New Diamond Key - Won’t Turn Ignition

[E36X5er]

Just got a new diamond key from the dealer ($265) and the key will open the doors when inserted into the lock. The key will not turn the ignition. The ignition is locked and won’t budge at all. Is this a key issue or do I need to do something?

Connected the battery to jumpers to make sure the ignition had sufficient charge but still no luck.

[Purplecty]

Does the old key turn the ignition and unlock all doors when inserted?

[E36X5er]

Originally Posted by Purplecty

Does the old key turn the ignition and unlock all doors when inserted?

the old key worked completely and was also ordered from BMW as a replacement

Originally Posted by Bdc101;

It sounds like it was programmed to talk to the FZV (wireless antenna) correctly, but not cut correctly. The key should turn if it is cut correctly.

do the original keys have a notch on each side cut near the top? i can’t remember if that’s an e46 key i’m thinking of or if it’s an e53?

Originally Posted by ;

Lube and wiggling will probably do the trick

i’ll try it a bit more

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by E36X5er

do the original keys have a notch on each side cut near the top? i can’t remember if that’s an e46 key i’m thinking of or if it’s an e53?

No the e53 doesn't have the side notches (at least over here) so I would think they cut the wrong key blank.

Sent from Embassy network using Tapatalk

[Bdc101]

It sounds like it was programmed to talk to the FZV (wireless antenna) correctly, but not cut correctly. The key should turn if it is cut correctly.

[80stech]

I have the same thing but I need just to wiggle the new key a bit the first time. The problem is that the lock cylinder and the original key are both worn together and the new key is sharp and catches on the worn lock cylinder. Lube and wiggling will probably do the trick and maybe wire wheel to round off the new key might be the answer but I don't know if I would risk that, maybe talk to dealer and/or locksmith.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I have the same thing but I need just to wiggle the new key a bit the first time. The problem is that the lock cylinder and the original key are both worn together and the new key is sharp and catches on the worn lock cylinder. Lube and wiggling will probably do the trick and maybe wire wheel to round off the new key might be the answer but I don't know if I would risk that, maybe talk to dealer and/or locksmith.

This! Happened to me too with a brand new key. I used a brass wire brush to smooth the sharp ridges and corners on the key blade (first protected the plastic part with masking tape). The difference was immediate and after a few weeks the new key worked exactly like the old one.

[80stech]

Don't forget that you may have to move the steering wheel a bit, would be same with old key but sometimes the brain blocks stuff like that out when you get focused on the new key not working.

[E36X5er]

i’ve been fidgeting with it for a bit but no luck. worst part is the truck is not at my house, it’s parked at my friends house kinda far away - i’m replacing a lost key

[80stech]

That sucks, maybe a locksmith could buff it a bit for you ?

I use a product called Viscotene on locks but almost any kind of spray lube should work at least to get you going.