Maybe an owner needs this gizmo for that 'new non-dealer key'... :wow:

Thieves use portable OBDII programmer:

BBC News - BMW owners hit by hi-tech theft

Not very clear, common for the press to leave out the steps in detail on how to do it, just like no press will reveal how to make bomb etc.

So a couple possibilities:
1)The thieve break into the car first, access OBDII to put the car in diagnostic mode of some sort and start the car.
2) snoop the RF signal while the owner lock the car, program a blank key with the data captured (from thin air literally) and acces the car like normal.

???


PS: the second method is common in the US back then to break into someone house, the device was $400 (to read radio signal off the air while once the owner press garage opener to close the garage door)

Updated post with correct linky... errant http:// was messing up redirect.


I took the liberty of searching "keys" for you on this forum:
Xoutpost.com - Search Results
Obviously, not all those posts are relevant but skimming a few should give you a broader knowledge of past experiences.

:driver:

paid close to $180 at BMW San Fancisco

BMW keys for 1999-2006 E53 X5

66 12 6 955 750 - MASTER KEY WITH REMOTE CONTROL (CODE)
MSRP: $163.69
COST: $106.40

if you pay more than $163.69+local sales tax for a master key, you are being ripped off.

If you do purchase an uncut key from ebay, it may not have the correct chip to be programmed. 7935, or 7931 usually.

Additionally it will be difficult to find someone who has the correct EWS control unit reader and chip programmer. The EWS module needs to be removed and a dump of the chip must be performed. Some EWS modules have read protection, and can corrupt the EEPROM of the chip, but can be recovered most of the times. Later EWS modules on most 03-06 have EWS 4.3 with a completely different chipset than EWS 3.3. Although difficult and complex, it is sometimes more advantagous to make your own key, especially if you no longer can prove ownership of vehicle, have multiple BMW's or want to steal cars

The dealership does not have the capability to do this. They order they keys from Nazareth, Pennsylvania at this warehouse, or Senatobia, Mississippi. BMW stores all blank keys at these two warehouse Using the VIN number to determine which key codes are used for the lock cylinders, and which passwords and complete VIN is written to the chip on the key. Once the key is programmed, the password for the specific key is cut off from being programmed next.

Paid $140 this week. Still had to program both keys together to lock and unlock.

Close all doors and windows. Unlock car using console button. Manually lock both front doors. Turn key in ignition one notch. "Prog" will appear on the binnacle display. Turn off within 5 seconds. While holding the unlock button, and pointing the key towards the back of the car, push the lock button three times. Then immediatly do this last step with the second key.

Using my friends Autologic, we programmed the car to open all windows then sunroof when holding down the unlock button. And close sunroof then all windows when you hold down the lock button. Why the cars have this capability and do not come programmed to do this is beyond me.

Mine came with the window roll down feature already programmed, I think they all come that way, the window roll up was disabled on U.S. models.

We just re-enabled the window roll-up with the Autologic.

My key suddenly stopped starting the car,it would turn to position 1 but would not start the car.
I had tried different techniques to re-program,none would work until I used this method,
Now both keys lock,unlock and start the car.

Thanks guys,This is a great site.

Im having an issue where the key wont lock the door or open or close the window i think its broken now and the key wont crank over my engine to start. I have a 2002 x5 3.oi.my beautiful baby, i have upgraded this car inside and out to just say a hell with it and junk it.I say junk your self. My baby was running until the pcv valve and boot broke which i fixed no more leaks and now the damn mech can't figure out my ride. Oh bimmer come back to me.lol. i say she is in a bimmer coma for now and i will not gove up that easy. I am military and want to get this key from your location and fix the acculator or what ever it's called.hehe. can you tell im a girl.lol and bring my x5 back to life on the road again.any suggestions. Oh. Ps. Interior lights don't want to work they dont turn on any more.