Keys: The Full Story.

Originally Posted by mda185

This is not 100% correct. There are two separate functions the wireless keys perform. The ability to start the car requires that the code emitted by a chip in the key match a code already stored in the EWS and DME computers. All BMWs are shipped with a total of 10 key codes stored in the EWS and the DME computers. These codes are a function of your car's VIN. When you buy a new key from BMW, their parts dept looks up your VIN to see how many of the 10 key codes have been issued. These codes refer to the identification signal emitted by the chip in the key. The chip can only be programmed once and it takes a special electronic coder to perform this function. Once 10 keys have been issued for your car, BMW dealer will tell you that you need to purchase a new EWS module and have your DME recoded. They will most likely want to charge $1000 or more for this service. There are people out there that can provide this service for less. One that I know of is RPM Motorsports in Canada. They have a web site.

The other function that does require dealer or owner setup is getting the locking and alarm system to recognize the wireless signal emitted by the keys. The dealer only needs your old key(s) when setting up the keyless entry and alarm system to recognize the new key. If the old keys are not re-entered at the same time as the new key, the system will only recognize the new key.

This.

That's right. All of this is done by BMW when you order a key. I don't think 10 keys is an unreasonable limit...

Originally Posted by petriej

That's right. All of this is done by BMW when you order a key. I don't think 10 keys is an unreasonable limit...

One part, programming the key to operate the vehicle, can only be done by BMW (BMW the company, not the dealer). The other, programming the key for the remote lock / unlock functionality, can be done by the dealer or the customer.

If the customer orders a key and the dealer wishes to charge for programming just be aware the programming being referenced is the latter and not the former. It takes all of a couple minutes and requires no tools to do. Therefore they shouldn't be charging an arm and a leg to do it (IMO they shouldn't charge anything at all given how easy it is to do).

For anyone who may stumble across this thread and wish to perform the latter programming themselves here's how to do it:

http://www.xoutpost.com/81407-post1.html

I beg to differ with you on the "only BMW" part, sunny. *IF* you have a programmer such as the AK90, you can program the key yourself. This is exactly what I did and, yes, it works. The AK90 effectively is an In-Circuit_Emulator. It reads the EWS directly. You can even use it to reprogram an EWS to a new VIN, if you so desired. And that 10 key limit thing? Not really an issue. Sure, you may re-enable a key that is "lost" but you definitely can replicate the "old" key again, including putting the mileage into the transponder. I *absolutely, positively* know that this is possible and that it works. The only caveat is that you *must* have a new transponder chip. You cannot re-use old chips.

Programming the remote is another matter. Oddly, that is where I'm having a problem now. My 2002 Mini Cooper doesn't seem to want to accept the new remote. :-(

As for copying... You need a side milling key cutter. They are not that common but they are hardly rare. I found a guy in Redwood City (Crane Locksmith), California that could cut the keys. I actually have a CNC and tried to cut them myself but they were not reliable so I grudgingly spent an afternoon to drive up to CRane. That said, the keys work perfectly now so I'm happy. The charge was $35 when you supply your own blank. The guys there are super nice and very helpful.

Originally Posted by MiniCooper2002

I beg to differ with you on the "only BMW" part, sunny. *IF* you have a programmer such as the AK90, you can program the key yourself. This is exactly what I did and, yes, it works. The AK90 effectively is an In-Circuit_Emulator. It reads the EWS directly. You can even use it to reprogram an EWS to a new VIN, if you so desired. And that 10 key limit thing? Not really an issue. Sure, you may re-enable a key that is "lost" but you definitely can replicate the "old" key again, including putting the mileage into the transponder. I *absolutely, positively* know that this is possible and that it works. The only caveat is that you *must* have a new transponder chip. You cannot re-use old chips.

Then I stand corrected.