Comfort access questions

BMW sell genuine new fobs and you can find none new genuine fobs on eBay and Aliexpress.
Now there is a lot of talk about the fobs on site like Aliexpress that are actually used fobs in new cases, and I'm told you cannot code these to another car (I can't confirm that though)
 
Pondrew said:
mcbutler said:
Do you have two key fobs ?
Their is a procedure for resynching the key with your car, usually used when comfort access works but key fob buttons do not, but worth a try if you like, it goes like this.
1. Insert the key into the 'key hole' on the dashboard
2. Start the car and wait around a minute
3. Remove the key
4. Cross your fingers and toes (not mandatory)
5. Try your comfort access.

Anyone with comfort access should do this fairly regularly. Over time the key-car link breaks down and you can get to the stage where your fob battery is low but the car will not report it and your key could get locked in the car...

Comfort access doesn't have a 'keyhole', though. It is keyless go. The fobs have proper batteries which need to be replaced when they wear out. The OP said he has already changed the battery.
So your car does not have a hole for the key in the dashboard then!!!!
 
mcbutler said:
So your car does not have a hole for the key in the dashboard then!!!!
The one with comfort access doesn't, no. But that's not the Z4. I was presuming (wrongly) that all BMs with comfort access were the same. Turns out the Z4 has 'semi-comfort access'. :D
 
AnubisZed said:
If you're not able to start without inserting it then I'd suggest one of the following....
1) Someone has changed to a non-Comfort Access fob!
2) Someone has changed the door handles.
3) Your Comfort Access is faulty - CA module gone wrong, receiver not picking up signal, etc

Could ve a good idea to have any fault codes read before doing anything else.

Ding! We have a winner! #1.

I got the car to Arizona, and drove over the the local BMW dealer. Told them my issue, and wanted to get a secondary key. They took a look at my fob, and determined it wasn't able to be programed for the easy access because it's an aftermarket key.

Buying a secondary key by itself isn't going to work. They said I need to replace a module that ties the fobs to the car. $1,500, and 6 hours labor to install! :headbang:
 
Follow up: I contacted Bimmer Tech, and they assured me they assured me that they can sell and program a fob for me. I ordered on, but it may take a while to get it. I have my fingers crossed....
 
OK. Got the new fob, and was online this morning with Bimmer tech to code the fob to the car. The tech guy said everything went well, and told me the original key was activated and should work, too. But the CA still does not work. Neither the doors not the keyless start. He said there must be something wrong with something else in the system, and said to troubleshoot the antenna. I've done some searching, but cannot find out much info on how to do this. I've found other threads with systems other than the E89, but nothing specific for my model.

Can anyone help direct me to something helpful? TIA
 
pesticidal said:
OK. Got the new fob, and was online this morning with Bimmer tech to code the fob to the car. The tech guy said everything went well, and told me the original key was activated and should work, too. But the CA still does not work. Neither the doors not the keyless start. He said there must be something wrong with something else in the system, and said to troubleshoot the antenna. I've done some searching, but cannot find out much info on how to do this. I've found other threads with systems other than the E89, but nothing specific for my model.

Can anyone help direct me to something helpful? TIA

https://youtu.be/pO6MNo6djtc

Give this a watch, the last tip shows how to factory reset the car to it’s original settings.

Probably the best place to start with these sorts of things.

Downside is that you may lose the coding on the new key, can’t be sure on that, your original would still work though.
 
[/quote]

https://youtu.be/pO6MNo6djtc

Give this a watch, the last tip shows how to factory reset the car to it’s original settings.

Probably the best place to start with these sorts of things.

Downside is that you may lose the coding on the new key, can’t be sure on that, your original would still work though.
[/quote]

Wow. If it does the same as disconnecting the battery, it seems easier to disconnect the battery, lol
 
pesticidal said:
OK. Got the new fob, and was online this morning with Bimmer tech to code the fob to the car. The tech guy said everything went well, and told me the original key was activated and should work, too. But the CA still does not work. Neither the doors not the keyless start. He said there must be something wrong with something else in the system, and said to troubleshoot the antenna. I've done some searching, but cannot find out much info on how to do this. I've found other threads with systems other than the E89, but nothing specific for my model.

Can anyone help direct me to something helpful? TIA

You need to access the BMW neeTIS system..it’s all covered in there in detail…ask a current member for an invite/// :thumbsup:
 

https://youtu.be/pO6MNo6djtc

Give this a watch, the last tip shows how to factory reset the car to it’s original settings.

Probably the best place to start with these sorts of things.

Downside is that you may lose the coding on the new key, can’t be sure on that, your original would still work though.
[/quote]

Wow. If it does the same as disconnecting the battery, it seems easier to disconnect the battery, lol
[/quote]

Yeah, possibly. I would imagine a reset may have a different effect, depends on the car, and how long the battery is disconnected for.

If you are troubleshooting electronic issues, knowing a reset is done gives you a jumping off point before trying other things.

Best of luck with it!
 
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