BMW z4 key not working tried everything

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Hi,

List of things already tried

Replacement GM5 module
Brand new bmw key
Wiring between at driver side door loom inspected.
Key coded

Now here is the interesting part. After the GM5 was replaced and the key coded. The key work when the door was open and didn't when the door was shut/nearly shut if that makes sense.

Note: The central locking button does not work either.

PLEASE please please help me.

I have been explained that there is a receiver for the key in the rear view mirror or is is somewhere else? The exact model of my car is in my name.

It's depressing trying to figure this out. Hopefully you can.

 

[G600]

Doesn't work as in locking/unlocking or starting the car?
If it's locking have you replaced the door switch? Maybe it thinks the doors are open so won't lock, does the interior light go off when you shut the door?

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Hey. It doesn't work as in locking and unlocking the car with key. The interior light does go off yes. Sometimes it doesn't tho but rarely.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

What is the door switch?

 

[Mike6]

How old is the cars battery. A failing battery can make the car do all sorts of odd things. Also have you checked for any fault codes.

 

[colb]

There are two distinct systems inside your key, one is the central locking circuit board that opens or locks the car with the buttons on the key. The signal that is sent from the key is picked up by the sensor indide the rear view mirror which in turn signals the GM5 module to unlock/lock the doors.
The second system inside the key is a small transponder chip that contains the cars identity and key code. When the key is insertted in the ignition swith it passes through and close to the circular ring around the key slot, this ring is an aeriel that reads the transponder chip inside the key. If the coding on the chip matches what the engine management module expects to see it will signal the EWS module to release the starter motor and allow the car to crank and start.

The final part of the key is of course the shape cut into the blade, this if its correct will manually turn in the door lock and ignition key slots.

 

[colb]

Just seen your later reply, so its just not unlocking/locking with the buttons on the key, sound like its lost its sync with the car. You can try three methods of syncing keys but be aware that after syning the first key you have to immediately carry out syncing all other keys you have one after another so they all work. Here are the methods for syncing keys
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.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Hi thank you for your responses. Colb i really especially appreciate your efforts to help. You know your stuff. The key is definitely coded. I know this because it worked two weeks ago when the door was open then but didn't when it was nearly shut. Now it doesn't work at all. Could it be the rear view mirror? How can i tell if it is or not. Also problem with trying to code the key is doing those steps now be impossible since I've had the key coded to unlock the softtop from key. So if i hold unlock for any length of time the softtop starts retracting ahah I don't know if that kind affects things.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

I really need your help now. I just tried those methods and now the key doesn't work at all. Doesn't open the soft top. Doesn't open the boot. Doesn't even flash the light on at rear view mirror. Did i just re set the key or something.

 

[colb]

Persevere with Method 2 or 3 follow the instructions to the letter quite often it takes a few times for the sequence to work to get both keys coded for the unlocking/locking to set.
If you have access to INPA diagnostics or another good code reader you should be able to access the central locking module and check each of the locking actuators to make sure they are working. Batteries in the key also need to be charged so they operate the locking part of the key fob. If they are original keys that are sealed put them on a electric toothbrush charger overnight to charge them up, it sounds daft but it charges the batteries as long as the batteries are still good enough to take and retain the charge. If in at all doubtful of the ability of the batteries to retain a charge then may be time to have them replaced. There are people who will refurbish these keys, London area try a web search for BMW keys.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Ok so just to repeat. There is nothing wrong with the key. The key could operate the boot. The softtop. The rear view mirror light even comes on. Your idea of coding the key has completely wiped my key useless from doing anything now. Can you please explain what i may have done and why it doesn't work at all now after trying this code to car thing. Also if i was receiving i an interior light switch on does that mean the receiver is working? I think its a wiring issue in the drivers door card

 

[Haro]

Was the gm5 coded to the car when fitted? If not you are wasting your time.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Was the gm5 coded to the car when fitted? If not you are wasting your time.

Yes i believe it was coded hence why the boot and softtop works from the fob before whatever i just did last night

 

[enuff_zed]

Just reading back to try to understand further: you say the central locking button doesn't work either?
If that is the case, why has focus fallen on the key? That button is separate and I would think it therefore points to something other than a key issue? GM5? Wiring? Was the GM5 replaced because you had the problem or did it appear after that?

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Just reading back to try to understand further: you say the central locking button doesn't work either?
If that is the case, why has focus fallen on the key? That button is separate and I would think it therefore points to something other than a key issue? GM5? Wiring? Was the GM5 replaced because you had the problem or did it appear after that?

Hi thanks enuff zed. It wouldn't work so took it to have the module replaced. However after replacement the Centre locking button still not working nor the key. The mechanic asked if i had another key to which i said yes. A brand new key. He then tried to code to car through think he actually turned car on and pulled out and done the clicks on fob and suddenly the door locked and unlocked. Now for the weird part as we bring the door close to the closing it works untill right before you close the door and it doesn't work. After this i tried few days later and even that didn't work anymore with door open. Now yesterday which please if someone could explain i was trying to code that same key to car as i was told this might be the problem. My key now no longer works for anything. Thats the roof the boot

 

[enuff_zed]

Just reading back to try to understand further: you say the central locking button doesn't work either?
If that is the case, why has focus fallen on the key? That button is separate and I would think it therefore points to something other than a key issue? GM5? Wiring? Was the GM5 replaced because you had the problem or did it appear after that?

