E39 528i key programming ...

Hi guys,

I have been checking forum about key programming and faults, my 525i 2002 key remote is working but do not crank the car, spare key does start it.. last result is the chip was faulty (I think). anyhow, I found a key on ebay with chip, battery.. etc.. but not programmed, seller advised that I could by a programming unit which I can program the key at home.... KINDLY ADVISE IS IT SAFE TO BUY THE KEY AND PROGRAMMER?

Not safe. If it were that easy...BMW wasted lots of money coming up with the EWS technology. Find the closest authorized BMW dealership and order a new key from BMW...which will be based on the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

See FIRST TIME INITIALIZATION AT THE PRODUCTION PLANT in the information below:

Then read the information below that gives some details of EWS 2, 3.2, & 3.3:

OH MY GOD, all this, dealer is asking $385 for one key.. many thanks Qsilver7 (but do you have any cheaper whay of making a copy).

A cheaper way from Qatar? I don't know.

The problem is, in order for a key to start your car...it will need the ISN (individual serial number) that is written to all the EWS components (DME/EWS control module/Key/Ring Antenna)...so one would need the ability to retrieve that number from a component like the DME or EWS control module (which means it needs to be removed from the car and sent or taken to who ever has this ability. Then that ISN needs to be written to a correct sized & type EEPROM that needs to eventually be soldered to the IC board inside your key.

If you can find a vendor or buy equipment to do this and it be cheaper than the $385 form the dealer...then you may have another option. You also need to make sure the vendor is reputable and can do what they say they can do...or if the equipment you read about will actually do what it says it will do and you can pull the job off correctly without wasting more money.

Another alternative is...you can purchase one of the less expensive keys that don't have the remote feature (illuminated key or spare key w/metal blade) so that you will have a back up key in case you lose or lock your working key in the car etc. Then purchase an old style 3 button remote key and program it to lock/unlock & arm/disarm your car. That key won't be able to start your car, but again, you CAN program it to lock/unlock & arm/disarm the car. And I suggested the old style 3 button remote because it uses a replaceable battery. The new style keys need to be recharged in the ignition...and most used keys won't fit into your ignition.

Another option would be to find a blank remote key that has the correct blade stock as your key...plus another used old style key that has the IC board which will also have the ability to transmit the RF signal to your car's FZV/DWA receiver in the C-pillar (make sure you find a key that operates on the same frequency as your car's receiver...it's either 315 MHz or 433 MHz). Then find a key smith (before you buy the blank key) that can cut it correctly. You could then buy one of the less expensive BMW keys for your car...and remove the EWS chip and install it inside your new blank remote key along with the IC board from a used key. Again, the old style blank key would work easier since the battery can be replaced and the EWS chip doesn't require being soldered to the IC board inside.

[QUOTE=QSilver7;5717767]In regards to key activation..
Yes, in order for ANY key cut to your ignition to work...it MUST have the encrypted transponder chip that has your car's ISN encoded on it...which is specific to YOUR CAR ONLY based on its VIN.

I bought used E39 3-buton key with transmitter & chip. Had the a new key cut and was able to program the transmitter and now I find out the chip won't start the car. Does anyone know of anyone or how to reprogram the chip itself.

Thx.

Hello guys, QSilver and all the rest** it worked**, I took the chance, bought the programmer, programmed a key and took to locksmith to cut …. Car started… BMWs are best cars in the world but why these Germans complicate issues…..

Thank you all,

[QUOTE=pfoto;6939885]

Originally Posted by QSilver7

In regards to key activation..
Yes, in order for ANY key cut to your ignition to work...it MUST have the encrypted transponder chip that has your car's ISN encoded on it...which is specific to YOUR CAR ONLY based on its VIN.

I bought used E39 3-buton key with transmitter & chip. Had the a new key cut and was able to program the transmitter and now I find out the chip won't start the car. Does anyone know of anyone or how to reprogram the chip itself.

Thx.

should have bought a new one from ebay, like i did, if intested i will send item no.130594956447, also you can ask about AK90.

tnx

[QUOTE=beemer2003;6948952]

Originally Posted by pfoto

should have bought a new one from ebay, like i did, if intested i will send item no.130594956447, also you can ask about AK90.

tnx

Actually I did get my keys from ebay with transmitters in them. The transmitters were no problem to program but the problem is the chip that came with them can't work with my car unless I replaced it with one of the chips I already have, I did that but I still need another one. It looks like I will have to buy a cheapie valet key from BMW so I can use the chip for the other remote key from ebay.

If you know of a way to reprogram the actual chip itself please let me know.

Thanks for your input anyway.

what i did, i bought the programmer and programmed a new key with the chip, by taking the EWS from the car and connecting to AK90 (on youtube) you will see how and waw it started...

you can change you old key with the new diamond chap one.. just contact the same seller i sent earlier and will advise of how..

take care.

How much did you pay for the BMW key programmer. Where did you get it and does the software work only work for PC computers.

Thx

sofware will be installed to your pc, contact the seller of item 130594956447, he is waiting for your vin#, contact him pls

tnx

I have two keys that will never work. I paid $110 plus the $180 for the key for them to tell me that my problem.

I have a EWS and a DME from a junk yard car.
I have one key working that is a frankenkey. It has the transponder with the ISN (individual serial number) for the junk yard car. It has the old blade from the old car. It work except the battery is dead.

How could I get a key that has the transponder with the ISN from the junk car with the blade cut of my current car?

How could I get BMW to do it? I could use/purchase the title of the junk car. Would that help?

tldr; How can it get a second key when the EWS does not match the dealer key?

Maybe this would work. Still would be a frankenkey...

