HELP! :( House broken into!

[sapman75]

Hi Fellow members
Sorry its been a while since I have posted anything on the forum.
I emmigrated to suuny Perth Australia to start my new life and imported my 2003 2.5 Z4 with me.
Since arriving I have been giving a Ford Ranger Ute with work so the Z4 became a garage queen, well sat in a car port with a dust cover on it.
July last year I was broken into and they scumbags stole both sets of my car keys!
Luckily for me the battery was flat!
I immediately got home and got the vehicle towed to a secure lock up where it has been laid to rest ever since

Now this is where I need your help please.
What can I do to get my Z4 baby back in my life and on the road?
Where do I start with regards to getting Keys etc?
Do I have to get a complete new set, ECU reprogrammed / replaced?

I just don't know where to start, I'm hoping for your expert advice.

I'm gutted but need to get the Z back into my life.

Thanks for any advice given.

 

[srhutch]

As long as you have the correct documents then bmw will be able to make you a new key. Will be your cheapest option. There used to be a limit on the number they would provide, but hopefully that won’t be an issue.

 

[Rich8]

That wouldnt solve the problem of some toe-rags running about out there with a couple of sets of keys for the car.
That would worry me too much, and im guessing what is worrying the OP.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Locks change and new module isn't going to be cheap, why not do it through insurance?

 

[MACK]

Bmw can also deactivate the stolen keys so they don't work with the car. A good specialist/auto electrician can also do that for you.

 

[mjennings23]

Indeed, old keys can be deleted from the EWS module with the correct kit.

 

[Austin]

Indeed, old keys can be deleted from the EWS module with the correct kit.

This! I had the same thing happen to me, BMW can delete the stolen keys and issue you new ones as long as you can produce the V5. Unless you change the actual locks, the old keys would still allow them to use the stolen keys to open your doors, but not start the car. Official keys aren't cheap, but new locks are much more expensive. I think it was around £550 per lock, fitted with keys, which is just robbery all over again.

I hope you get it sorted

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Unless you change the locks that doesn't stop them getting in. Alarm will go off and it won't start but I'd still not be happy with that...

 

[Rufus59]

Yeah I had same happen to me, something unsettling knowing that someone can open car even if they can't drive off. Although I didn't get locks changed due to cost involved and suffered a steering lock as a compromise.

 

[IAmOrion]

I realise you say you're in Perth, Australia now so prices / availability maybe different... BUT.....

If this was me, first thing I would look for is a set of locks on eBay from breakers. So, Ignition Barrel, 2 x Door Locks and a Boot Lock. OF course you MUST make sure it has at the very least 1 key that works all locks so that you can get more cut.

Like this for example (although I believe this set is missing 1 x door barrel)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-2003-2009-2-5L-LOCKSET-IGNITION-BARREL-KEY-OUR-REF-SK863/182568362544

If you do some research into the EWS Module, depending on how tech savvy you are, you can re program the EWS Module using an AK90+ (about £30 ) - this is the one I ordered ages ago (...and works perfectly and I've used to code about 12 cars now)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-For-BMW-INPA-K-CAN-K-CAN-INPA-With-FT232RL-Chip-with-Switch-for-BMW/32799744696.html

You can also get blank keys including the remote and transponder for about £5 each (HU92 Blade) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QCONTROL-Car-Remote-Key-DIY-for-BMW-EWS-X3-X5-Z3-Z4-1-3-5-7/32831949066.html (I've used these myself too, they worked perfectly)

So if you don't mind a little DIY you can do so much cheaper than the dealers.

Also - with the AK90+ EWS Programmer you can DELETE old keys and add new keys, so you will be able to delete the stolen keys so they would no longer start the car. Also worth noting, when you re-program the remotes themselves (You do this in the car, without the need for any external or additional programmer) - this too will "delete" any old remotes from working any remote function.



Obviously, going the dealer route would be much easier, but that's also far more expensive

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I'm going to have to look into this key coding lark!

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm going to have to look into this key coding lark!

There is a place called BMkeys in East London that cut and code keys if you want it done for you. Their website doesn't seem to work for me, but there is a mobile number.

 

[Silverzedtom]

Sorry to read OP.

I’d consider going through insurance and getting new barrels and keys fitted by bmw if this is possible out there? A fair amount of time has passed so perhaps not so likely. I’d be reluctant to buy locks second hand as there is no guarantee there aren’t a ton of keys for them in the wrong hands.

I’d certainly get the other keys out of the equation by deleting but I couldn’t cope with knowing that some dodgy c_.! could use the key to open the door. That said someone could easily slash the roof open / smash a window.

