Switch Blade Flip Key

[davewatson]

Hey Guys,

You're all going to hate me - I know its kind of a repost, however I couldn't find the answer I was looking for.

I just purchased the flip switch blade conversion kit:

NeW BMW 3 5 7 Serie X3 X5 E46 E38 E39 E60 E61 E53 E83 REMOTE KEY CONVERSION KIT | eBay

And have got it all cut and fitted beautifully - Am finding however that the key wont start the car - Now I have searched, and experimented - this is obviously due to the EWS transponder, which appears that it is just too far from the ignition barrel now with the new key enclosure (when i take the guts out, place it closer, and crank with the key it works..

Question is, what can I do about this? - the transponder is built onto the circuit board, and I have good electronic skills - I would however like to know if anyone has attempted removing the transponder before, and will it operate like that? - the older ones I know had a seperate chip?

The eBay seller is recommending purchasing a new transponder chip - which he claims will rectify all the issues - This however in australia is not as easy as it seems (i don't have a stealer nearby - and they aren't real keen on DIY things like this)

Any ideas at all? - anything please

[SlickGT1]

Maybe the battery is too weak in the key itself. Have you tried replacing it.

[PetrieJ]

Before removing the transponder and trying to relocate it, why not do some research on amplifying the signal some? Even some well placed aluminum foil might work.


Always start with the simplest/cheapest options first.

[Dark5yde]

Originally Posted by davewatson

this is obviously due to the EWS transponder, which appears that it is just too far from the ignition barrel now with the new key enclosure (when i take the guts out, place it closer, and crank with the key it works..

The stock location compared to the new location is barely mm's from each other. I find it hard to believe that a cpl mm's is stopping the signal. I don't doubt you, but I agree with slick. Check the battery.

[Dark5yde]

A quick search on the forum and I found this

Originally Posted by 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! ;(

So you are not alone and I am mistaken.

[davewatson]

Thanks for the reply guys - Yeah I had found that before - and when you compare the switch blade to the diamond key - the actual electronics are quite a bit further away from the ignition - I was really hoping that someone had a nice simple answer for this - I'm quite unimpressed that the eBay seller acknowledged this after I have purchased the key, however that doesn't make up for the fact that i cut my other key in half to get the insides out..

@ PetrieJ - What would your suggestion be to search for? - I have had a quick google around, and cannot seem to overcome people claiming to sell transponders - nothing to amplify or increase their range.

thanks again guys

[Bulk]

From the look of the ebay page there seems to be two grooves in the original key for sensor chips, and the new one there seems to be only one moved forward. Is this the case?

Is the flip key otherwise good? or is it cheap and plasticy? Does it warp when you turn the key in the ignition?

[davewatson]

My key doesn't have any grooves for the chips inside the key.. and the chip is integrated into the actual board - any other ideas?

The key is alright - its nothing special, and does warp when you turn it - its no OEM item, but i'd still like to use it - considering I destroyed my old key to swap it out..

[SlickGT1]

Damn that blows. Sorry to hear. But I used to buy crap like this when I was 20. I once had that key break at the hinge. Imagine being stuck and not being able to spin the key to start. Yea the x has soft start, so you don't have to crank, but you still have to turn that key. Not cool. Now imagine holding that transponder and turning the key. Soon this flip key will break, and I mean like very soon. Trust me.

[davewatson]

yeah, definitely regretting the purchase, but i've ruined my spare key in the process of finding that it doesn't work - does anyone in aus know how much it costs for a new key from the stealer?