Key debacle on my “new” basket case 😊
 

I bought a fun “project”/basket case 2004 4.4i a few weeks ago and I’m working through sorting issues. When I bought it, the battery was dead and removed so I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

As it turns out, I have two fob keys for the car. Neither locks/unlocks the car remotely, so I’m assuming it’s either a programming or battery issue in both of them.

One opens the drivers door and does not even spin in the ignition.

The other starts the car but does not even spin in the door lock.

Ultimately I want to end up with two keys that I can use to lock/unlock remotely, lock/unlock the drivers door and start the car. Is that too much to ask?? :dunno:;)

I’m guessing that someone changed the ignition switch/key at some point (?) which would give me the situation with two physically differently cut keys but I’m going to leave that to you to help me figure out 😂.

Based on the info about what do I need to do to get from my current state to having two fully functional keys?

Thanks!!

Order at least one new key from BMW so you can find out if the ign or door lock cylinder has been changed. You should be able to see if the keys are different better than we can??

Do you have a scanner to read key numbers? Try synchronizing the keys. Both may unlock and lock doors.

I am guessing a PO changed the door cylinder...not the ignition key...

What typically happens is the remote lock/unlock stops working on the key fob.
Owner then uses the key manually in the door.
The door lock cylinder eventually breaks..because it is cheaply made.

The PO got a cheap, used matching door cylinder and key and installed it.

This is what I would do...
1. Any BMW key fob will unlock your door if it is programmed...easy to do .
2. So, try programming the key that starts your car to open your doors
3. If that doesn't work, get another Genuine key from an online dealer...and program it to open your door.
4. In the same programming, program the non-matching door key fob to electronically unlock the door.
5. keep the non-matching key for the door for occaisonal manual operation...like never.

I think you nailed it- as I get deeper into this project I've now realized the driver's door has been exchanged. I'm pretty sure both keys have dead batteries (they look original) so I opened up the "good" ignition key this evening carefully with a razor blade and have a new battery en route that I will solder in place and hopefully be able to program and have a single good one. If that works I will replace the battery in the "door" key and program that one as well. Ultimately I will also need to order another key from the dealer as I want to make sure to have two "good" keys that can do it all.

Really appreciate the insight and direction on this! I'll follow up once I have more info to add.

Quick update: new battery came in and I accomplished the replacement in my key that starts the car without a hitch. Anyone with basic soldering tools/ability can handle it without any issue. With the battery replaced, it works 100% as it was previously programmed to the car. Nice!

Next I’ll replace the battery in the “door” key and program it to remote lock/unlock as a spare, and get a dealer ordered second ignition key so I have two keys to start the car.

Thanks so much for the help on this!