Key prices are set by the local dealerships...but you have the choice of a spare key and the remote key...might as well drop the dime for both so that you won't be caught in this same frustrating situation.

Hopefully your local dealership doesn't charge on the "high" side for the remote key...perhaps if you downlload the coast of the keys from some of the other BMW dealerships that have an online presences...they will price match.

For instance, wwwbmwpartscenter.com (Tomkinson BMW) and BMW Parts and Accessories at GetBMWparts.com (BMW Silver Spring) both have online web stores where you can input the 11 digit BMW part nbr...print out their prices and take it with you to your local BMW dealership. Present them with the BMW part nbr for the keys (along with you proof of ownership ect that is required) and first see if they are on the higher side...if so, show the print outs and see if they will price match. :)

I was going to look up the diagram and part nbr for you...but you still don't have a signature with your model/model year/build date...so just go to realoem.com and input the last 7 digits of your VIN...then work your way to BODYWORK (main group) MASTER KEY LOCKING/KEY (sub group) and you'll see the diagrams for the keys...scroll down and get the part nbrs for items #1, #3, and #5 (note there are specific part nbrs for specific build dates...key # 1 may not be available for all build dates). Key #2 is the valet key...it doesn't UNLOCK the glove box and may not be available for X5s built after 10/2003.

• #1 - illuminated key (no remote function & may not be available for X5s built after 10/2003..makes an excellent 2nd key/back up key...cost much less than a remote key)
• #3 - plastic spare key (also makes an excellent back up/emergency key...also costs much less than a remote key)
• #5 - 3 button remote key (make sure you get the correct part nbr based on your vehicle's build date)
• #14 - set of keys includes #2, #3, & #5 (for X5s built prior to 10/2003 build date)
• #16 - set of keys includes #3 & #5 (for X5s built from 10/2003-up)

My X5 came with only one key. My Indy got me another remote key from the dealer. Cost me $200. But it then had to be coded to the vehicle, (he used his Autologic). Then the keys, (both in the same process), must be initialized.

Also, I also had him sync each key to a memory seat/mirror setting.

The Autologic was probably used to program the key's seat/mirror settings (not assign any EWS ISNs)...and the initialization was only required for the FZV & DWA (remote central locking/unlocking & arming/disarming of the anti-theft alarm siren system...which only requires turning the ignition to position 1 then off, then pressing the remote buttons in a specific sequence...yada, yada, yada).

New keys from BMW don't require EWS initialization...because the transponder chips have aleady been assigned to your vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line. Ten original BMW keys are already set-up to be ordered for each vehicle due to the 10 spaces designed in the EWS control module (all of this has been covered in lots of detail in previous posts in this thread :) ).

Here's more...that explains how the EWS control module is assigned 10 keys as it rolls off the assembly line.

So Qsilver, are you saying that I just need to get new keys from the stealer and they will work? I will NOT have to have the car towed to them to get the keys synched to the car?

The nearest stealer would be a pretty large tow bill, but if I can avoid that, I really am not too concerned with how much the keys cost.

If the problem is that the key is a goner from being left in the ignition and the battery died (like what happened to the other BMW owners in the thread I posted)...check what about 3 or 4 other BMW owners did in that link to the e38 forum I posted. I can't remember if they still had to "synk" the new key or not.

If not, then all you need for a new key from BMW is to present the VIN and proof of ownership (license, registration, insurance will probably do)...and they will order you the key of your choosing and applicable to your X...and it will arrive already with the ability to start your car (as long as a previous owner didn't swap out the original DME/ECU & EWS control module).

The only thing you'll need to initialize is the remote operation of FZV & DWA (remote central lock/unlock & arm/disarm of the anti-theft alarm siren system) bBt you can do that yourself following the instructions below which have been posted many times before: :)

Back in 2008, when I purchased a 1999 e39 540iT...it only came with one key. The first thing I did was order a spare key. When it arrived, the parts dept gave me a call, I drove over and picked it up. I walked out of the parts dept and stuck the key into the ignition, and the car started right up...without anything being done to the car. I preceded to drive home, and that key stayed in my spare key drawer until I sold the Touring back in Nov/2012. It still worked...and again, it was never "initialized" to my car by the dealer...it went straight from the parts counter, to the ignition, to my spare key drawer. :)

Yea the keys come precut, and flashed to the vehicle. The only time you ever have to go in with a BMW scanner if for newer comfort access cars.

It looks like NONE of the people whose batteries died with the key in the ignition were able to use their keys ever again (mine included, apparently), they all had to get new keys.

I made it to the stealer today and ordered a new master key and a valet key (just in case this happens again). I should have them on Wednesday and I will let everyone know if it works or not.

I appreciate all the help everyone gave me, thanks a bunch. I guess the bottom line is that everyone should have a second key, if you don't have one, get one ordered TODAY!!!

So how much did the stealer take you for for two keys?

Master key $200, valet key $40, sales tax brought the total to about $260, not too bad. I was hoping they would match prices from other stealers that I printed off, but they wouldn't (probably because they knew I had no other choice).