Best Way to Get a Replacement Key?

[Davemtkd]

So I'm 6 weeks into ownership and slowly working through the things I want fixed/done to the car.

It only came with one key, and looks to be original. The remote function will open the boot, lock the car, but it won't unlock the car.

Car will unlock/lock using the central locking button in the car center console. So I'm hoping it's the key....

But need another key anyway.... So... Where and how?

I understand the official method is via a BMW dealer, who uses VIN no, and proof of ownership etc, then has one sent from Germany (expensive).

I've tried the other, a cheap copy from China (Aliexpress), and attempting to reprogram this key while inside the car, turn master key 5 times, press and hold open button while pressing lock button 3 times..... No luck. Didn't work. Also, the cheap copy buttons were very stiff.

Any thoughts or suggestions lads. I'm in New Zealand

 

[colb]

Programming the key involves much more than what you have been trying to do. There are two systems in the key, a printed circuit board for the central locking and a separate transponder chip that gets read by an aerial around the ignition barrel. Once read it speaks to the EWS module behind the right footwell panel and if the code is correct from the key unlocks the connection to the starter and allows the engine to crank and start. Usually cheaper to find a mobile auto locksmith to either sort your new key or supply, cut and programme a new key to your car.

 

[Andymgb]

I had the same issue. BMW dealer wanted £160 fo ra new key...I found a guy local to me who came out and provided a new key and programmed to the car on the drive way I believe it involved removal of a module under the dash and a couple of minutes with a soldering iron.£120 all in
G and T keys in Thanet did mine.

 

[GTwice]

If you just want to add one key, find some locksmith who can do that. If you want two or more, it's probably cheaper to get AK90 programmer from China and doing it yourself - if you're up to it.
It involves removing the EWS module from the car (easy, it's under the dash), connecting the module to the programmer (might require soldering a wire to the board, depending on EWS version - I did it on E46 years ago) and programming the keys. All in all, not that difficult

 

[davidmudley12]

If you just want to add one key, find some locksmith who can do that. If you want two or more, it's probably cheaper to get AK90 programmer from China and doing it yourself - if you're up to it.
It involves removing the EWS module from the car (easy, it's under the dash), connecting the module to the programmer (might require soldering a wire to the board, depending on EWS version - I did it on E46 years ago) and programming the keys. All in all, not that difficult

Is an AK90 programmer specific to a car make / model? Could it even be used with motorbikes that have immobiliser chips in them?

Thanks.

 

[colb]

I tried an AK90 key coding machine when I wanted a second key for my Z4, total disaster, couldn't get it to code a working cranking key despite loads of attempts. Ended up getting a mobile locksmith to code the ebay supplied key I had cut locally, he read the EWS coding from the EWS module by reading from its eeprom chip as opposed to the processer chip the AK90 used on the board. Even first attempt by him failed to get a cranking key, ended up coding it to a used slot that I didn't have the key for. Resulted in a cranking key. It was then a simple proceedure to sync both keys to the central locking using a specific sequence of placing the key in the ignition and pressing buttons on the fob. Instructions for central locking syncing as follows

BMW Z4 - Key Remote Programming

Three methods to try:

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.



Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.



Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

 

[davidmudley12]

Does it matter which hand you use to open the door or if you happen to blink during the process oke:

 

[GTwice]

If you just want to add one key, find some locksmith who can do that. If you want two or more, it's probably cheaper to get AK90 programmer from China and doing it yourself - if you're up to it.
It involves removing the EWS module from the car (easy, it's under the dash), connecting the module to the programmer (might require soldering a wire to the board, depending on EWS version - I did it on E46 years ago) and programming the keys. All in all, not that difficult

Is an AK90 programmer specific to a car make / model? Could it even be used with motorbikes that have immobiliser chips in them?

Thanks.

AK90 (I think the current version is AK90+) is specific to BMW's from 1990's to circa 2010 - those running up to EWS 4.
Had a quick search on the net, our Z4s use EWS4, for which you need to solder 5 small wires onto the EWS board (there are soldering points there). Then the software is pretty easy, the whole programming operation takes a couple minutes when you know what to do. I had good experience with that (on 2 or 3 different E46, the difference is that instead of soldering you use provided connector) but as you can read, others were not so lucky.

 

[Mr Tidy]

AK90 (I think the current version is AK90+) is specific to BMW's from 1990's to circa 2010 - those running up to EWS 4.
Had a quick search on the net, our Z4s use EWS4, for which you need to solder 5 small wires onto the EWS board (there are soldering points there).

Yes, when I got a new key cut for my previous E86 I remember the guy doing it had to solder some wires between the key coder and the EWS to get it working properly.

 

[inkey$]

Reading all of this and as somebody that also needs a second key - and I'm genuinely not trying to be sarcastic here btw - but for the few extra £s isn't it just easier to go to BMW?

