I Need a new Key

[Ricky Bobby]

I was always under the impression that unless the keys came from the dealer they wouldn't work right, since they are shipped and programmed for the VIN?

i.e. I've seen guys post about getting it cut and sure it unlocks the doors but there are always things missing, like the key memory settings, etc.

I need to remind myself to get a spare but its 150 bucks I feel like I'm living on the edge for lol!

[e30cabrio]

He also said the EWS (which he removed and took to his van) was full so a key ordered from BMW would not have worked. He overwrote the two new keys.

[THE VEIN]

My brother paid a locksmith 100 to cut a new key for his Lexus and they guy program it starts the car and everything

He even can to the house and did everything out the back of his van

[AquilaBMW]

Thought I would add my comments to this thread. I recently ordered a new key from the Dealer at $150 for the key. This was because the key the car came with was not working. The new key took two days to arrive and the Tech Initialized it and actually got the original key to start working again. It takes about 5 - 10 minutes. So, now I have an Original Master Spare key.

Initializing keys is covered in the Owner's Manual. It involves locking, unlocking the doors manually and I think rotating the keys through Position #1 to #2 a couple of times (I could be wrong).

The way EWS works is that it sends out about 10 random codes which are programmed in from the factory. How it can be "full" sounds weird.

For the person that got a win with CL, can you share more details or info about the seller.

One thing to note is that BMW allocates about 10 Keys total to each car built. So... you can re-order your key that many times. Once you hit the limit - they will no longer issues keys and you will need to change locks and ignition to get another key.

All keys from the dealer come pre-programmed to the specific car / VIN#. They only need to be initialized.

For the guy in South Africa - there is no way you can order a key specific to your car from the US. You have to walk in with proof of ownership and sign a form stating YOU ordered the key for your car.

[AquilaBMW]

Thought I would add my comments to this thread. I recently ordered a new key from the Dealer at $150 for the key. This was because the key the car came with was not working. The new key took two days to arrive and the Tech Initialized it and actually got the original key to start working again. It takes about 5 - 10 minutes. So, now I have an Original Master Spare key.

Initializing keys is covered in the Owner's Manual. It involves locking, unlocking the doors manually and I think rotating the keys through Position #1 to #2 a couple of times (I could be wrong).

The way EWS works is that it sends out about 10 random codes which are programmed in from the factory. How it can be "full" sounds weird.

For the person that got a win with CL, can you share more details or info about the seller.

One thing to note is that BMW allocates about 10 Keys total to each car built. So... you can re-order your key that many times. Once you hit the limit - they will no longer issues keys and you will need to change locks and ignition to get another key.

All keys from the dealer come pre-programmed to the specific car / VIN#. They only need to be initialized.

For the guy in South Africa - there is no way you can order a key specific to your car from the US. You have to walk in with proof of ownership and sign a form stating YOU ordered the key for your car.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I need to remind myself to get a spare but its 150 bucks I feel like I'm living on the edge for lol!

If all you need is a spare...there's no need to pay $150 for one. If the key will be sitting in a drawer until needed...just get the spare key (not another very expensive 3 button remote key).

Key #3 in the diagram below is somewhere around $50 (depending on which dealer you order it from):

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Key with accumulator battery(from 09/99)

FYI to others reading this thread:

Also, remember that the remote keys have 3 independent features EWS/DWA/FZV incorporated into it...they work in conjunction but have different functions/systems...and some descriptions in the posts I was reading seem to be jumbling some of them together.

EWS is the immobilizing feature of the key and is specific to each vehicle. The forum member that purchased 3 keys off of CL and had some guy in a van cut and program them...that is not something that is readily available all over the country. That person has specialized equipment that very few people have. The EWS transponder (EEPROM) inside the key is a once write chip...so that "guy in the van" has equipment that can read the existing data on your eeprom, and has new chips he's burning and installing into those CL keys. There's a lot of info missing in that post that will mislead people to think they can do that and get just any old locksmith/keysmith to do the same thing.

FZV (central locking) and DWA (anti-theft alarm siren system are the other features of the remote key. These features are powered by the battery inside the key, and can be programmed to other BMWs that use the same frequency (315 MHz in North America & 433 MHz in Europe & other BMW markets).

Also, anyone can program FZV/DWA right in your own driveway/garage...it take no special knowledge or equipment. In fact, you can take a friends key, or buy a used key and program it to lock/unlock & arm/disarm the car...it just won't be able to start the car...that falls under EWS:

FZV & DWA programming instructions

EWS programming from the factory...and why/how there are only 10 keys that can be programmed to the EWS control module...the 11th key requires a new control module (or you can continue to use the key codes that were originally programmed if you can find the "guy in the van" (or someone who has that equipment) that was previously mentioned.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

If all you need is a spare...there's no need to pay $150 for one. If the key will be sitting in a drawer until needed...just get the spare key (not another very expensive 3 button remote key).

Key #3 in the diagram below is somewhere around $50 (depending on which dealer you order it from):

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Key with accumulator battery(from 09/99)

Qsilver, phenomenal info as always. I only have one 3 button key from the car which is original, and I know these have a finite lifespan from what I can tell, so I would like another 3 button key so that I have one that is fresh and new, and my existing key would become my "full use spare" if that makes sense. As I am aware, part 3 in the diagram above does not have buttons for unlocking and disabling the alarm?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

As I am aware, part 3 in the diagram above does not have buttons for unlocking and disabling the alarm?[/LEFT]

Ah, I do understand. I'm sure you already know the info below, too...but I'll offer it out to others reading this thread in case they didn't know.

Although the spare doesn't have buttons to remotely lock/unlock & arm/disarm FZV & DWA...those systems (as well as other features the remote key has/does) are always activated/deactivated when you insert the key into the door lock cylinder to lock/unlock the vehicle.

The spare key will also deactivate the alarm (if it goes off) by unlocking the door and inserting it into the ignition cylinder and turn the key to KL 15 (position 2)...or if you start the car, the alarm should turn off.

You can also still roll down & roll up the windows by inserting key into door lock cylinder, then turn & hold in lock or unlock position...and if you turn the key twice to the lock position, you can disable the interior motion sensor and the tilt sensor.

And you never have to worry about rotating it into service at least for a little while every 1-1.5 years so that you can keep the battery charged...the spare doesn't have one.

HINT: FZV = central locking system & KL R = ignition position 1

[AquilaBMW]

Q - As always, thanks for the comprehensive information. Now..... about that brain dum we discussed.... :-)

[m5james]

I've been looking at these:

New BMW Remote Head Chip Key Uncut Keyless Entry Fob Transmitter Diamond Shaped | eBay

BMW E46 E39 5 7 Z4 x5 Remote Keyless Control Key Transmitter Clicker Transponder | eBay

1999 2005 Uncut BMW 3 5 6 7 M Z Series Key Remote Fob LX8FZV Free Program | eBay - this seller said the key will do everything a factory key should do, but then followed in an email saying that for some reason X3 and X5 vehicles have been reported as not being able to get the starting function to work. That makes no sense that it'd work on some vehicles but not others?

This thread started 5yrs ago, so I'm assuming information and availability of keys via aftermarket has changed. I've got one key and I wanna have at least one more. I've got a GT1 laptop if that should make things easier for programming, no?