Diamond Shape Key Makeover

I'm seriously considering just bedazzling my key!! hahahaha. I still want to get a new one first. You think I could bedazzle a BMW roundel in the center of the key... or will I not have enough room? Those 24k plastic diamonds look big!

Originally Posted by CoreyMNK

hahahahaha I'm seriously going to do this to my old key! I'll post a pic when I do

Another question, what do you guys think of the mini cooper key: http://redjar.org/jared/blog/wp-cont...key_remote.jpg

I bet that would work too since it's made by BMW

Can you post this again as the link isn't working. I haven't heard anyone using mini keys.

Originally Posted by CoreyMNK

Those 24k plastic diamonds look big!

And tacky!

Originally Posted by bluebee

And tacky!

Is that the reason she rejected my proposal??

mw

For those who want to "upgrade" the old "square" key to work in a "diamond" key, here is a new DIY:
- DIY - easy way to make a brand new diamond key work in your older car (96-00)

You have to move the old plastic transponder and the old 3volt CR2016 button battery to the new key.

I'm not sure why, but the OP in that DIY also removed the inductive coil.

Personally, I don't see how it could be 'charging' the battery because it's being used in an older 1996 to 2000 E39 which presumably doesn't even have inductive charging.
And, even if it did, it would be a 'trickle' charge.

If you know more about those questions (which confuse me), see the thread listed above.

For the record, today we got a good answer to the question opened prior:
- Is there a "transponder" underneath the copper wire in the diamond key inductive coil

Thanks Blue for the follow up! I'm sorry I haven't taken this project on yet, my E39 is currently my 3rd car- not my D.D. any more- so I haven't been paying too much attention to it. It's currently sitting in my drive way with a cover on it

Today, Saint Q posted nice information about charging a the key (i.e., how long it will stay charged in a drawer, key lifetime expectations, etc.) over here:
- E39 (1997 - 2003) > Key Loosing Programming

Originally Posted by QSilver7

The new style (diamond shaped) keys are sealed. The only way you CAN open it is to break the seal. Again, this is an old subject and you can find DIYs on all the fourms and even YouTube and Google for instructions on how to replace the rechargeable battery in a BMW remote key. The e34/e39/e38/e53/Z3 all use the same type of remote key (basically any BMW model built from 9/99-up to the around 2003 (before the even newer style BMW keys debuted).

Here's some info that may help you understand a bit more about the type of BMW key you have and how to charge the battery:

HINT: KL R = ignition position 1

QSilver7, over here today, shows how to INACTIVATE a stolen key situation!
- Erasing old keys from locking control module

Originally Posted by QSilver7

With the ignition in position 1 (won't work in any other position)...press the BC button & you should see the word CODE appear on the far right of the MID (or look for it on your Nav monitor):

(MID with CODE feature in display)

(Nav screen with CODE feature in display)

Cliff notes for MID activation of CODE feature:

• Press the SET button and you'll can enter any number of your choosing from 0000-9999 (you MUST remember this number if you want to be able to restart your car)
• Once the number is entered...press the SET button again and turn the ignition OFF.
• The only way the car will start (even with a working key) is that the same number you coded in must be re-entered...you will be prompted to enter this number when you turn the ignition on.
• IF anyone tries to start the car without entering the CODE...after the 3rd attempt, the horn, lights, and alarm siren will sound & go off...and the car will NOT start until the correct CODE is entered.

I would use this feature until you are able to "bar" the key that was lost. You also should reinitialize any remote key you have now...and also when you get your NEW remote key...this will prevent the old key from being able to unlock the car remotely.

Below are the instructions on how to reinitialize the remote keys. This is ONLY for the FZV & DWA features of the key (keyless entry & alarm siren system). The EWS transponder must be "barred" by the dealer using GT-1/DIS/MoDiC equipment:

Originally Posted by Mack

I went to the dealer and got a new one for $150.

After market replacement keys can be had from here for a cheaper price... Only got one key when I brought my beemer, so planning on getting one of these as a second key.

http://www.wholesalecarkeys.com/productshow.asp?id=9001

Do they program it for you too, or when you get the key you have to program it yourself?

Sent from my PC36100 using Bimmer

Originally Posted by BMito

Do they program it for you too, or when you get the key you have to program it yourself?

Sent from my PC36100 using Bimmer

They don't program it, nor do they cut it for you

Nice video of a diamond key battery replacement procedure:

For the record, this site seems to be repairing keys, and sourcing and replacing the diamond key battery (as posted in this thread today):
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Has anyone sent their key in for repair?

Here is an update:

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See also:
- How to replace the old-style BMW E39 square key battery (1) (2) & how to replace the rubber key pads in the old style square keys (1) (2) & where to send your bmw diamond key for repair (1) (2) & what battery to use in the diamond key (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & square key to diamond key makeover and transponder retrofit (1) (2) & how to recharge your key out of your BMW and how long a BMW key will last in the drawer before it needs that off-the-car recharging (1) & converting the old-style square key to the newer diamond shaped key (1) & the details on swapping the BMW diamond key transponder (1) & what else can go wrong with your diamond key other than the battery (1) (2) (3) & proper diamond key initializing or programming (1) (2) (3) (4) & what to do if your key is locked inside your bimmer (1) & a description of the various types of BMW Remote, Illuminated, Spare/Wallet, & Valet/Service keys (1) (2) & a list of diamond key EWS, FZV, & DWA functions (1) (2) & all about the 10-key limit to programming your own keys at home (1) & a description of the ignition key ISN (individual serial number) ten-second rule (1) & what to do if you lost your only diamond key (1) or what to do if your BMW key was stolen (1)