Replace Key Fob Transponder Chip?

[madtownZ4]

My key fob fell apart and I lost the transponder Chip. The fob still works to unlock and lock doors and open the trunk. Thanks to everyone that helped me on my previous post. Is there a way to buy a chip and have it programmed?

Here is a link to a chip only supplier..

https://yourcarkeyguys.com/products...besFGRSvBvrhYwSo30PV8ZDzEtaPBsTQuhD9cysPzGpLe

Has anyone successfully done this? I called my local BMW dealer and they can not help with the chip only. Only option is a $234 key fob..

Another potential thought I had was a shop that install remote starters. I think they may put a transponder in a vehicle to allow for remote starting...anyone heard of something like this??

Thanks in advance....

 

[BumpyZ4]

Is your broken key a BMW key or an aftermarket key?

 

[madtownZ4]

I couldn't say for sure. It does have the BMW logo on it....I may have found a locksmith that can clone the chip from my working key.
It may be a bit before we can give it a try...I called my local 'remote start"installation shop and they gave me his contact info. I think cloning a chip is common in 'remote start' installations to allow the system to start a car without a key... He hasn't done a BMW, so not sure if he can. If so, it will be $75..

 

[BumpyZ4]

 

[Fred Smith]

I couldn't say for sure. It does have the BMW logo on it....I may have found a locksmith that can clone the chip from my working key.
It may be a bit before we can give it a try...I called my local 'remote start"installation shop and they gave me his contact info. I think cloning a chip is common in 'remote start' installations to allow the system to start a car without a key... He hasn't done a BMW, so not sure if he can. If so, it will be $75..

In my experience a good local place can offer a great service at a great price. Hopefully this guy is you man.

 

[colb]

The transponder is programmed with the cars details held within the EWS module usually found bolted to the side of the drivers footwell behind the trim. its a smallish white plastic box with one loom connection. Inside is a printed circuit board on which there are a processor and an eeprom chip. The key information is contained in these components. Cars leave the factory with 10 key slots on these chips so its likely that at least three have already been programmed Key1, Key 2 and a Valet Key. To programme a replacement transponder the Bin File has to be read from the previously mentioned Processor or the eeprom chip. Some people buy a AK90+ key coding machine from China and manage to programme keys using it, I tried that but failed, gave up and paid a mobile locksmith £130 to code my replacement key that I had bought from ebay, that came with a virgin transponder chip and the central locking pcb. I had already had the blade cut by a local shoe repair and key cutting shop, an old school British Cobblers, not one of the shop chains you see at Supermarkets, they rob you blind.
Once successfully coded and the EWS box is put back in the car it should recognise the key and allow the car to start. Its worth mentioning that once you have a working key the car adds what is known as a rolling code to the key transponder each time it is used, this is an extra security system and is completed automatically each time the key is used. The transponder chip itself has no battery power to it the key battery is only there for the central locking pcb board in the key.

 

[RMB]

Interesting write up [ref]colb[/ref], thank you.
I may need to do a battery change or get a replacement key soon.
But is it possible to get spare valet keys?
Sorry if very slightly off topic.

 

[colb]

Not sure about spare valet keys but BMW will supply a dumb key that doesn't have the central locking in it, just coded to your car so it will start the car. They will need the registration document and full Vin number to cut the key and programme it to your car. Not at all sure what they charge for this.

 

[madtownZ4]

Colb, you were spot on. The locksmith could not clone the transponder with his handheld device. He stated he would need to remove the EWS and the cost would exceed the cost of a new key....I will order a new one from the BMW dealer...

 

[madtownZ4]

OK, I replaced my control arm bushings and was testing the car with strong breaking. I Volvo key slid out from under the seat. I thought, if I missed that I could have missed the transponder. I gave it another look and found the little tiny transponder chip. I glued it into my fob and everything is back to normal.

 

[Fred Smith]

OK, I replaced my control arm bushings and was testing the car with strong breaking. I Volvo key slid out from under the seat. I thought, if I missed that I could have missed the transponder. I gave it another look and found the little tiny transponder chip. I glued it into my fob and everything is back to normal.

Result.

I lent my other car to my dad a month or two back because his was in the garage... he managed to break the key (easy to do with my dodgy ignition barrel)... I couldn't believe I found the transponder.

 

[colb]

I had a Chinese key blade cut and then had the transponder coded which was fine until the car went in for a MOT. It passed with no advisories and out I went to the car, it wouldn't start!!.
Went back to the counter and three mechanics came out to the car, one of them found the transponder chip on the floor mat, tester must have had the key fob come undone and the chip fell out, snapped the key fob back together without the chip inside it. Chip replaced inside the fob and away I went. I then opened the fob and glued the chip inside the fob so it doesn't escape should the fob open again. Not happened since so all good.