Perhaps someone on this forum would like to go into the car key business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AgNl3SgsEk

yeah... now i remember - it was that guy, who went to a picnic on another thread, who was trying to upsell this thing to us... lol...

Another guy with a similar problem on a different forum

Battery Issue after Software update?!? - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Memo to self, don't leave the key in the ignition if the car is not running.

Someone say picnic???

There's an article in this months Roundel about how BMW has a temporary exemption from legislation requiring them to allow registered locksmiths to be able to make keys 24/7. Legislation to make this exemption permanent just failed in CA. So it looks like very soon, BMW may have to start allowing locksmiths to make keys. So owners don't get stranded for days when traveling.

Leave it to the "gubment" to take a desireable BMW designed security feature and render it useless. Once the "registered locksmiths" are able to make keys the next step is the criminals can do exactly the same.

How about owners putting the valet key is a magnetic case and securing the key underneath, Bell makes a watertight/rare earth magnetic case that I use for exactly that. On long trips with the fiancee I ensure she is carrying the 3rd key in her purse.

Owners need to focus on the "ounce of prevention" so the laws don't ram a "pound of cure" down our throat that will only allow criminals easy access to ALL our keys. You CANNOT mandate VINs that are visible (1960s law in the USA) and then take the chipped key data away from BMW exclusively!

The BMW database connecting VINs to key chip RF data should remain the exclusive domain of BMW. Allowing locksmiths acess to this data will result in a drastic increase in stolen BMWs!!!!

Just to some up the whole thread, NEVER let your battery die with key in the ignition, unless you like making trips to the stealer for new keys.

I received my new keys today (1 day turn around was pretty impressive) and the X5 came back to life on the first turn!!!

Thanks again for all the help along the way.

Thanks for posting a follow up.

Here. let me fix that last quote.

NEVER let your wife drive the X and leave the key in the ignition, unless you like making trips to the stealer for new keys

:bustingup:bustingup:bustingup

yeah.. that reminded me the posting by one our members on THE longest thread about his wife/gf shredding the tire and then telling him on the phone that SOMETHING is wrong with HIS truck!!! All, while sitting in the truck and eating chicken... :rofl::rofl::rofl:

and now poor alex has this problem. last night i replaced the door carrier. cost $170 and 2 hours of labor....

today drove car perfect. Until leaving the worksite and the car wouldnt start. put key in and it didnt start.

ordered new key $160. awaiting tomorrow.

My boss looks at me and shakes his head saying there goes another car payment...