 

[Rucky]

https://www.themasterlocksmith.com/product-category/vehicle-key-repairs/?product_view=list

 

[Penelope]

The below procedure will probably work out the most cost effective, reliable and hassle free in the long run with 100% guaranteed results and a Genuine key at the end of it...

Step 1 Take your original key, unlock the car. and climb inside
Step 2 Put key in ignition and turn to position 1, then 2 and then start it up.
Step 3 Put the car in 1st or Reverse dependent upon the way the car is facing on your driveway [if you have one]
Step 4 Pull out onto the street
Step 5 Drive down to your local BMW Franchise
Step 6 Go to their Parts Dept and Order a new Key.
Step 7 If you forgot to take your log book with you return home and repeat Steps 1 - 6

 

[davidmudley12]

The below procedure will probably work out the most cost effective, reliable and hassle free in the long run with 100% guaranteed results and a Genuine key at the end of it...

Step 1 Take your original key, unlock the car. and climb inside
Step 2 Put key in ignition and turn to position 1, then 2 and then start it up.
Step 3 Put the car in 1st or Reverse dependent upon the way the car is facing on your driveway [if you have one]
Step 4 Pull out onto the street
Step 5 Drive down to your local BMW Franchise
Step 6 Go to their Parts Dept and Order a new Key.
Step 7 If you forgot to take your log book with you return home and repeat Steps 1 - 6

Isn’t there an extra step in the process where you have to drop your trousers? :wink:

 

[GTwice]

Reading all of this and as somebody that also needs a second key - and I'm genuinely not trying to be sarcastic here btw - but for the few extra £s isn't it just easier to go to BMW?

Blank keys are ~£5, programmer about £20-25, then you just need to get the key cut - I'm guessing £10-20 tops. So the first key is £50 max, every subsequent - ~£20. How much are ready made keys? I'm guessing about £100 from an independent cutter, more like £200 from dealership. For some it might be worth it, for others not.
And programming the keys is really not that difficult.

 

[inkey$]

Reading all of this and as somebody that also needs a second key - and I'm genuinely not trying to be sarcastic here btw - but for the few extra £s isn't it just easier to go to BMW?

Blank keys are ~£5, programmer about £20-25, then you just need to get the key cut - I'm guessing £10-20 tops. So the first key is £50 max, every subsequent - ~£20. How much are ready made keys? I'm guessing about £100 from an independent cutter, more like £200 from dealership. For some it might be worth it, for others not.
And programming the keys is really not that difficult.

Agreed - and I get all of that, but reading the earlier posts it doesn't seem to be as plain sailing as it potentially could or should be.

 

[mr.tourette]

The below procedure will probably work out the most cost effective, reliable and hassle free in the long run with 100% guaranteed results and a Genuine key at the end of it...

Step 1 Take your original key, unlock the car. and climb inside
Step 2 Put key in ignition and turn to position 1, then 2 and then start it up.
Step 3 Put the car in 1st or Reverse dependent upon the way the car is facing on your driveway [if you have one]
Step 4 Pull out onto the street
Step 5 Drive down to your local BMW Franchise
Step 6 Go to their Parts Dept and Order a new Key.
Step 7 If you forgot to take your log book with you return home and repeat Steps 1 - 6

Isn’t there an extra step in the process where you have to drop your trousers? :wink:

Probably an extra two if you'd rather lube up

 

[blunderthumbs]

The below procedure will probably work out the most cost effective, reliable and hassle free in the long run with 100% guaranteed results and a Genuine key at the end of it...

Step 1 Take your original key, unlock the car. and climb inside
Step 2 Put key in ignition and turn to position 1, then 2 and then start it up.
Step 3 Put the car in 1st or Reverse dependent upon the way the car is facing on your driveway [if you have one]
Step 4 Pull out onto the street
Step 5 Drive down to your local BMW Franchise
Step 6 Go to their Parts Dept and Order a new Key.
Step 7 If you forgot to take your log book with you return home and repeat Steps 1 - 6

:happyclap:

 

[Davemtkd]

Lol lol. I love this FORUM. Thanks heaps for the replies lads.

I especially like the "Drive to a dealer" reply

I'm reasonable competent with DIY, computers etc and feel confident I could probably program a key.

Have also managed to source a guy within a few hours drive who charges to do it all, but his English is not great and its a fair guess its not an original key.

So my thoughts have crystallised towards the idea of initially getting at least one, really nice, working, original key. Hello BMW. Here's my 3 weeks of grocery money lol.

Cheers all

 

[raymond.harper]

Look in Facebook marketplace, there are a few mobile key programmers that offer this service.

 

[Penelope]

ZedShed does them for £90