Hi thanks enuff zed. It wouldn't work so took it to have the module replaced. However after replacement the Centre locking button still not working nor the key. The mechanic asked if i had another key to which i said yes. A brand new key. He then tried to code to car through think he actually turned car on and pulled out and done the clicks on fob and suddenly the door locked and unlocked. Now for the weird part as we bring the door close to the closing it works untill right before you close the door and it doesn't work. After this i tried few days later and even that didn't work anymore with door open. Now yesterday which please if someone could explain i was trying to code that same key to car as i was told this might be the problem. My key now no longer works for anything. Thats the roof the boot

Right ok then.
It seems the issue is a little clearer now. Please don't read this as a criticism but your title may have misled people a little?
I am no expert with this, so wouldn't try to diagnose for you, however, now we understand that the central locking button wasn't working either before you started replacing stuff, maybe someone like [ref]colb[/ref] may be able to help further.

I would just add that no-one on this forum would intentionally make things worse for you and it is unfortunate that you are now worse off than you were before the suggestions started coming in.
Fingers crossed, with the added understanding, hopefully you can get more help.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Just reading back to try to understand further: you say the central locking button doesn't work either?
If that is the case, why has focus fallen on the key? That button is separate and I would think it therefore points to something other than a key issue? GM5? Wiring? Was the GM5 replaced because you had the problem or did it appear after that?

Hi thanks enuff zed. It wouldn't work so took it to have the module replaced. However after replacement the Centre locking button still not working nor the key. The mechanic asked if i had another key to which i said yes. A brand new key. He then tried to code to car through think he actually turned car on and pulled out and done the clicks on fob and suddenly the door locked and unlocked. Now for the weird part as we bring the door close to the closing it works untill right before you close the door and it doesn't work. After this i tried few days later and even that didn't work anymore with door open. Now yesterday which please if someone could explain i was trying to code that same key to car as i was told this might be the problem. My key now no longer works for anything. Thats the roof the boot

Right ok then.
It seems the issue is a little clearer now. Please don't read this as a criticism but your title may have misled people a little?
I am no expert with this, so wouldn't try to diagnose for you, however, now we understand that the central locking button wasn't working either before you started replacing stuff, maybe someone like [ref]colb[/ref] may be able to help further.

I would just add that no-one on this forum would intentionally make things worse for you and it is unfortunate that you are now worse off than you were before the suggestions started coming in.
Fingers crossed, with the added understanding, hopefully you can get more help.

Ohh no ofcourse in no way was i thinking it was anyone's fault i understand colb was just trying to help and he put alot of effort into doing so. Sorry if it seemed different. Thats what text is like. I'm just quite sad now tbh. Having the top go down was the last good thing about the key and now that's gone too. Just lost.

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi thanks enuff zed. It wouldn't work so took it to have the module replaced. However after replacement the Centre locking button still not working nor the key. The mechanic asked if i had another key to which i said yes. A brand new key. He then tried to code to car through think he actually turned car on and pulled out and done the clicks on fob and suddenly the door locked and unlocked. Now for the weird part as we bring the door close to the closing it works untill right before you close the door and it doesn't work. After this i tried few days later and even that didn't work anymore with door open. Now yesterday which please if someone could explain i was trying to code that same key to car as i was told this might be the problem. My key now no longer works for anything. Thats the roof the boot

Right ok then.
It seems the issue is a little clearer now. Please don't read this as a criticism but your title may have misled people a little?
I am no expert with this, so wouldn't try to diagnose for you, however, now we understand that the central locking button wasn't working either before you started replacing stuff, maybe someone like [ref]colb[/ref] may be able to help further.

I would just add that no-one on this forum would intentionally make things worse for you and it is unfortunate that you are now worse off than you were before the suggestions started coming in.
Fingers crossed, with the added understanding, hopefully you can get more help.

Ohh no ofcourse in no way was i thinking it was anyone's fault i understand colb was just trying to help and he put alot of effort into doing so. Sorry if it seemed different. Thats what text is like. I'm just quite sad now tbh. Having the top go down was the last good thing about the key and now that's gone too. Just lost.

Keep the faith. All will come good in the end I'm sure.

 

[BMW Z4 2.5I SE 2004]

Hey, enuff_zed brilliant name might i say ahahah do you know any z4 experts on forum i could ask or you could tag in? I dont know if colb will be back on this chat.

 

[enuff_zed]

Hey, enuff_zed brilliant name might i say ahahah do you know any z4 experts on forum i could ask or you could tag in? I dont know if colb will be back on this chat.

I did tag ref]colb[/ref], on my previous post, so he should get notified.
For future reference, if you right click on the person's name on their previous post in this thread it gives you an option to 'refer by username'. do that and they'll be notified.