Relative newbie to Z3's but learning all the time. What is a ak 90 reprogrammer? Do you you use it to make duplicate keys? Thanks.

 

Ak90

Yes, that is the plan, if it works.

 

Paul-I don't know how much a dealer buy you charges, but I had a duplicate key made by the dealer a few months ago. I only paid $65. They had to order it for me and required proof of ownership for car. Took 3-4 days but felt price was fair. I don't know what the programmer device costs but it seems like a lot of work.

 

Duplicate key price

$65 for a duplicate key (Blanks available on the internet for about $6-$10) is, in my humble opinion, OUTRAGIOUS!! Most locksmiths charge at most a few dollars to duplicate a key. Where the hell does a BMW dealer come off charging $55 to duplicate a key? The AK90+ will cost me about what the BMW dealer wanted to charge me for one key. I have 2 - Z3's and only one key for each so the programmer will save me $50-$60 right off the bat. And I'll probably get requests to use it by others, so I will be able to recoup my investment.

 

$65 for a duplicate key (Blanks available on the internet for about $6-$10) is, in my humble opinion, OUTRAGIOUS!! ...

The Z3 I bought from a BMW dealer in 2012 only had one key, so he ordered me a duplicate key free. It took a week, and is not a flat blank. It has a plastic base with an LED light, and a chip that has to be mated to the car's computer.

... I work for a dental school and I tried to duplicate the key myself... Using the most precise duplicating materials and casting the key still was out of tolerance. Using a micrometer the differences I measured were only a couple thousands of an inch which was to much tolerance for the key to work.

No doubt the key turned in the ignition, but with no chip, nothing happened.

 

Points well taken. As someone used to having dealer do all work on my cars as they have always been bought new to buying a 14 year old car that is prohibitively expensive to go that route now has been an eye opener. Try to due the small things myself and found a indy BMW shop to do the larger things.

 

Have fun



Like what is there you can't do yourself? Owning a car is a unique learning experience that will offer you an interesting entry into mechanics and many other disciplines. It only requires a little reading and help from your friends to gain the upper hand on those who would take advantage of ignorance. I am 75 and my current involvement, in addition to rehabbing my two Z3's, is rehabbing a 1987 Ford F350 Rollback. In addition to oil & filter change, I replaced a 10' hydraulic hose, repaired the bed movement controls, replaced glow plugs & controller, replaced and rewired the entire dash gauge cluster. And I will be replacing the lower ball joints in a couple weeks. On my way this morning to replace "Y" pipe or crossover pipe. This is my first ever diesel. I say have some fun with it!

 

Photos

Check my profile for photos.

 

I checked with numerous locksmiths in the New Orleans area and they said that they can't duplicate BMW keys due to the nature how they are cut. They said duplicating the BMW key requires a special machine. So I had to go to the dealer here and they said they are only two locations in the USA that can duplicate the key, both are BMW. So they sent them my VIN number and within 5 days I had a duplicate key for around $65.

I work for a dental school and I tried to duplicate the key myself using the same process as making dental crowns, (lost wax method). Using the most precise duplicating materials and casting the key still was out of tolerance. Using a micrometer the differences I measured were only a couple thousands of an inch which was to much tolerance for the key to work.

 

I checked with numerous locksmiths in the New Orleans area and they said that they can't duplicate BMW keys due to the nature how they are cut. They said duplicating the BMW key requires a special machine. So I had to go to the dealer here and they said they are only two locations in the USA that can duplicate the key, both are BMW. So they sent them my VIN number and within 5 days I had a duplicate key for around $65.

I work for a dental school and I tried to duplicate the key myself using the same process as making dental crowns, (lost wax method). Using the most precise duplicating materials and casting the key still was out of tolerance. Using a micrometer the differences I measured were only a couple thousands of an inch which was to much tolerance for the key to work.

Interesting, of all the members here, you're the first who has responded with an experience with duplicating keys. Your second paragraph is interesting. What do you mean "for the key to work"? Do you believe that the locking mechanism in your steering column is capable of differentiating between two keys based on 2 or 3 1000's of an inch? Was your key able to turn in the lock? Turn yes but not start? The BMW key is a 'chip' key, no chipee no workee. I seriously doubt that the cutting of the key is that critical. The programming of the key and the EWS module is critical! The car has to be informed of the key's existence and properly recorded in its memory for it to work. Did you do any of this with your key, was it a 'chip' key? I found locksmiths who could cut the key but they readily admitted they could not program it, that I would have to take it to a dealer. As someone who worked in electronics and designing and programming of computers including the Trident II missile system, let me assure you that you only need to determine the process and anybody can do it.

