Initializing Remote Key (2nd Key)

[Jay Vickers]

Hello, Thanks in advance for your help.
Car is 2004 X5
Followed steps in BMW X5 Service Manual. I initialized my first key it worked fine.
1. Turn ignition switch to KL R (Accessory), then switch off within 5 seconds and remove first key
2. Within 30 seconds of turning ignition switch to off, press and hold button 1 (It say's "1")
3. While holding button 1, press and release (tap) button 2 three times within 10 seconds.
4. Release both buttons. GM immediately locks and unlocks doors to signal successful initialization.
-Initialize remaining keys, repeating steps above.
I cannot initialize the 2nd key. I repeat the steps exactly as above. I notice on other post that you do not put second key in ignition and turn to KL R (Accessory) position, but instead just repeat from step 3. I have not tried this yet.
Also note, that other post (instructions) hold button "2" while pressing button "1" three time then release both buttons.
Which procedure is correct.
Note: (I will also try to recharge second key battery (Coil) for a few hours and then try again.
Thanks guy's
Thanks,
Jay

[pezho405]

yeah for the second key you dont have to stick it into the ignition, just be sure to do it right after you do the first one. Just hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button 3 times

[Jay Vickers]

Thank you for the reply. I will follow up this weekend.

Jay

[Qsilver7]

The problem IS that you're inserting the 2nd key into the ignition. Just as the "other" instructions state...you start the 2nd key on STEP 3.

(BTW: thanks for actually writing out in detailed steps what you were doing instead of writing that you "followed the instructions". Your details reveals to us (not there with you) as to what you were doing incorrectly.)

When you insert the 2nd key into the ignition...you will erase the programming of the 1st key. This is intentional in that a stolen remote key can easily be slightly sidelined by preventing it from having the capability of "remotely" unlocking your vehicle. It can still manually unlock (of course)...but if you reinitialize your remaining remote key, then use the OBC CODE feature...you can prevent someone with your stolen/lost remote key from remotely unlocking & being able to start your car until you can get the vehicle in to the dealership to have the stolen/missing key "barred"...at which point you won't have to use the CODE feature to prevent them from starting the car.

Note that STEP 6 says to go back to STEP 3 to program a 2nd remote key...and it's inferred that you start with the "press & hold" instructions since you are NOT told to INSERT the key into the ignition:

And as far as recharging your second key...it can take up to at least 30 hours to fully recharge a discharged key...but you can get it to operate approx 15 times if charged for at least 30 minutes. KL R is the equivalent to ignition position 1 . . . if you want to give the 2nd key a full charge and you have a battery tender or charger (preferably with a 2-5 amp selection)...hook it up to the jump start posts in the engine bay (positive post under the cover & negative to the hex bolt on the left (driver's side) fender) over night so that you don't drain the battery while the ignition is on.