Car only came with one key (any thoughts?)
 

Hi guys. I bought my first BMW recently (2003 X5 4.6is) and my poor little car (or should I say TANK) only came with one key. I think it was a bank repo.

I'm not 100% comfortable only having one key as you can imagine. I'm also not 100% comfortable knowing someone out in the world has at least one and maybe more than one key to my car. :confused:

Any advice welcome.

Ideas I had:
1. Just have a spare made. Call it good (do I do this at the BMW dealer?)
2. Have the ignition replaced or re-keyed? If so how much money I wonder or is this even really practical? :dunno:

Thanks,
Squiggy

Congrats on the 4.6. I'm sure you're already loving it! Tank, beast, monster---all acceptable nouns for the 4.6 & 4.8 models!!

As for the keys, each key has to be coded to the vehicle. Unfortunately they have to come from the dealer...I remember reading somewhere here that you can get up to 10 replacement keys before the vehicle itself has to be rekeyed. I'm not 100% sure what something like that would run you but keys from the dealer here are in the 300 range all said and done.

X5SND,

My first reaction to your post is that $300 is not bad for the peace of mind. I'll check with my local dealer and report back. Thanks!

You might find it to be even less since you're south of the border. The stealer here is the only one in the city (can you say monopoly) so I'm not sure if that $300 is reflective of what you should be able to get them for. Good luck!

Check with your dealer, they may offer a discount to BMW CCA members. Most do. Its worth 20% off on most parts at my dealer so well worth the $40 membership fee in this case.

Key should be about $180-$200. As X5SND stated, it need to be coded to your car. The $tealer will do it when you purchase from them.

Your 91 Z32 3.0i TwinTurbo is a bad ass car man. Always wanted one of those.

Ditto what the others stated above.

You have the choice of 2 keys (for the X5)...a remote key or the spare key. Obviously the remote key is the more expensive one...if you're the only driver and the other key will just be sitting in the drawer until it use is needed...then don't feel bad about just getting the spare key. You can order key #3 or key #5 in the diagram below:


As far as the other remote floating around out there...if you reinitialize your key...it will prevent any other remote from being able to lock/unlock and arm/disarm (FZV & DWA features of the key) your car if they try to use the remote's buttons. It can still lock/unlock & arm/disarm if they walk up to your vehicle and stick the key into the door lock cylinder.

The dealer can also "bar" a key and prevent it from being able to start your car, too. That would fall under the EWS features of the key and shop cost (for labor) would be involved to do this extra step.

To rekey the entire vehicle would require purchasing a new EWS control module as well as new keys. As previously stated...the EWS control module can only have 10 keys coded to it...then a new EWS control module (and keys) are required if new or more keys are needed.

Remember...there are THREE features in the remote keys...and they are all separate systems that work in conjunction with each other:

• EWS - immobilizing feature (matching ISN required to start the vehicle)
• FZV - remote lock/unlock of the central locking system
• DWA - remote arm/disarm of the anti-theft alarm siren system

EWS can only be reinitialized using dedicated equipment (BMW or aftermarket) and the ISN (individual serial number) is UNIQUE to the VIN of the car...thus the keys must be ordered from BMW specific to your vehicle...and is already coded to your EWS control module with the matching ISN.

FZV & DWA require the battery inside the key, and can be programmed to other BMWs that use the same radio frequency...and can also be done by the owner without the use of extra equipment. See reinitializing instructions below:

so, that thing in the "Gone in 60 seconds" , when a crook ordered keys from MB and then used them to drive the cars - is BS!!! most German manufacturers use that same or similar system of the key to be introduced to the car using the already known key...

and as all the guys have mentioned before, the lost key still might be able to unlock the door while physically inserted into the lock cylinder, that key will not be able to start the car... given that you have dealer disable ALL keys ever programmed into the car, except for the ones in your possession.

AAA used have a policy where they would reimburse upto for $100 for a lockout to order a replacement key... not sure if it still applicable - i had a key made at a BMW dealer about 10 years ago for the E39 where the ONLY key was lost...

New Key
 

I had the same problem and when I made a few enquiries about a new key I just got told you MUST go to a Stealership and its $675. So I searched Ebay and found a company in Hong Kong who supplies genuine keys with the internal computer and battery, it was about $20 I think. So when it arrived I had to send it to a special locksmith with the vehicle details and VIN to have it cut, a further $15 and had it back in a week.

Then I had a new key to fit the car that needed to be coded to the X5, which I was told by the Stealership could only be done by them for $75. Searched this site and found the directions to have the X5 do it itself in 30 seconds, all done and have two keys that work in all modes.

Be careful with keys on ebay, some do not have the internal electronics.