Originally Posted by QSilver7

Another option would be to find a blank remote key that has the correct blade stock as your key...plus another used old style key that has the IC board which will also have the ability to transmit the RF signal to your car's FZV/DWA receiver in the C-pillar (make sure you find a key that operates on the same frequency as your car's receiver...it's either 315 MHz or 433 MHz). Then find a key smith (before you buy the blank key) that can cut it correctly. You could then buy one of the less expensive BMW keys for your car...and remove the EWS chip and install it inside your new blank remote key along with the IC board from a used key. Again, the old style blank key would work easier since the battery can be replaced and the EWS chip doesn't require being soldered to the IC board inside.

I have a 2001 BMW 325ci

hodr1000, You could try to swap the battery first, they do sell replacement batteries. The dealer requires the title to match the name on your drivers license, FYI. The answer to my below question to QSilver7 may be of interest to you, I am looking forward to hearing back. I am considering just ordering a key and testing it out, but via Google, I am not hopeful.

QSilver7, the aftermarket replacement keys such as this one from ECU Tool says that it has a transponder chip in it. Will I be able to program this key with my GT1? I have only ever initialized remotes, as my shop always orders keys from the dealer. But I'd love a cheaper option for a spare key for my new EWS car... (99 528iT, in case that changes your answer). Thanks man!!

Kind of looks like one of these 3 things is the best bet: BMW Lite, Zed-Bull or TMPro. Reference: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...8&postcount=11 It looks like BMW Lite is the best/cheapest option... Humm. Time to do more Googling.

Edit: ECU Tool sells the BMW Lite tool as well. I will be trying that out in the near future. Have a few other things on the list to take care of first, and then its on to keys. Need to make one for an e46 as well, so the tool should pay for itself quickly.

I think that this is a bigger deal than I thought.

Junk yard parts:
I bet that their are lots of junk yard DME and EWS that could be reused and sold if you could figure out how reprogram the EWS to accept the original key.

E-Bay
You could offer to reprogram EWS for people to work with the cheap E-Bay keys. Maybe a loaner system. Pure profit baby.

Car rebuild shops
You could offer a service to come in and reprogram EWS so that they could do it themselves making the rebuilt cars more valuable.

I am sure that the list goes one.

Once you figure it out I could let you know of a shop that could use that service on a routine basis.

For $150. I am tempted to buy it my self and make it work. Too bad I am not a mechanic. I am an engineer. I could figure it out but would not be good for much else.

A small kink I noticed...
"Adding used keys (if key's password is available)
Resetting used keys into a "new" state (if key's password is available) " what is a key password and how would you know it?
When does a key become "used"

http://rpmmotorsport.net/

a service to reset the EWS and DME.

Originally Posted by Sharples

I am in New Zealand and have the key on the far left in the pic above. Only two buttons, no trunk open. My car is a 99 540i Msport Japan Spec. Can this key be programed to arm/lock and disarm/unlock my car???? I am trying but have many issues but that is another story in another thread. I only have this key.

Hi there, am in New Zealand with the same type of keys that you describe and yes they can do all the functions you list. The key uses two batteries and is not the type that is kept charged by the ignition switch. The key will have a small red LED in the front which should flash when you press either button, if it doesnt flash chances are the battery is shot, recently happened to me and its an easy job to change the batteries. Come back if you want more info

hord1000, good day
I have E39/ 525i/2003, I purchased 2 daimand shaped keys+programmer+software for only $240. the program saves and copies your EWS data to the new key, and updates EWS with key info. I have no idea if this AK90 copy EWS data to anoter EWS.

Just for info key and remotes are working just fine

Thanks for the replay... where did you get your stuff? Any tip or tricks your could share. I know that people would love to get that kind of deal.

no tricks at all, already advised "pfoto" erlier.. i purchased itme no. 130594956447 on ebay and contacted the seller by email to advsie step by step programing.. and they were helpfull. contact the same seller and give your requirments before you purchase anything (as i did).

best of luck

What was the step by step programming? What did you have to buy be sides the key?

in my case i was in contact with ebay seller who solved my issue and advsied me to buy AK90 programmer (which he provided).. i have no idea about your case.. try to contact this ebay seller-explain your issue- he may ask bout your vin no. to advise you what to do...

http://www.sinodownloads.com/down/do...r%20Manual.pdf

97 528i e39
Hey guys im having a problem starting my car a couple days ago as i was checking my abs sensor i noticed that there was another sensor hanging disconnected turns out it was the oil level senor the previous owner had it disconnected (i recently bought the car) so i connected and when i went to start it it wouldnt start its weird because you dont hear a clank or it struggling like its not a transmission problem all u hear is a click and btw the battery is bad so everyday i would have to jump start it can somebody please help me figure out what it can be i tried using the other plastic key to start it but that didnt work either please help

Originally Posted by That guy1

97 528i e39
Hey guys im having a problem starting my car a couple days ago as i was checking my abs sensor i noticed that there was another sensor hanging disconnected turns out it was the oil level senor the previous owner had it disconnected (i recently bought the car) so i connected and when i went to start it it wouldnt start its weird because you dont hear a clank or it struggling like its not a transmission problem all u hear is a click and btw the battery is bad so everyday i would have to jump start it can somebody please help me figure out what it can be i tried using the other plastic key to start it but that didnt work either please help

Iwastryingtofigureoutwhatitwasyouweresayingbecause Iwantedtohelpyoubutyoumadeitsoverydifficulttoevenu nderstandwhatyouwereaskingthatIsimplygaveupwithout beingabletoehelpyouatallbutIsincerelyhopesomeoneel sehasthesecretdecoderringandtheabiltytoundersandwh atitisyouwrotesothattheycanhelpyougoodluck!

Bascially car doesnt start and you dont hear anything but a click