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-   -   Problem with 2004 BMW X5 remote keys (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/108847-problem-2004-bmw-x5-remote-keys.html)

Momus 09-12-2018 03:45 PM

Problem with 2004 BMW X5 remote keys
 
First of all - Hi! I've been a reader here for a while, but only recently registered to post some questions. Originally it was to ask for help with the dreaded timing chain cover weep hole coolant leak, but I was able to fix that using the bimmerfix stent, so now I'm moving on to the other (many) problems.

So, first problem... Both of my keys no longer work for remotely locking/unlocking or opening the tailgate. The interior central locking button works, and the interior tailgate release works, but the keys do not. They worked fine for several years, but first one, then the other began only working sporadically, and then each stopped working completely. There were several months separating when each key stopped working.

I have attempted to reprogram both keys multiple times, using the steps outlined here and other places. The first time I was able to successfully get them working again, but after a few months they stopped working again. Now when I attempt to program them nothing seems to happen.

Both keys do still start the vehicle, and will unlock the drivers door using the keyhole.

I have tested the key batteries with a multimeter and they are within the normal range.

I have also taken the keys apart and tried pressing the buttons directly on the circuit board.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Any advice on where to look for a potential cause?

andrewwynn 09-12-2018 04:40 PM

My key stopped working as a remote and before it stopped completely it was intermittent; I could slam the hatch and get it to work for a while clearly there is a connection problem in the tailgate hatch area. I think there is an antenna/amplifier in the hatch. I think the wiring goes through the flex hose on the right side. I haven't had time to dig into mine to resolve but hope to soon.


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Momus 09-12-2018 04:53 PM

Ah! That is an interesting idea. So perhaps the receiver in mine, or the wiring to it, have failed. I will do some research on how to get access to that. Thanks!

srmmmm 09-12-2018 05:00 PM

Don't go too long on opening the door lock manually - the mechanism only lasted about 3 months on mine before the entire cylinder just spun in the door handle. I was forced to replace it and get a new key after the key had stopped transmitting.


2002 X5 3.0 348,200 miles
2014 428i 40,000 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration

andrewwynn 09-12-2018 05:18 PM

Problem with 2004 BMW X5 remote keys
 
My lock cylinder broke after a couple months but a $9 kit I rebuilt it, I keep it lubricated and it works fine for most of a year but does require continued maintenance.

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Switch 09-13-2018 02:23 AM

Good day!


Did you checked soldering joints?

The usual problem with the key is that soldering joints become loose (usually the battery). I've had 3 keys with this problem.

Solution to this, is to order spare key fob, cut it to original code, open your original key, resolder all joints and replace electronics to spare fob.



Hope this helps.

upallnight 09-13-2018 06:21 PM

Unless you know what you are doing and have the tools to do this, most people hoping to fix this problem only make the problem worse. They end up damaging the key fob when they try to slice it open.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...b-service.html

white46 09-13-2018 06:31 PM

For the cheapest solution, get ebay fob for like $10 and sync it with the car.
It won't be able to start the car, but you can use it for remote door lock/unlock.

Momus 09-13-2018 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white46 (Post 1141671)
For the cheapest solution, get ebay fob for like $10 and sync it with the car.
It won't be able to start the car, but you can use it for remote door lock/unlock.

That's interesting - do you have a link to an example of one of these?

white46 09-13-2018 07:21 PM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/315MHz-Keyl...kAAOSw8FtbhMSt

andrewwynn 09-13-2018 07:29 PM

I love the wall of shame and the pricing that goes up if you tried to fix first.

I drilled holes through my keys to put Allen screws to bolt them shut. I did earn a spot on the wall because I drilled through a trace on one of the 6 holes. Fortunately I caught it and fixed with a jumper.

Both of my keys had broken solder joints. Neither was the battery. One had a bad Battery I replaced with the correct rechargable. It's not a good first timer job but if you've torn into "no user serviceable parts" especially cutting into plastic it's not a terribly difficult job.

