Does anyone know how to take apart the BMW key for the E53?

[ArNarX5]

I have only one key that works for my X but I also have another key th is in better shape and wanted to trade their cases. Has anyone done this?

I tried to pry it open with a knife but from what I can tell, it's on there preety tight.

Help! thanks!

[wilkoturbo]

That's right what your doing it's just very hard to get into them , just keep trying

[fullmetaljacket]

I had recent experience in this because I unfortunately bought a switchblade BMW key over at ebay thinking that it will work on my E53. Unfortunately, after I transferred all the electronic component of my old key to the switch blade, the X wouldn't crank up and start. Why??? because the transponder if installed on the switchblade key is too far from getting into the key housing cone for the X to recognize it! therefore I had to take all of the components back to the old key! ;(

Now back to your problem...There is absolutely no way to simply pry the key open - sorry. you have to SLICE THROUGH the slit all around the key and re-glue it again in case you want to re-seal it.

[Naz24]

I'd leave it as is. You'll regret messing with it

[roy2593]

Hi, its very difficult to open the original casing for the key. Its welded together.

I have had a new casing for mine and had to open the old one with a hack saw.

Below is a link of what i bought, it was realy good value for money. I went to my local key cutting shop and had the blade cut and then i replaced the transmitter and it works a treat.

BMW 3 BUTTON REMOTE KEY CASE SHELL 1 3 5 6 7 X5 X3 | eBay UK

Cheers,

Roy.

[Martin-C]

Hi, I have successfully restored one of my keys that was dead when I bought my 2004 X5. I followed the instructions from the following link, including sourcing the replacement battery, and it works perfectly now. No special tools needed really.....

Here's the link: replacing battery in key fob.... - E46Fanatics

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by roy2593

Hi, its very difficult to open the original casing for the key. Its welded together.

I have had a new casing for mine and had to open the old one with a hack saw.

Below is a link of what i bought, it was realy good value for money. I went to my local key cutting shop and had the blade cut and then i replaced the transmitter and it works a treat.

BMW 3 BUTTON REMOTE KEY CASE SHELL 1 3 5 6 7 X5 X3 | eBay UK

Cheers,

Roy.

Uhhhh...no it's not that difficult, and it's not welded together, it's just molded plastic. Just buy an xacto knife like the DIY thread says, I recently replaced the battery in my key, it took me about 15-20 slices around the slit in the key to get it open. Do not use a hacksaw, that is way overkill, you might damage the circuit board inside, then you're screwed.

[roy2593]

No need to be a smart ar$e is there!! The plastic is WELDED together, what did you think i meant welded with a mig welder???

Both sides are moulded seperately and then welded together, if it was one mould it would be pretty difficult to get the transmitter into it!! Uhhhh...

[ArNarX5]

Thanks for all your input guys... SO I think I'm not going to mess with the key that is working, however, I can purchase a blank shell from ebay and then just tear up the spare key I have from a different car and hopefully be not damage the circuit board.

Do you know where I can get the key cut? I haven't made a key in years so I don't know if lock smiths are able to cut these types of keys or not. Where did you get yours cut?

thanks!