Key will not start X5 but locks/unlocks doors remotely

coffeesnob · #1 03-31-2010, 12:50 PM

I have a 2001 X5 with two sets of keys. One set works great. The other set will remotely lock/unlock doors but will not start the vehicle.

I have done a search and did follow the initialization procedures when you hold in unlock button while pressing lock button three times. That initialization seems to compete successfully, but the key still will not start the vehicle.

I would think if it was the battery, the doors would not lock/unlock remotely.

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thedweeb · #2 03-31-2010, 07:27 PM

Hi does the engine spin over ?Have you got a key symbol showing on the dash? If so it sounds like the transponder in the key isnt talking to the car.

coffeesnob · #3 04-01-2010, 08:21 AM

Yea, dash lights all come on. It just does not turn over engine.

I am going to take the key to a BMW dealer. Do they test keys for free?

thedweeb · #4 04-01-2010, 06:10 PM

Not sure if they do to be honest. You may be looking at a new key which will set you back £100, not sure what that is in USD.

Yii · #5 04-02-2010, 01:27 AM

they charged me about 200 over in brooklyn =/ sigh...

recklessspyder · #6 04-02-2010, 08:06 AM

I bought a key on ebay and had it cut....It won't start the car either, but will unlock the doors. I believe I read that the dealer needs to code it. Maybe I'll take it in today.

LPMM · #7 04-02-2010, 10:34 AM

Go to the service department and they will read the key. Chances are that if you bought it off Ebay or the like it belongs to another vehicle. Hence why it won't start your X5.

coffeesnob · #8 04-02-2010, 02:04 PM

I think I will take it to the dealer when I get time during the day (I am a small business owner and they are 50 miles away).

I was hoping they could just tell me if it is bad or not for free. If it is bad, I was wondering if I bought a new one on Ebay, how much the dealer would charge to cut and code it.

Weasel · #9 04-02-2010, 03:04 PM

Buying keys off eBay doesn't work as the rolling code is set to the VIN and needs to be ordered by BMW by the VIN... there is no equipment at the dealer to do such coding. What they can do is hook the X5 up to the diagnostic equipment and read key status etc. from the bad key and confirm that the key needs to be replaced, but odds are you should just order a new one and set it to the keyless entry via the procedure mentioned above. (note, all working keys need to be initialized for keyless entry at the same time)

coffeesnob · #10 04-02-2010, 03:30 PM

Thanks Weasel, I will just go to the dealer then.

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