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

The keys I received were genuine BMW housings and blades. So yes, I was happy with them. I installed OEM roundels too, so I basically have the same thing you'd get from a dealer.

THREAD BUMP.
Looking....these are not OE housings/remote/quality ?

I believe Dean has sold his X.
Anyone using United Keys ?

BMW E53 X5 99-on - United Auto Security, LLC

I sold my 4.4 but I still have my 4.6, which I bought extra keys for from United auto. Same quality as the first round. I can't imagine waiting around for a better solution... Either pay the dealer or go with United and be done.

Dean -

OE does not use replaceable batteries....so without doing alot of googling, I'm presuming these are 3rd party housings. Quality ? ....my 2 keys lasted 13 years.

Am I wrong on the math or is there something different I'm missing....
It's $180 for a single diamond/ews program whereas dealer is $140 for a brand new key. Is there a different price structure by emailing them versus what is on the website ?


Might as well ask, if I head down this route.
EWS in lower DS footwell. Battery disconnect or not needed..

If the dealer is $140 for the key then whats the problem. Just go to the dealer and get the key. That is not a bad price.

Per DB post, he got O-E-M - pair for $200 shipped which for another 60, I'd be inclined to head down this route.

Some ? need verification, more homework
- quality of 3rd party shell. I suppose not as weather resistent is OE
- quality of circuit board - longevity (I suppose too early to tell)
-- Price difference per Deans post, versus pricing on 3rd party on their site

$200 for 2 master remotes for a car that will be sold within the next 12-14 months, is more appealing than $140 for 1, IF the deal can be done at 2 Benji's.

While the flip key is different than what came with the car, the diamond key seems like the way to go . Less BULK. If this was a comfort access key, than the fob would be the obvious route. Have ya'll seen the Lexus CA key. Years ahead of BMW in terms of size...

Anyhow, any compelling X Outposter reason to re-consider the flip key.
Even if I go this route, I'd go the all plastic. Less Bl1ng than their other heavy duty chrome/plastic shell

Be inquisitive about which key blade type you have. Early BMWs (old style & new diamond shape style) may have the notched (I believe HU58) key blade which is like the one on the right in the image below...which is my 97 e38's remote key.

The later key blades are not notched (like my e53's key on the right in pic below):

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...0and%20E38.jpg

All due respect to all aftermarket suppliers but for $150 shipped and when time comes, I'll get mine online from this dealer. Any problems, at least you're covered for 2 years and you can go to any dealer:
http://thebmwminipartstore.com/faq/i...&siteID=218365

It's the one on the left for sure for ours....

I spoke verbally with the United dealer and the quote I'm awaiting for to confirm it, is a smigen more than what DB had posted , but in that ballpark....

Basically, I have 4 options which I'll bullet list for the wiki. Still debating pros/cons of it

- New OE key at $140 (I know the quality of them as my 2 OE keys lasted 12-13 years). I believe at least one of these keys each may have survived a laundry cycle, maybe some water spray on the beach, or even a dousing via a jet ski :popcorn::popcorn::popcorn: I know to avoid the water but sometimes sh1t happens


- 3rd Party Shell/Key/Circuit Boards - ~bundled deal with 2 keys~ is a bit over $200....and you get 2 master remotes. Theoretically, I might get 3 out of this deal, if while in the EWS, he just sees that the one that just went bad is out of sync. There's always that possibility but I don't have any diag tools on hand to confirm.


- GMFob Repair. Repair for both keys is less than $140 for both I estimate. But, the shell is now cut and resealed, so I'm not sure about the sealproofness. I still will have a 13 year old key, assuming he's not swapping out the guts by repairing them. (what would suck was if the battery goes bad during the final ownership of this vehicle but based in GM5's post, he's very adamant the batteries on these things just keep on going and rarely go bad)

That's all I've come up sofar in my research.

If you and anyone else is keeping the car for a year or more, I wouldn't blink on an OE key replacement, from the dealer...

We did one a year ago, (long stupid story), but after reading a few threads here about other key options, it was a no brainer.
My 50Cts.
GL, mD

MD - yeah, some of those other threads are pretty bad, but these are more uninformed consumers going the cheapest route thinking it will resolve their key issues...buy cheap, get cheap....

