Question: can I remove/replace old keys from the EWS memory LIMIT?
 

OK, I'm cheap. I never bought a new "diamond" key from a dealer, as I didn't want to spend so much at a time on it, so I renewed the battery in my single original key (self-repaired), and bought a couple of aftermarket, uncut, remote-only (not to be used for anything but remote functions) for under $20.

Even though my wife lost one of them (note: I've never lost a key in my life), I carry the remaining one with me (in case the remote on my genuine key fails), so I don't have to open the X5 manually (saves wear & tear on the mechanism). It's been 2+ years since I got the remote-only keys, and I need to get some more, in case the already installed battery dies (and I can't install another).

Question: can I remove unused/missing keys from the 10? slots on the EWS key list? It's almost full (as I remember it, from the time I found it on my last Foxwell testing session, a few months back). I think there may be a slot or two left, but ???

Since the aftermarket key(s) came to me with a battery already installed (and sealed inside), I have no idea how long it will last (don't know the quality or age of the battery), and if I were to cut it open to replace it, I might screw it up (nearly did so on my original key, but at least I know that the rechargeable battery I installed should last many years...the original battery lasted nearly 20 years).

I store my most-used automotive tools in the trunk of the X5, so I'm always in & out, and I use the remote-only spare key a lot, so I want to renew/replace it before it dies.

I doubt you can remove a key from the list of 10, if you could then it wouldn't be a limitation that you have to worry about.

I may be confused here, but if I never have inserted an uncut/remote-only key into the ignition, then is it even on the list of keys? How to check if it is on there?

If I used my Foxwell correctly, I deleted old keys with it. However, it does have a limit of 10. After 10 keys are used, the EWS has to be replaced or bypassed.

+1


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Andrew: does the remote-only key even get entered on the 10-key list, since it/they are programmed by just pressing the buttons, and never used in the ignition?

Maybe we should be saying 10 key "limit" instead of "list."

Corrected title. I just don't want to screw up my EWS, or use up remaining slots of the 10-key limit, for the day when I might actually have to get a new BMW-OEM key, or if some day, the X5 might be handed-down or sold to another, as it will be appreciated vs the hated "electrics" that are being forced on us.

You are talking about additional keys for the the remote entry and alarm remote functions (DWA) only, right?

The EWS is not involved in those functions, so the number of keys listed in the EWS is not relevant.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I won't have to get into the EWS at all.

I'll order two more "additional keys for the the remote entry and alarm remote functions (DWA) only", when I see signs that my remaining remote-only key's battery is failing (probably at anytime now). I'll buy from the same source as last time, so I'll be somewhat sure of the quality/lifespan of his wares.