Interesting key issue

[teamgs]

Greets,
I finally got fed up with my non-functioning key, and decided to fix it. It would start the car, but not activate any of the locks. I tried using the procedure to re configure it, but, it would not give any response. My other key works just fine, btw.

I ordered the battery from Mouser, per a write-up, and when it arrived, it looks like the mfg switched the positive and negative tab positioning, so it was not possible to insert the tabs into the slots in the key circuit board.

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.

I was only partially successful. I was able to get the repaired key to lock the doors, and open the trunk, but not unlock the doors or start the car.

Messing around and trying multiple programming attempts, I one time was able to get the key to start the car, but not unlock the doors. One time I disabled my wife's good key. Doh! Got that one working again, but now my key won't start the car.

Any thoughts?

Sigh...at least I repaired my outside air temperature sensor. Batting .500 would be something to brag about if I was a baseball player!

Gary

[Naz24]

i'm not an expert at all on this..but IMO you should maybe cough up the $ and go to the dealer for a new key!

[teamgs]

Yeah, I know...but I hate giving that much $$ to the dealer for a stinkin' key.

Gary

[mrbmwx5]

Seem like you did not re-programming it in the right way...
Put the working key in the ignition. Turn to position 2 for like 1 second then back and remove the key.

Press and hold the "unlock" button then press the "lock" button 3 times, you should hear all the locks cycle through.

Now take the non working key and press and hold the "unlock" button then press the "lock" button 3 times.

Then turn the ignition on and off again to end the programming....

[RJRDenver]

I know this issue is unrelated, but since it happened recently, I thought I'd post my experience.

The other day, I went to the window tinting store to have a window re-tinted and when I got out of my vehicle the fob wouldn't lock or unlock the doors. I thought maybe my key had died, but once I left, the fob started functioning the lock/unlock features. I went back the next day to have the work completed and again the key failed to operate. It turns out the power lines above the store are the high cancer causing sorts that you don't want to be around for long periods of time. Apparently high voltage power lines interfere with the keyfob. I'm not talking the power lines that run down your street (unless you live off Parker Rd.) these are the kind that are mounted on the big steel power poles that you usually see traversing open space from city to city.

Anyhow, I'm guessing your issue just came up out of nowhere with no environmental changes in your area, which means my situation doesn't apply.

[teamgs]

Thanks for the reply...I did just as the writeup stated. I was unable to get it to function until the cycling to position 2 and back 5 times method. I was able to get the locks to cycle when programming the second (replaced battery) key, but after starting the car with the first key to end the programming, the second key would only lock the door and unlock the trunk. The unlock button didn't function, and the key wouldn't start the car.

I have tried programming at least 10 times...same effect, with the rare occasion that the key will start the car one time only. It will never unlock the car.

Odd....

Gary

[roadfrog]

I feel your pain. My wife`s key works and mine doesn`t. It starts the car fine and all, just wont lock or unlock the doors. When I took my FOB apart, i measured the voltage on the battery and got a reading of 3.42 volts. When I measured voltage when pressing the buttons, I`d get a voltage drop, so I know it was sending a signal. Of course I tried reprogramming and all, but no joy. I may take it apart agian and resolder everything. Like you, I am VERY reluctant to spend 300 bucks for a freakin` key!

[chigga]

lol talk about key issues, i bought my X used with just 1 key and it never worked,,, took it apart resoldered the battery as per DIY. Never worked,... went to Nixon Auto and bought a new key ($200). They couldnt' program it saying there's something wrong with my vehicle.. i don't blame nixon as they have been great with everything so far in the past. I have been going to them for years now. Our bimmers just have funny problems. that's what we get for driving the ultimate driving machine

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by chigga

Our bimmers just have funny problems. that's what we get for driving the ultimate driving machine

I called The Ultimate Fixing Machine.

[TheKingSim0n]

It sounds like you just did not program it correctly.

Three methods to try:

Method 1:
1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut
2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.
3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.
4. Release both buttons.
5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.

Method 2:
To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.
1) Get in and close all doors.
2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.
3) Remove the 1st key.
4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.
5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.
6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.
If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.

Method 3:
Alternate if you do not have a working remote
1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.
4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalize.
PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobilizer (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.


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One of them should work and have you X5 key working 100% fine. If not and you truly believe its the key at fault, If you live in the New York area I will be able to contact a friend of mine who makes X5 keys for around $100 ish. YES the same exact key and he programs it as well. SAME computer programing as BMW.