The other 2 references in these threads are not joes, but pro's, that do this for food on their table. These are options. Different than OE, but options that got me hemming and hawing

there are a number of options when it comes to replacing the master and valet keys on the X5, at least on the older ones (00-06). You can buy them from the dealer (providing you have an open slot left in the ews), you can buy them from a local locksmith who specializes in electronic automotive keys (this is what I do for a living), you can buy them from a mail order source .. that will normally be less than a local locksmith because they won't have to come to your house or POE to provide the labor to pull the EWS and can normally do the job as "filler" work at a quiet point in their day.
I just purchased a 2001 X5 last week and have been busy "cleaning it up" -- replaced a faulty door latch, 2 handle carriers, washer fluid pumps, window regulator......and in the next few day Im replacing the entire sunroof assembly. However before I did any of that the first thing I did was rekey the door and ignition cylinders and scrub all the key data out of the EWS unit to ensure that I was the only one who had working keys to the vehicle. Changing the mechanical cuts on the locks ensured that no one else can order a key from a BMW dealer based off the vin and an old registration.......which I've seen happen.
IF you order keys from anyone other than the dealer there are a few things to keep in mind(for those who don't know). BMW limits you to 10 total keys over the lifetime of the vehicle. the keys are stored in "slots" in the EWS unit. As long as you have an empty slot you can order a key from the dealer. It is possible to over write slots with the right equipment and eliminate that 10 key rule but thats not possible through the dealer. If you mail order any services THIS IS IMPORTANT .......IF you take your vehicle to BMW for service after having someone write keys into your EWS the dealer will be able to tell (bmw tracks every slot in every car they issue a key to) and in a number of cases throughout the country these "aftermarket" keys have been declared "unauthorized" by BMW and have been erased from the vehicles memory by the service dept. If that happens to be your only key you are hosed. This is only an issue if you ever take your vehicle into a dealership for service, and is easily avoidable --- just make sure whoever is doing the EWS work knows to use an existing or "issued" slot for your keys and you're likely ok.

I've only spent 2 minutes googling this topic, but none seem to come up on via google on service dept/ews tampering. I can see potentially how this would be a issue ...but strangely, I would think my short google search would bring up a couple of similar incidents.

I know this has happened in both NY and Ca........ It's possible that they are "testing the waters" before impimenting that policy corporate wide. The argument they are using is that you don't own the rights to the software in the car and tampering with software that they own won't be tolerated....... This is mostly a money grab to attempt to force owners back to the dealerships for service and parts. Be watching the court battles that are sure to ensue as dodge and ford are also rumored to be seeking ways to prevent others from using "programming software" to alter a vehicle from OEM standards and if BMW can get away with it they will chase the same tactics.

Some interesting tidbits on the 3rd party keys I learned...

Apparently, there is a 1 second delay when using the trunk release
The OE roundel sticker is also a smigen too large for the diameter of the 3rd party key so it doesn't sit well.

For the wiki, so the next guy has this homework I've come across in my research

Can someone tell me how many keys come when you buy the truck new? I only have one & not sure if it's the master or not. My grandfather never had a second as far as I know.

Maybe the battery is low? Mine has a delay as well but it's the oem key it came with.

The post was re: the 3rd party keys/3rd party circuit board, etc.

I can't speak for all E53(pre/post facelift), but mine came with 4 keys. 2 Master Remotes, 1 Valet and 1 Non Remote...

AFAIK, out of all the options listed, the OE key *brand new*, non repaired, is the only key that will still be ~waterproof/water resistent~ as it's plastic welded...

----
Every situation is different on when you will need key repair/or why so here's mine to close this thread

EVERY option other than OE will not net you a key that is *welded* encased

I went with GM5 key repair. Figured $100 for 2 working REMOTE keys seemed like a good ROI given the running time I plan to have the car . I know that since the key has to be opened, I will be losing it's OE weather effectiveness....when the car is sold, I will have 2 master remotes to give to the buyer, in addition to the plastic valet and metal non remote key.


IF I did not go through this route, the OE key is the way to go IMO.

The last options are the 3rd party key guys. There is some value in here as it's slightly cheaper, and you CAN get cut keys programmed to your EWS in the newer flip housing as a option.

But cheaper is not necessarily better in respect that
- not as water proof/water resistant as OE key
- slight latency in trunk release operations as as stated, the OE roundel emblem will not fit proper on these keys. So you stuck with a 3rd party roundel that doesn't really last as long as the OE
- Unknown longevity of the circuit boards on these keys. MY OEM keys has lasted 12-13 years with NO issues