X5 Key Fix/Replacement Options

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by admranger

Try these steps and let us know how it worked out.


1. With both keys, get in the car and close all windows and doors.

2. Put working key into the ignition and turn to position 1 (the accessories should turn on)

3. Turn the key back to position 0 and take the key out of the ignition.

4. Using the working key, hold down the unlock button, press the BMW logo (lock button) 3 times, and release the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock.

5. With the new key, hold down the unlock button and press the BMW logo (lock button) 3 times and let go of the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock and you're done!!

Originally Posted by oldskewel

2. I bought 3x used genuine BMW diamond keys on eBay for about $15 each. I then cut the metal key part off, ground it smooth, and re-programmed the remaining diamond part to do the keyless entry, etc.

So now the cut-off diamond part is like a more traditional remote key fob. Full functionality that a diamond key would have, but in two parts. Net cost was around $50 each, for 3 sets = less than the cost of one diamond key at my local dealer, but this was all delivered to my door.

Oldskewl, I thought about doing this exact same thing, and hiding the newly programs remote ON my vehicle somewhere, incase I lock my actual keys in the vehicle (and my other set is no where near).
BUT How do you keep the batts in those fobs charged? They rely on induction charging through the ignition system to do so.
according to https://www.bmwgm5.com/Keys.htm BMW states the CR2016 batts will last 18 months when sitting around, yet he finds they last longer. So YMMV.

AND another option Is to buy an old used BMW key fob where you CAN separate the backs and add in a common CR2032 (I believe it is) batt... It must be programmed to vehicle, at the same time you program the other keys too, but if the batt ever dies on this key fob, then you can just buy another batt adn swap them quickly and the motherboard retains the programming for a few mins while you do this and then you have a working keyfob again... hide it in waterproof box on vehicle somewhere.

[Qsilver7]

Another option:

Old style remote keys (with the rubber pad buttons) from the e38/e39/Z3/etc can be programmed to lock/unlock & arm/disarm the e38/e39/e46/e53 (perhaps the early X3, too) as long as they are on the same frequency as your new style diamond shaped key (315 MHz or 433 MHz).

The old style keys have removable backs and uses a replaceable CR2016 battery you can pick up just about anywhere...even the jewelry counter at Walmart.

Program it following the info posted above or below...as the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th remote key...starting with the button presses as outlined in STEP 3 after completing STEP 6 for the 1st key:

[Clockwork]

Again, this is awesome. Thanks for knowing/mentioning this.
Perhaps grabbing this older 3 button key and having a fresh battery in it and the fob hidden outside the vehicle will help PPL who may lock keys in.


Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk