Does anyone know how to take apart the BMW key for the E53?
 

I have only one key that works for my X but I also have another key th is in better shape and wanted to trade their cases. Has anyone done this?

I tried to pry it open with a knife but from what I can tell, it's on there preety tight.

Help! thanks!:stickpoke

That's right what your doing it's just very hard to get into them , just keep trying :)

I had recent experience in this because I unfortunately bought a switchblade BMW key over at ebay thinking that it will work on my E53. Unfortunately, after I transferred all the electronic component of my old key to the switch blade, the X wouldn't crank up and start. Why??? because the transponder if installed on the switchblade key is too far from getting into the key housing cone for the X to recognize it! therefore I had to take all of the components back to the old key! ;(

Now back to your problem...There is absolutely no way to simply pry the key open - sorry. you have to SLICE THROUGH the slit all around the key and re-glue it again in case you want to re-seal it.

I'd leave it as is. You'll regret messing with it

Hi, its very difficult to open the original casing for the key. Its welded together.

I have had a new casing for mine and had to open the old one with a hack saw.

Below is a link of what i bought, it was realy good value for money. I went to my local key cutting shop and had the blade cut and then i replaced the transmitter and it works a treat.

BMW 3 BUTTON REMOTE KEY CASE SHELL 1 3 5 6 7 X5 X3 | eBay UK

Cheers,

Roy.

Hi, I have successfully restored one of my keys that was dead when I bought my 2004 X5. I followed the instructions from the following link, including sourcing the replacement battery, and it works perfectly now. No special tools needed really.....

Here's the link: replacing battery in key fob.... - E46Fanatics

Uhhhh...no it's not that difficult, and it's not welded together, it's just molded plastic. Just buy an xacto knife like the DIY thread says, I recently replaced the battery in my key, it took me about 15-20 slices around the slit in the key to get it open. Do not use a hacksaw, that is way overkill, you might damage the circuit board inside, then you're screwed.

No need to be a smart ar$e is there!! The plastic is WELDED together, what did you think i meant welded with a mig welder???

Both sides are moulded seperately and then welded together, if it was one mould it would be pretty difficult to get the transmitter into it!! Uhhhh...

Thanks for all your input guys... SO I think I'm not going to mess with the key that is working, however, I can purchase a blank shell from ebay and then just tear up the spare key I have from a different car and hopefully be not damage the circuit board.

Do you know where I can get the key cut? I haven't made a key in years so I don't know if lock smiths are able to cut these types of keys or not. Where did you get yours cut?

thanks!