If you want to forget about it forever it has to be brand new barrels and keys.

On the plus side you aren’t at any disadvantage compared to modern bmw’s

 

[IAmOrion]

There is a place called BMkeys in East London that cut and code keys if you want it done for you. Their website doesn't seem to work for me, but there is a mobile number.

I'll code keys for "what ever you can afford" aka beer money - I still haven't mastered cutting with the Defu (although I did cut my own fine) so stick to coding only - but then you can take coded keys to local key cutters and have them cut the blade after for £5 - £10. It's the coding that normally costs a fortune

I'm in Cambridge CB22 if anyone is interested

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I'm going to have to look into this key coding lark!

There is a place called BMkeys in East London that cut and code keys if you want it done for you. Their website doesn't seem to work for me, but there is a mobile number.

Been there but more interested in doing it myself

 

[IAmOrion]

Been there but more interested in doing it myself

Defu 368a key cutter & AK90+

It is actually pretty easy to code, a 5 - 10 min pain to get the EWS module out but still easy enough

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I'm considering something a bit more universal didn't realise it was so simple

 

[IAmOrion]

I'm considering something a bit more universal didn't realise it was so simple

Universal === expensive normally lol

Whilst it’s more equipment, ive found it far cheaper owing multiple gadgets.

I have A £75 Lexia tool for my dads 2x Shitroens (*Citroens :lol: ), I paid £25 for my AK90+, and paid £20 for an FNR 4in1 thing to do my dads renault camper.

The AK90+ being the more complicated, only because the other 2 work via OBD2 but I’ve not seen an OBD2 programmer for the Z4’s (that’s not to say they don’t exist - maybe they do but I suspect around a £2k+ Mark)

 

[sapman75]

Thanks for your help to date guys.

Some good insight.

Just to let you know that there is only one official BMW dealer in Perth! Worst than the criminals.

At the time they basically told me new keys and module and look to spend in the region of $2500 dollars basically 1400 pounds!

Very interested in looking down the route of replacement keys.

I reckon that the dumb c*nts have binned the keys by now as the car disappeared into a lock up on the same day and hasn't reappeared since. Some 10 months ago.

Currently planning on a garage being built at my property so wont be bringing it back home till then.

I still have the V5 document but with a section removed regarding exportation of the car, do you think I would have issues getting replacement keys on the back of this?

I like the idea of clearing out the codes for the previous keys and like someone mentioned its a soft top if they really wanted in they would.

Regarding insurance my fault I let it lapse due to not being driven for 3 months. House insurance didn't cover replacement keys in the event of theft either.

Hopefully I can get baby Z back up and running and post a decent picture of some of my coastal runs for the forum

 

[IAmOrion]

Thanks for your help to date guys.

Some good insight.

Just to let you know that there is only one official BMW dealer in Perth! Worst than the criminals.

At the time they basically told me new keys and module and look to spend in the region of $2500 dollars basically 1400 pounds!

Very interested in looking down the route of replacement keys.

I reckon that the dumb c*nts have binned the keys by now as the car disappeared into a lock up on the same day and hasn't reappeared since. Some 10 months ago.

Currently planning on a garage being built at my property so wont be bringing it back home till then.

I still have the V5 document but with a section removed regarding exportation of the car, do you think I would have issues getting replacement keys on the back of this?

I like the idea of clearing out the codes for the previous keys and like someone mentioned its a soft top if they really wanted in they would.

Regarding insurance my fault I let it lapse due to not being driven for 3 months. House insurance didn't cover replacement keys in the event of theft either.

Hopefully I can get baby Z back up and running and post a decent picture of some of my coastal runs for the forum

I could code a spare EWS Module (£10 on eBay) + 3 blank keys posted to you and you’d still save a fortune compared to dealers lol.

Let me know if this something you might want to do.

In the spirit of helping fellow members out - if you covered materials and postage I’d be happy to help.

Materials would be, for example, EWS Module (£10) + 3x UNCUT (blank) keys with remotes and transponders. (£6 per key, £18 for all 3) - so £30 materials + postage. The three keys would be coded to the ews module of course. Then just swap out the ews module (10min job) when you replace the locks + get the keys cut to match one supplied with second hand lock set.

Alternatively, just buy yourself an AK90+ from AliExpress and If you get stuck on how to do it you can always message me (this would be my suggestion, as the AK90+ is only about £25-£30 from AliExpress) and like I say, I’m happy to help guide you through recoding keys