Preparations for main battery replacement or key fobs dying

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Delete EWS. Super easy todo on our E53s. The only problem is any key or devise that can turn the tumbler will start it. You can install a hidden manual power switch if EWS is deleted. The delete costs less than a dealer key. How many of our E53s get stolen a year? Are parts are worth a lot of money? I think we only need to worry about joyriders taking our ride.

Then there's one other worry....


https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8wHr...JqM2NmdzgybWpz



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[Salty B.]

What is EWS, for the (relatively) newbs here?

The one remote I got with the X was dead. I bought a new one from BMW as I don't have the chops to split the old one open and unsolder the old battery/solder the new one (I did buy a new battery if I feel like destroying the old remote). Parts kid had to "program" something when I picked it up so I guess that's related to this EWS.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by Salty B.

What is EWS, for the (relatively) newbs here?....

It's the immobilizer module, that prevents a foreign key from starting the car, and if the proper key doesn't match (for some reason) the "rolling code", then you're up-the-creek.

[Clavurion]

http://www.e38.org/EWS.pdf

Regarding E53 jump to EWS 3.3 section.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by workingonit

It's the immobilizer module, that prevents a foreign key from starting the car, and if the proper key doesn't match (for some reason) the "rolling code", then you're up-the-creek.

Thx. Looks like since I'm using a real BMW key I shouldn't have to worry about it. The old one has a dead battery but still worked, I guess because the AM emitter woke it up.

[80stech]

The EWS doesn't use the battery.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by 80stech

Waiting for a problem with the battery is how you are much more likely to lose the EWS synch....

This whole thread should have been taken more seriously by me, since my X won't crank now, only 4 months later.

My Foxwell shows that the EWS lost sync, Key not identified, and the DME can't communicate with the EGS, either. I went outside to check my battery state, and it was only 79% (of course, I had spent maybe 2-3 hours inside the X, trying to start it, and I was running the blower on low, and the Foxwell was drawing power, too).

Now I have to determine what was the root cause of the no crank, no start, and once it's running again, I'm getting the EWS delete, and a new battery for Xmas (I hope).

I just knew I shouldn't have brought up the subject of Battery, Keys, & EWS, and not done anything about it until too late.

[Salty B.]

Came back the other night from a nice vacation in Mexico and unlocked Frau with the remote. Got home and went to lock it with the remote. Nothing. Nada.

This is an OE fob I bought from BMW last June, so it's not that old. Maybe temperature-related? It got pretty cold here, just above freezing. The fob had been in my pocket so it wasn't cold when we got in at the airport.

The manual lock works, but I'd rather not have to rely on it again given the known fragility.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by workingonit

...Now I have to determine what was the root cause of the no crank, no start, and once it's running again, I'm getting the EWS delete, and a new battery for Xmas (I hope).

I just knew I shouldn't have brought up the subject of Battery, Keys, & EWS, and not done anything about it until too late.

Just to update this thread...my Christmas came early, and I bought a new (larger capacity) battery, installed it, and the X started. Once I had cleared all codes set by removing the battery (I lost my "memory saver" device before I ever had a chance to use it) the EWS re-synced, the tranny "no-communication" code was gone, and only the trifecta remained (it also went away, two starts later). So, I guess I'm good for awhile.

Now, if I can put away a few bucks (that the CFO doesn't know about), I'm still interested in the EWS delete.

And, Salty B., concerning using the manual door lock, I'd also "rather not have to rely on it again, given the known fragility". As winter approaches (it hit 32F this morning), I'll lubricate all our vehicles door locks with dry silicone lubricant, and operate the lock mechanisms until smooth operation is achieved...we have three back-up vehicles, besides the X and my wife's Lexus, that'll sit for months. I normally only operate the X's doorlock via remote, so it doesn't see the key but once every blue moon.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by workingonit

And, Salty B., concerning using the manual door lock, I'd also "rather not have to rely on it again, given the known fragility". As winter approaches (it hit 32F this morning), I'll lubricate all our vehicles door locks with dry silicone lubricant, and operate the lock mechanisms until smooth operation is achieved...we have three back-up vehicles, besides the X and my wife's Lexus, that'll sit for months. I normally only operate the X's doorlock via remote, so it doesn't see the key but once every blue moon.

I did squirt some lock lube in there awhile back but time to hit it again... I've never used the key at all in my F30.

Tomorrow will be warmer so that'll go on the to-do list. Still weird that the remote unlock worked, then did not work 30min later....

Hey happy to see your problem went away!