 

The only reason I wanted it is the original key was locked inside the car, (alarm system automatically locks car if enabled).

The key I tried to duplicate was just to open the doors, it wasn't chipped. It would fit in the lock but would not turn completely nor unlock the doors or trunk. The only thing I am say is that the mechanical difference are fairly close for the key to operate the door locks or trunk.

Comparing the original BMW key and the duplicate key I cast you can not discern any differences even with loupes. Measuring with a mic, there were slight variation which made this duplicate key non functioning. BTW, my undergrad degree was in electronics.

 

Was the original locked in the car when you were attempting to unlock doors/trunk with your duplicate? If so, you were screwed. The system is designed to prevent that.

 

Sorry about the typo. I wanted a spare just in case the original BMW key gets locked inside by accident. My alarm system if set on will automatically lock the doors once I exit the car. And if I happen to leave the keys in it, I am screwed without another key. I just wanted the key to open the door whereas I can retrieve the original key.

 

same answer

Once locked, I believe you need a 'chipped" master to unlock.

 

Paul,

An unchipped key will unlock the doors and trunk (ie valet key.)

 

I am new to BMW - just got a 2003 325 CI convertible, theft recovery. Been struggling with key and EWS problems for weeks. Just discovered the AK 90 and from what I see, it looks like the perfect solution to most key problems. It can read the EWS microcode and with this information properly encode the transponder in the key. There is a lot of monkey business that goes on in this transponder/ews communication for normal car operation. This will clear all these hurdles.

I'm in Red Oak, TX & cannot find a local locksmith with the tools to cut the key blade but I'm sure I will find one in Dallas. This means that the ebay keys are a bargain, if you anticipate doing more than 1 or 2. The AK 90 is about $80.00 and the keys are about $20.00, locksmith ?.

I have 9 cars but I am so impressed with this little BMW that I expect to use this AK 90 many times in the future. I repaired the large line printers for many years & they had a similar micro code system. I used a device like the AK 90 to repair these microprocessors so I trust their quality & reliability.

I ordered my AK 90 and keys today.

 

I am new to BMW - just got a 2003 325 CI convertible, theft recovery. Been struggling with key and EWS problems for weeks. Just discovered the AK 90 and from what I see, it looks like the perfect solution to most key problems. It can read the EWS microcode and with this information properly encode the transponder in the key. There is a lot of monkey business that goes on in this transponder/ews communication for normal car operation. This will clear all these hurdles.

I'm in Red Oak, TX & cannot find a local locksmith with the tools to cut the key blade but I'm sure I will find one in Dallas. This means that the ebay keys are a bargain, if you anticipate doing more than 1 or 2. The AK 90 is about $80.00 and the keys are about $20.00, locksmith ?.

I have 9 cars but I am so impressed with this little BMW that I expect to use this AK 90 many times in the future. I repaired the large line printers for many years & they had a similar micro code system. I used a device like the AK 90 to repair these microprocessors so I trust their quality & reliability.

I ordered my AK 90 and keys today.

Too bad you're so far away, we could collaborate. I am fixin to order a small table-top milling machine to cut the keys. I already have the AK90 and it works like a charm.

 

Strange how you have so much trouble finding someone to cut the keys over there. I went to a local place that just cuts keys and fixes shoes. Other people I know have had keys cut just by sending a photo of their original key. I guess we're lucky in the UK in that respect.

i have had a few key cut and never had any issue opening doors or even turning the ignition. I was even able to start the car by holding an original key next to the ignition lock while i started with a new one. Clearly there are 3 components to the 'system'. The key addressing the mechanical security, the transponder electronically locking the ignition/DME and the keyless entry. i have solutions for the key and keyless entry so I will be interested to see how you get on wit the AK 90.

 

Paul, Yes, it would be great to have someone with the same interests close by.

To my Bud in the UK - you are correct about the three components of the system. There is so much mis information out there. I had a counter man for a major parts house insist that the key blade contained vin info and could only cut by a dealer. Clearly he confused the transponder functions with the mechanical ones. He would not be deterred.

