Key predicament

[scirocco]

I am in a predicament. I bought a 2001 X5 3.0. Previous owner gave me 2 keys. One works in the ignition and one works on the door. So it seems one of them was replaced. In order to order one from the dealer, I would need to provide a VIN number. But how do I know what key the VIN will produce? One which works on the door or one on the ignition? I wanted to order a spare key that could start the truck. The remote could be initialized so it works with the central locking system. Although the new key would not work on the door. How to solve this issue?

[white46]

1. One works in the ignition
Probably dead battery. search google for bmw diamond key battery replacement.

2. one works on the door
There are 2 possible scenarios for this key.
1) previous owner dropped the key many times and transponder inside the key is damaged
2) bought the key from somewhere or used and just sync to car to lock/unlock. Since transponder in the key doesn't match EWS in the car, it won't be able to start.

Now for the brand new key you are planning to get, just go to dealer with registration and VIN. They will order new key already programmed and they will sync it. IF your EWS hasn't been changed.

[Joshdub]

If I had to guess they probably replaced the door lock cylinder with a used one because they didn't know what they were doing. I'd wager that the correct key is the key that starts the truck/turns the ignition cylinder. The door lock cylinder is known is break on these, and while it can be repaired easily, someone may not know that and just sourced a used lock/key combo.

[LVP]

I agree. Check the key cut to make sure both are identical. If they are, the one that only does the door may not have been activated properly. If you have access to DIS you can see which keys are activated. Note, only 10 keys are cut for each car. If you exceed the 10 count, it's replacing the module. I was able to deactivate all positions except for the two keys I have. If I recall, only two keys can be active at a time. Note that even though the other keys are deactivated, they will still open doors, they just won't start the car. For this reason, I leave nothing of value in my car. If they want the snotty Kleenex, kid booster seat or partially open jug of oil, be my guest

[scirocco]

Thanks for all your replies. The key cut in the two keys is not the same. The ignition key does not turn the door lock cylinder and vice versa. Visually too, the key cuts are different.

[LVP]

Ok, so you'll need to get the door lock fixed to match the ignition, then get another key that matches and then get them both coded properly. Or just keep going as you are - it won't be cheap to fix it all correctly.

[Emory39]

my guest is that the door lock got change. because if not the SUV will not start, EWS, KEY and ECM, must have the same vin#.
to be certain take the ecm out (with out disconnected it )it haves a vin #, its suposed to have the same vin # than the SUV.
if it docent have the same vin# then they swap a key combo just order the key with the ecm vin#.
hope it helps. good luck

[scirocco]

Where is the ECM located? Is it easy to take it out?

[Qsilver7]

BMW dealerships used to have a key reader that could check the VIN & mileage of the key because the LCM sends this data to the key. But many dealers have tossed them under the desk or in a drawer somewhere So like others have mentioned...the key that starts the car is probably the original key and the door lock cylynder has been replaced.

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BMW Key Reader

The BMW Diagnostics Key-reader is a self-contained desk unit that reads the mileage from BMW keys. This is the true mileage from the heart of the ECU which updates the key every time it is used. The key-reader provides information on the mileage, the VIN and the key number to let users know if other keys have already been issued by BMW.

But this isn't the end of the world either because the door lock cylinder can be ordered based on the VIN (its coded)...and replaced...along with ordering anither key (doesn't have to be the more exensive remote either...there's non remote keys).

You can use Welcome to realoem.com |bmw parts | bmw parts catalog| bmw epc! or www.bmwfans.info to look up the approximate cost of ordering the coded door lock cylinder....for example, cllick this link and scroll down to #11...you would need the one that says "catch with key code"...the lock cylinder will be keyed based on the cut of the original 4 keys that came with the vehicle from the factory based on it's VIN along with the same info kept to make a new remote or non remote key..again based on the vehicles VIN : RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i FRONT DOOR CONTROL/DOOR LOCK

[Emory39]

Originally Posted by scirocco

Where is the ECM located? Is it easy to take it out?

you will need to remove air duct # 11
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Air duct


remove #1 it haves 6mm allen bolts
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Control unit box
the ecm are located there.
loock for theone with the vin # if i am not mistaking its the one with the black plugs.

or you could do what other member mentioned going to the dealer they will charge you for cheeking what key you need.

good luck