Ignition key/FOB not working

[GNR1]

Hi All !!!

I bought this Z4 (2007 3.0i--64222 miles, southern USA car) knowing about these problems. Now I've got to fix or live with them.

I have had both key fobs tested by a lock smith, and they are emitting signals---he didn't know which signals.
Locksmith said may be a problem with ignition switch/ sensor behind rearview mirror.

Problem #1: Neither key will start the car. Previous owner did a workaround and set up a remote starter. Pretty basic. Both keys turn on accessories, but will not crank the starter. Key opens accessories, push remote, and starts on first try !

OK to run like this? Need programming ?

I have not tried to program yet.

Problem #2: Neither key fob works at all----but according to locksmith, both emitting signals, NOT dead.. Automatic rearview mirror does not work to deflect headlights behind me.
Could the sensor in the mirror be the problem ?

I have found an indie BMW Guru, but it will be 10-14 days before he can look at the Z. The snow may be flying by then (Southeastern Massachusetts, USA). and as the car has never been on salted roads (one reason I bought it), I would like to keep it that way.

Keeping my fingers crossed, that the forum has the WISDOM to help me solve these problems.

My much better half is being very understanding,,,,,,,,so far :roll: :roll:

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

GNR1

 

[colb]

Two distinct and separate functions inside the keys, one is a transponder chip inside that operates on its own without any power connected to it. The second function inside is a small printed circuit board that is powered by a rechargable battery also inside the fob. If original keys these are sealed and have to be cut open to access the workings. The cut blade of the key just allows the key to turn the locks if the blade cut matches the tumblers inside the lock barrels.
The transponder chip is read by the car when it is inserted in the ignition switch if the code held in the transponder matches what the car has in its EWS system and a second code called a rolling code that the car sent to the transponder the last time the key was used in the car matches then it will allow the car to crank and start. When switched off the rolling code will change and this is sent to the transponder chip for the next start to take place.
The central locking functions using the key fob buttons is all contained on the printed circuit board, this part of the key needs to be programmed to the car, each key has to be coded immediately after each other so they are all synced together. Here are the methods to code the keys for the central locking functions.
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.

 

[GNR1]

Thanks Colb.

Will try in the next couple of days.
Rainy weather now.

 

[GNR1]

Colb:
Now have 1 working FOB.
Almost had 2, but my reflexes weren't fast enough , or I was counting seconds too fast or too slow.

Will try Method #2 to get Key #2 programmed.

100% increase in working FOBs today. Life is good !!!

 

[Roberltd2]

Two distinct and separate functions inside the keys, one is a transponder chip inside that operates on its own without any power connected to it. The second function inside is a small printed circuit board that is powered by a rechargable battery also inside the fob. If original keys these are sealed and have to be cut open to access the workings. The cut blade of the key just allows the key to turn the locks if the blade cut matches the tumblers inside the lock barrels.
The transponder chip is read by the car when it is inserted in the ignition switch if the code held in the transponder matches what the car has in its EWS system and a second code called a rolling code that the car sent to the transponder the last time the key was used in the car matches then it will allow the car to crank and start. When switched off the rolling code will change and this is sent to the transponder chip for the next start to take place.
The central locking functions using the key fob buttons is all contained on the printed circuit board, this part of the key needs to be programmed to the car, each key has to be coded immediately after each other so they are all synced together. Here are the methods to code the keys for the central locking functions.
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.

Hi Col,
Is there any reason you can think of why a key should unlock ok but not lock and arm the alarm? That is what my second key has started doing tonight having worked ever since I reset it in the summer according to your instructions. I've been swapping the two sets of keys on a weekly basis to keep both charged up. Unusually tonight, I'd left something on the passenger seat and so opened that door rather than the driver's door after unlocking remotely. Whether that would have a bearing on anything I do not know, but after I shut the passenger door, the car would not lock using the key fob. I'll have another try with Method 1 perhaps after I've got home tonight.
Cheers
Robert.

 

[GNR1]

Colb:

Used Method #2 today successfully. 2 working FOBs !!!! Thank you, thank you !!!!!!

Is there a method to check the " The transponder chip is read by the car when it is inserted in the ignition switch if the code held in the transponder matches what the car has in its EWS system and a second code called a rolling code that the car sent to the transponder the last time the key was used in the car matches then it will allow the car to crank and start. "

Or is this where an auto locksmith should step in ?

Am I running risk of damage by running the remote start installed by the previous owner ?

Thanks, GNR1

 

[Roberltd2]

Update: key worked normally again when I got home. All good again

 

[colb]

GNR1 You should be able to view the key data in INPA or BMW Scanner 1.4 preety sure you can view the staus of the key used and if the rolling code was recognised in either software. I think the data is retrieved direct from the EWS module which controls the security settings that either allow the car to crank or not depending on the validity of the key being used. It will display the key number being used and if the codes matched what it was expecting to see.
The use of the remote starter button is unknown by me, I know others have this fitted but how its wired in is not something I have explored, no doubt someone who knows will chip in.
Glad the key sync finger dance sorted the fobs for you.

 

[colb]

Roberltd2 Don't know why the fob wouldn't lock the car after you unlocked the passenger door as you describe, would have thought it would do. Did you notice if the drivers door unlocked when you operated the fob to open the passenger door? Did you then go around to the drivers door, open it then close it before using the fob to lock and arm the alarm, if you did I take it the car locked and armed itself, judging by your latest post its all working again. Bit of a mystery to me why that happened.

 

[DashingDaryl]

Many "remote/push to start" systems still need to see a key to appease the car's security system. People get around this by taking out the transponder from a working key and gluing it near the ignition. A transponder looks like a little piece of plastic. My guess is you can't use your key to start the car because the car already sees another transponder.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you buy one of these programmers, you can read the info on the key. It should have the car's VIN # coded into the key. They cost about $25. If you are adventurous, you can take out your security module and program new keys into it.

Just google "amazon.com AK90+"

 

[Roberltd2]

The driver's door did unlock along with the passenger's I think, but I don't think I opened and closed it before I locked it manually with the key (without arming it). I later came back to get something from the car. It opened with the fob, I opened and closed the driver's door but still it would not lock and arm on the fob. It was only when I got in the car to go home that, sitting in the driver's seat, I pressed the roundel and the doors locked and the system armed. it's been ok so far today. A bit of a strange one. :?