The key [sic] is that you want to have another working key first so if you have one key only, get a duplicate from the dealer and then once it's programed as the master you can tear into the non remote one.


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andrewwynn 09-13-2018 07:39 PM

Careful on the style of key fob the one in the picture has the separate ews chip. If you have that style you could actually use to start the car. I'm not aware of E53 that uses it though since mine is 01 and doesn't


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Momus 09-13-2018 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white46 (Post 1141683)

Whoa! Awesome. Thanks for this. I've ordered a pair of them to test.

Momus 09-13-2018 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srmmmm (Post 1141560)
Don't go too long on opening the door lock manually - the mechanism only lasted about 3 months on mine before the entire cylinder just spun in the door handle. I was forced to replace it and get a new key after the key had stopped transmitting.


2002 X5 3.0 348,200 miles
2014 428i 40,000 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration

That may have more to do with the THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND MILES you have on your X5. :yikes: :yikes:

Holy crap man - that is incredible! That is literally *over* three and a half times as many miles as mine has. I have about 89,000 on my '04 X5 and freaking everything is breaking on it! Seriously - I've replaced three power locks, two window regulators, one cylinder head, both rear air shocks, all of my calipers and rotors, installed a stent to fix a coolant leak, replaced the upper rad hose. I still need to install another new window regulator, my rear tailgate release is broken, neither of my keys work, my gauge cluster needs to be replaced (I guess :( ), the transmission seems a little rougher than it used to, the engine feels down in power, there's a lot of oil around my power steering pump, I need to replace the hood alarm sensor, both of my headlights are a bit hazy looking and need to be sanded and refinished...

How did you do it? How did you keep up with the repairs for 350,000 miles? :dunno:

Lol

andrewwynn 09-13-2018 09:45 PM

Problem with 2004 BMW X5 remote keys
 
Pretty sure srmmmm just has a personal dynometer where he parks his X5 when he's not driving it so he can keep the engine at normal operating temperature at all times even when he's sleeping.

Trade off or piling on an insane amount of miles but they are low impact miles!

All in jest of course. He has the M54 engine one of the most reliable engines of all times and maintains with prevention in mind rather than wait for it to fail first.

I bought my car at 128,000. The engine looked and performed like new when I got it and the suspension and chassis performed like a sports car.

Going through some growing pains right now but once they are ironed out I'm confident I'll be back on track to double my original miles: my goal is to get 1/4 of a million before I upgrade to my next X5. I want one with dynamic drive.


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Momus 09-13-2018 10:10 PM

@Andrewwynn - lol

Gregory891 09-15-2018 04:39 AM

Momus . The key & lock issues you have - I had exactly the same issues and symptoms. I previously used the key to unlock the door tumbler, but the lock cylinder itself broke after 1-2 years of daily use (rebuilt with a kit). This prompted me to check the two issues: keys or the FZV module.

I sent one key to the GM5 guy who redoes them (battery was dead but it didn't fix my issue). www.bmwgm5.com

In my case it was the FZV module (inside the rear hatch, you remove the upper plastic cover) that was defective. I bought a used FZV (check the frequency as there are different once depending on where you live in the world). Easy to replace (no coding required) and it fixed my problems.

As for the other issues you describe, some are simply due to the age of the car (headlight lens hazing) vs. others due to endemic E53 replacement items.

Momus 09-15-2018 09:25 AM

Thanks Gregory. I have a replacement key on the way which I'll test against my existing FZV, and if it doesn't work I'll order a replacement FZV module. I really appreciate the suggestion.

And, yeah... there just seems to be an awful lot of endemic replacement issues on the X5 compared to other vehicles I've had. I mean, even my Porsche 996 convertible didn't spit up parts with the regularity that the X5 does. It's such a great vehicle when it's running properly (in fact it's my favorite of all the ones I've ever owned) but man it requires a lot of maintenance.


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