay you can grab one of these older style 3 button remotes for $20-30 in some cases for a GREAT looking OE key.
may be worth the insurance to own one and strap it to car somehow in a nice hidden waterproof area/case.

EDIT: I bought a small weatherproof case and this e39 key fob and programmed it to my car and hit is somewhere on my vehicle. even if someone found the key, they could steal whats inside, but never drive away with vehicle.

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

If it is EEPROM, why do you need to swap batteries in a minute or two (vs. taking as long as you want)? Is that right?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

If it is EEPROM, why do you need to swap batteries in a minute or two (vs. taking as long as you want)? Is that right?

You are correct. I wrote swap out in a minute or two earlier in the day...based on many old conversations about swapping in a new battery doesn't lose key memory...as well as personal experience of picking up a new battery (first), then replacing it (as well as removing the battery to do a complete rubber keypad replacement) . Not wanting to give info that might cause someone to "possibly" lose key programming if someone removed the battery first, then went shopping around town for a couple of hours (or all day)...then came back and installed it...and oops...the key had lost power...I threw in the "few minutes" based on my simple experience...not wanting to look like a liar in case there was actually a time limit.

The info about the EEPROM was posted later in the day after I had time to look it up...which gives greater detail/info as to not losing key programming.