Bottom line up front:
I'm currently stranded at home with an otherwise drivable 2005 X5 that I can't start because the sole master key stopped working after I tried the Replacing Battery in Key fob DIY (see "2005 X5 Key fob Battery Replacement" below for more details about that). Now for the twist: I ALSO have an undrivable 2001 X5 (probable cracked engine block) that has 2 working master keys and a valet key.
Anyway, is it possible to swap the engine ignition immobilizers/EWS/parts(?) from the two vehicles and then take out the transponder/circuit board "insides" from one of the working keys and put it into the fob for the non-working key and end up with a working 2005 X5 until I can order a new set of keys from BMW? Will that work and does anyone have a link to a DIY article for replacing the appropriate parts?
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2005 X5 Key Fob Battery Replacement:
After I performed the DIY steps to replace the recharable battery in the key fob for the \'05 X5, now I can\'t get the key to work at all (won\'t crank the engine, let alone accept programming via the and I can\'t be programmed using the Programming Key Remote DIY article). After I split open the key (before I swapped out the battery), I was able to hold the circuit board in place and use the key to start it - now nothing. I checked the battery voltage and it is fully charged at three volts. I've also checked all the fuses in the X5 (glovebox and rear hatch) and they are all working correctly. My assumption is that I either screwed up something on the circuit board while soldering in the new battery (I've since tried pulling it out and putting another one it so I don't think it's the solder job itself) or otherwise killed the transponder. Bottom line, I can't order a new key from BMW until Monday and it probably won't be until Tuesday afternoon or later before it can be delivered so I'm stranded at home for now.
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Colby,
[Dead] 2001 X5 4.4i w/ 139K miles (probable cracked engine block)
2005 X5 4.4i w/ 97K miles
I'm currently stranded at home with an otherwise drivable 2005 X5 that I can't start because the sole master key stopped working after I tried the Replacing Battery in Key fob DIY (see "2005 X5 Key fob Battery Replacement" below for more details about that). Now for the twist: I ALSO have an undrivable 2001 X5 (probable cracked engine block) that has 2 working master keys and a valet key.
Anyway, is it possible to swap the engine ignition immobilizers/EWS/parts(?) from the two vehicles and then take out the transponder/circuit board "insides" from one of the working keys and put it into the fob for the non-working key and end up with a working 2005 X5 until I can order a new set of keys from BMW? Will that work and does anyone have a link to a DIY article for replacing the appropriate parts?
------------------
2005 X5 Key Fob Battery Replacement:
After I performed the DIY steps to replace the recharable battery in the key fob for the \'05 X5, now I can\'t get the key to work at all (won\'t crank the engine, let alone accept programming via the and I can\'t be programmed using the Programming Key Remote DIY article). After I split open the key (before I swapped out the battery), I was able to hold the circuit board in place and use the key to start it - now nothing. I checked the battery voltage and it is fully charged at three volts. I've also checked all the fuses in the X5 (glovebox and rear hatch) and they are all working correctly. My assumption is that I either screwed up something on the circuit board while soldering in the new battery (I've since tried pulling it out and putting another one it so I don't think it's the solder job itself) or otherwise killed the transponder. Bottom line, I can't order a new key from BMW until Monday and it probably won't be until Tuesday afternoon or later before it can be delivered so I'm stranded at home for now.
------
Colby,
[Dead] 2001 X5 4.4i w/ 139K miles (probable cracked engine block)
2005 X5 4.4i w/ 97K miles