Can not communicate with EWS module when trying to get a new key

[Jakal702]

Originally Posted by aureliusmax

Sorry to hear OP is in the process of getting jerked with an incompetent dealer that clearly has no idea what they're doing.

You need some ebay keys, and the AK90 coder system. The 10 key limit is just not an issue anymore.

With the AK90, you remove the EWS module inside the drivers footwell panel.
Put the socket over the memory chip.
Load the app, delete all the old programmed keys. Use the tool to read and program your blank keys. You can even use it to read and program the quote 'dealer coded key' . You can get the programming plus get ebay keys for less than $150 all in.

I bought my E53 without any working keys, I made them myself.

This is most likely the route I’m going to have to take. I appreciate you giving me the steps for the procedure!

I previously wrote that the dealer told me this is the fifth key... again this doesn’t add up to me. How would they know this is the fifth key if they can’t communicate with the EWS?

[aureliusmax]

Originally Posted by Jakal702

This is most likely the route I’m going to have to take. I appreciate you giving me the steps for the procedure!

I previously wrote that the dealer told me this is the fifth key... again this doesn’t add up to me. How would they know this is the fifth key if they can’t communicate with the EWS?

It's not even worth the time to chase after the dealer. Just leave them a 1/5 star review on google maps and go a route that is certain to work if in fact your EWS communicates on the canbus with the DME.

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by Jakal702

This is most likely the route I’m going to have to take. I appreciate you giving me the steps for the procedure!

I previously wrote that the dealer told me this is the fifth key... again this doesn’t add up to me. How would they know this is the fifth key if they can’t communicate with the EWS?

I am hearing about big problems getting the AK90 to work over on the E46 board. I haven't tried using one, and there are those who seem to use it no problem, but there are many stories of people really struggling with it (like more than half the people give up) and it may have something to do with how the AK90 is manufactured ?

If you do buy one, buy a known-good one, or buy it from somebody with good ratings who will help you if you run into problems.

oh, and by the way, parts from a dealer should be warrantied for 2 years, so if you DO want to fight the dealer (might not be worth it), you have time.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by Effduration

I am hearing about big problems getting the AK90 to work over on the E46 board. I haven't tried using one, and there are those who seem to use it no problem, but there are many stories of people really struggling with it (like more than half the people give up) and it may havre something to do with how the AK90 is manufactured ?

With AK90+ there is a real risk that it corrupts the EEPROM on EWS module and the key information is permanently lost so that you have to order a new module from dealer.

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

With AK90+ there is a real risk that it corrupts the EEPROM on EWS module and the key information is permanently lost so that you have to order a new module from dealer.

Wow that's good to know. I have a new, never-used AK90+ unit I loaned to a tech savvy (elec engineer) on E46fanatics...he is struggling to get it to work, and discovered a major manufacturing flaw in the plug that attaches to the EEPROM resulting in most people attaching it 90 degrees off from the correct position.

So maybe we should avoid all AK90+'s?

See post #26
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showth...1106419&page=2