I should have my AK 90 & spare keys in a few days - I can hardly wait.

 

Paul, Yes, it would be great to have someone with the same interests close by.

To my Bud in the UK - you are correct about the three components of the system. There is so much mis information out there. I had a counter man for a major parts house insist that the key blade contained vin info and could only cut by a dealer. Clearly he confused the transponder functions with the mechanical ones. He would not be deterred.

I should have my AK 90 & spare keys in a few days - I can hardly wait.

Did you find and copy the user instructions for the AK90+? You obviously do not want to make your situation any worse so follow the instructions carefully after reading them all the way through before you start.

 

Sorry about your misfortune. I have not received the ak 90 yet but will get all instructions before I use it.

The dimming lights in your case is disturbing - smells like more than a programming problem.

I read a little about the rolling code table maintained by the EWS - it seems to me that one could eassily honk up the key number and/or the next expected code so as to make the EWS shut everything down. I will look into it in more detail tonight. Did you try to reprogram your working key? Maybe something to look at. - how to resync key and EWS tables.

 

I assume by "easily honk up" you mean mess up. Correct? I don't think I did and new key appeared on the EWS key list. I don't believe I messed up the original key and have not tried reprogramming it. I did restore the EWS memory from the file I had earlier saved.

On a low voltage theory, I charged the battery overnight and all the symptoms of the other day are gone. Two days of code reading and parts swapping evidently took a toll on the battery, resulting in some odd behavior which is now gone.

I am now assuming that the EWS is doing its thing. Could I have done something (other than the key thing) that has EWS upset? A quick peek at the attached pic will show a car that I have pretty much tore into to find my airbag light problem.

Might I have disturbed something that EWS is looking at? I know about the anti-theft radio switch and it appears to be disabled by removing the connector. True? What else is EWS watching? A review of Bentley's wiring diagrams shows the radio anti-theft switch in parallel with hood open switch.

I had a brain fart. New acquaintance asked if I looked for EWS codes. NOOOOO did now and guess what, fault code 42, key #5 (original key)incorrect random code and in DME code 80, EWS transmission parity. they are out of sync.

OK more to come as more is learned. New acquaintance has said he will help me and he seems very knowledgeable, used to work for BMW.

 

Paul. It sounds like you have a handle on your problem. My comment about honking up the key/ews relationship was not referring to your problem in particular but the risk of doing this in general. Your key/ews mismatch is exacatly what I meant. Do you know how this happened? It would be helpful in avoiding this pitfall if you would share the circumstances. I just bought a parts car this morning. I look forward to playing with all this soon. You are posting some valuable information - keep it up.

 

EWS more



I will and I also placed a new thread pointing to this one for anyone interested in EWS trials.

In searching around the internet, I discovered an interesting file on BMW EWS. It is 25 pages of info. You can find it at https://www.dropbox.com/s/iv0y0n4w4yj6enx/BMW_EWS.pdf?dl=0. Enjoy.

This situation would be a lot less stressful if I had schematics of these modules and sensors. I could figure them out and perhaps even find a way to bypass, but BMW is not about to release that detailed information. And trying to troubleshoot with all these "active black boxes" is very difficult at best.

Fear not we will succeed!

 

Doing EWS-DME sync

Got the software up and running, got the procedure to do the sync and bravely gave it a go. Eureka everything is back to normal. Car starts fine. On reflection, I have concluded that I was the cause of my no-start condition. While the EWS unit was out of the car, I continued to work on other aspects of my overall repair project. I am sure that I inserted the key into the ignition switch, possibly multiple times and turning it on in order to move the seat on its rails. This would initiate the 'rolling code' sequence in the DME and with no EWS in the car to respond, they would immediately be out of sync. So lesson learned=== If you disconnect battery to remove EWS for key programming or whatever, DO NOT reconnect battery until EWS is back in the car. To go one step further, if you remove the battery for any reason, do not reconnect until the reason for removal has been fully reversed.

 

Bought a blank key on eBay and had a local locksmith duplicate the original that came with my '00 Z. Went home, popped open the original and transferred transponder into the new one. Success!!

 

If locksmith can make a duplicate of BMW then i will ask locksmith nj to make a duplicate key for me.