Need new E53 key, good source?
 

Shopping for a second key (I only have one) for my 2003 X5 Sport.

Any good source that forum members have bought one at good value?

I'll be calling around my local BMW dealers as well.

Can these be purchased with the electronics inside 3rd party, and then cut to the correct shape for my X5?

Please educate me on E53 X5 keys :)


--Scott

Master key purchased at dealer with proof of ownership.

Call around, prices may vary but should be under $200

BTW..if you don't really need a remote key because you are only looking for a spare/back-up key...check to see if you fall within the build dates of a non-remote key. That will save you some money right there because it's the remote keys that cost the most. The non remote keys usually can be had for between $50-$100 (depending on which one you get or is available for your model year).

Up to 10/2003 build date...you can order the non remote keys #1-#3...again, all of these keys are usually less than $100:





There are some areas where people have invested in the Chinese equipment that can write the ISN (individual serial number) to a blank EWS transponder...but you better know what they need to do so that you can verify that they know what they need to do...if not...you'll have spent money on a key that may fit your ignition, and may have the electronics inside to program FZV & DWA (central locking & anti-theft alarm siren systems)...but will not have the ISN to communicate with EWS system...thus the car won't start.

Again, there are some areas of the country where you may find a 3rd party person that is not unscrupulous..and know what they're doing. If not, just go to the local BMW dealer as mentioned above...with proof of ownership and ID...and they will order a key for you that will come in already cut and programmed to your EWS system (based on your VIN...which you will need to give them as well).

If the dealer won't program the FZV/DWA remote features for free...see the instructions below that are posted almost weekly:

Excellent info, thanks so much! Great forum this one.

--Scott

I got two new Master keys from UnitedAutoSecurity for 200 including overnight shipping both ways. I sent them my EWS and (my only) key and they cut and programmed the new ones. I was back in action within 3 days. The new keys programmed easily to my OEM security/keyless system.

This is a good option if you're not the original owner of the car and aren't positive as to whether the lock cylinders or modules have been replaced. A dealer will only supply you with a duplicate of the key that was supplied with your car when it rolled out from the factory.

It's good to see there's a USA vendor that does this. I've only been familiar with RPM Motorsports ( https://www.rpmmotorsport.net/ )...which does the same as you mentioned...send them your EWS control module and key and they can duplicate it and add or replace one of the 10 key slots already programmed into your EWS control module. But RPM Motorsports is out of Canada. :)

Deans, if I am reading this right they can use your EWS and cut/program flip keys for the E53 as well? Would they function like our diamond keys?

I may use this to get another 1-2 master keys instead of dropping $200 for one from the dealer.

EDIT: Just emailed them, I would LOVE to get two of the heavy duty flip keys made if they will function like my OEM remote. They are right in NY and the overnight shipping both ways is $20 so its a no brainer.

Yes I imagine they can do that. I didn't order off their site shopping cart, I emailed them and they replied with the service and an invoice.

Try your local dealer,if it is too expensive try amazon/Ebay or local repair shops .

Yes I spoke to Bill via email yesterday, basically the heavy duty flip keys are $140, diamond keys are $90, $20 additional for overnight both ways shipping.

A good alternative to the dealer for sure. Were you happy with the quality of the replacement diamond keys? I understand they don't have roundels but I can source the key fob roundels easily from the BMW parts dept