Interesting key issue

[primetime]

Get a new key at the dealer..get it done right. You've got a key that doesn't work, tape all over it, but you drive a bimmer...

[roadfrog]

key that doesn't work, tape all over it

My key works, just not not the FOB.

Tape? Why would there be "tape all over it" ??? I've had my FOB apart twice and looks the same as when I bought the X.

[droffigpc]

I find this thread very interesting. And getting a key from the dealer is an option in most cases. I'm told that that option is not available for me as explained here.

I bought a used 2001 X5 in March of last year. It came with one remote and a valet key. The remote started getting flaky and I realized quickly that it differed from my old 740iL remote because it had a rechargeable battery, etc. I learned that important fact when I went down to get a new battery, I was informed that a new key was necessary. Within minutes of that saddening revelation, I found that the previous owners had evidently ordered their 10th programmed remote which is the "limit allowed". and that any additional keys would require the replacement of a control module to allow programming to occur. The quoted cost for the module was $ 500 excluding labor... Then, of course you have the cost of the key as well with a charge for programming!

Has anyone else had that "key count issue". Is it a valid problem? Or just a preset BMW expectation......

[primetime]

Originally Posted by roadfrog

My key works, just not not the FOB.

Tape? Why would there be "tape all over it" ??? I've had my FOB apart twice and looks the same as when I bought the X.

I was referring to the OP..You're not the OP. this is,,

Originally Posted by teamgs

I instead soldered a couple of small wires to the circuit board and then to the battery, taped the key back together and tried to reprogram it.

Gary

[roadfrog]

"droffigpc": Yes, I was advised by my dealer that there is a 10 key provision as you described. Hard to believe someone would have gone through that allotment! WOW.

[droffigpc]

The X was owned by a husband and wife doctor team that evidently had extra keys made both for family or employees to drive and to replace remotes where the battery probably died.

I suspect, after contacting them, that they indeed turned in all keys when they traded the car in, but the wholesale of the vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from never transferred them.

Anyway, I think I have a more elegant solution than replacing the module and getting a new remote. My son just completed the full gamut of Home/ Car Audio and Security training. They used my F350 diesel Pickup as a class project and installed a fairly sophisticated alarm system with remote start and two way remote. It even provides a delay for the diesel glow plugs to clear before starting... The alarm's remote uses 900 Mhz technology and has a range of almost a half mile, barring metal buildings and the like. The "status" button can be used anywhere in range to determine the status of the alarm, and even provides both the inside temperature and battery voltage.

I am expecting to have him install the alarm on the X and use the alarm remote to correct for my X's deficiencies. It is capable of having circuits added to allow both the window operation and the back hatch release as well. It will be a while before I have this done, but I have the alarm unit already, so at least that part of the equation is complete.

Once that is installed, then I would only have to purchase a second valet key. I hope there is no limit on those too! They cirtainly will be less expensive.

I will have to guard the one semi-working remote. It will be needed to circumvent the security at the steering column to allow the security control of the alarm system to work.

The alarm is branded "CompuStar" and the typical installation is about $ 1500. The alarm units themselves only ran me about $ 600 while he was in school......

[chigga]

Compustar would be the brand of choice Units range between 150-800 bucks depending on where you course them and model. If you can hold off and wait, P2W9000-SS is the model to get, i think it should be out at retailers by Xmas if not sooner

[wetdufflecoats]

Hope this query hasnt been heard here yet.....was just wondering if anyone had tried to replace the key battery on a 2003 X5 and only had one key when doing so? I dont have a spare key and dont want to take the chance that replacing the battery will see me not being able to access or start my X5

[teamgs]

I had lost track of this thread...sorry! I kind of ignored the issue...I guess I will try and attack it again.

BTW, I only have tape on it for testing purposes...Once/if it gets repaired, I will glue it back together again.

Gary

[mailboy]

Had a problem with my 2001 X5 FOB, and just tried the method which has one working and one non-working key FOB. The 'unlock-press 3 times lock button' and it seemed to have worked. All seems fine. Thanks for the input.