Keys!!

[darich]

Hey all

I have a 2007 E86 and at some in the past one of the keys has been replaced with a more modern flick out style key. The other one is the standard diamond shaped one. Both keys work perfectly well in the car but I'd kinda like a couple of the diamond shaped ones which are more age appropriate.

I've seen uncut keys on ebay for as little as £14. Are these easily programmed using my car and working keys and getting the blade cut? Is it really that simple or is it more expensive and more involved?

 

[Gebbly]

I'm not sure about creating the keys yourself but I think I have read elsewhere on this forum that it is possible to request a new key from a BMW dealership programmed and ready to go as BMW proper keep several copies of keys. Although I think the cost was over £100

[As an aside is there any chance of some details of the flip out key? I quite like the idea of a flip out key.]

 

[darich]

Thanks.
I was hoping to avoid main dealer because I know they'll cost a fortune.
I've seen procedures like ignition on then off then pressing buttons etc to code the key to the car. Hoping I can do something like that.

I've attached a photo of both keys I have. I've no details on where the flip out one was purchased...I got it with the car.

 

[Gebbly]

Well now I really have to follow this thread as I like the idea of having one of those flip keys. I dont know if it is possible to open a flip key to change the battery but apparently the original keys are factory sealed and can only be opened to change the battery by cutting them open. This is because inside there is a tiny coil that will charge the key battery every time it is in the ignition with the engine running. This also means (as explained in the manual) that we are advised to use both keys in the car at different times so they can both stay charged.

 

[darich]

I knew about the charging of the battery...I was told that by BMW way back when I had my first z4, a Mk1 E85.
The flip out one can be opened and the battery changed. I guess, on consideration, I'd be happy with both keys being flip out - at least that way I can change the battery and both are the same.

 

[Gebbly]

I dont know how the battery in the flip-key works but if it is easy to open then perhaps the flip-key doesnt recharge when in the ignition and has to be replaced when flat? Whereas I think I saw the old key battery was supposed to be good for many months without a charge so with charge should last the life of the car.

 

[Mr Tidy]

My previous Z4 didn't have a spare key when I bought it so I had a flip-style one cut and coded by an ex-forum member in Cheshire we don't mention any more.

The battery in it didn't charge when in use, but was really easy to change so I didn't mind!

 

[BumpyZ4]

perhaps the flip-key doesnt recharge when in the ignition and has to be replaced when flat?

Correct, the aftermarket flip keys aren't rechargeable. When the battery dies you have to replace the battery.

 

[BumpyZ4]

I've seen uncut keys on ebay for as little as £14. Are these easily programmed using my car and working keys and getting the blade cut? Is it really that simple or is it more expensive and more involved?

You have to have a locksmith "cut" the key blade and have him program it to the car or if you have an AK90 (cheap key programmer on eBay) you can program it yourself.

 

[darich]

I've seen uncut keys on ebay for as little as £14. Are these easily programmed using my car and working keys and getting the blade cut? Is it really that simple or is it more expensive and more involved?

You have to have a locksmith "cut" the key blade and have him program it to the car or if you have an AK90 (cheap key programmer on eBay) you can program it yourself.

Thanks...getting it cut is something I'd need to get someone to do for me. But I'm not against buying the AK90 and programming the key myself if uts straightforward.
Does it involve removing the EWS module?

 

[KLR 16V]

Used this Guy on ebay. Key was fixed programmed and back in 2 days . Offers a complete key service . All reviews good as well.

 

[KLR 16V]

Just message them . Sure they can sort it out.
Mark

 

[BumpyZ4]

But I'm not against buying the AK90 and programming the key myself if uts straightforward.
Does it involve removing the EWS module?

It is pretty easy to do the programming. Yes the EWS module need to be removed from the car but again that is very easy to do too.

 

[colb]

Been through getting a second key for my Z4 years ago, sourced blank 3 button diamond key on ebay that comes with the internal pcb board for central locking function and non rechargeable battery. Included is the small transponder chip that has to be coded to the car. The transponder is not powered so it is not using the keys battery, that's only for the central locking functions. The transponder carries a code that the car reads when its put into the ignition it also receives what is called a rolling code that will be read when the key is next used. The codes if correct allow the EWS to release the starter and fuel pump so the car can start. Always best to glue the transponder into the key fob internal just in case the fob opens and the transponder falls out, it happened to me but was lucky to find it and replace it. I have a cut Flip style key cut and if ever needed can use the coded transponder from one of the diamond keys I already have. The EWS has to be taken out of the car to read the code on it, I did try the AK90 machine to do it myself but despite loads of attempts could not get it to read. Ended up using a mobile locksmith to code my already cut key, charged me £130, he used a 3k coding machine and had to read via the EWS eeprom chip.
Getting a blank cut is probably best to find an old fashioned shoe repair shop who cuts keys, don't bother with the likes of Timpson's here in the UK, they just want to sell you a coded key at great expense.
Once you have the key coded its simple to sync ALL the keys you have using the finger dance sequence to get the central locking/unlocking to work. Remember each key you have has to be synced immediately after each other so they get matching sync. How to do this can be found on here if you do a search.