Checking mileage through the car key?

Toon--soldier

I heard off a friend that you can check the mileage of Bmw if you bring the key to the main dealer is their any truth in that? and if so can it be done for an audi a4?

smash

And what if you clock the car and get a new key?

I doubt this is true.

-Chris-

It's true with the newer intelligent keys - they know your chassis number, latest mileage etc.
It's more of a service information tool than an anti-clocking measure though.

Toon--soldier

AudiChris wrote: »

It's true with the newer intelligent keys - they know your chassis number, latest mileage etc.
It's more of a service information tool than an anti-clocking measure though.

with the newer bmw keys or audi keys? Its just im lookin at a tdi a4 with 44000 miles it comes with a full audi dealer history but the car is a 02 reg and that sort of mileage on a 7 year old diesel just seems a bit odd to me

rebel.ranter

I have read that the mileage is stored in 3 places in a BMW
1. ECU
2. Clocks themselves
3. Key

It is true that you can read the mileage from the key. All three would need to be swapped out (or re-programmed) at the same time to be properly clocked. Perhaps Mr. Diagnostic could comment?

-Chris-

Toon--soldier wrote: »

with the newer bmw keys or audi keys? Its just im lookin at a tdi a4 with 44000 miles it comes with a full audi dealer history but the car is a 02 reg and that sort of mileage on a 7 year old diesel just seems a bit odd to me

In both BMW and Audi, but afaik only with the "fob" style key.

If I were you, looking to verify the mileage on a car with an FSH, I'd just call the servicing dealers to verify the contents of the service manual.
It's easier than trying to work out how to read the mileage off the key.

BeardyGit

steve06 wrote: »

And what if you clock the car and get a new key?

I doubt this is true.

They've been doing it for MANY years now. A quick google (about the same amount of time as your reply took) will confirm this.

MarkN

I have a BMW with keyless entry... so I wonder how that one works then cause I seldom use the key.

But in the service department of the dealers there's a black input device and the key goes in there, it's beside their computer, phone etc

Skyuser

I presume the BMW key is just simply a memory stick carrying the car's information. eg. I have two BMW fobs. One left in a drawer for a year (this key has mileage that is 10,000 miles under what the car says).
If I put this key into the slot in the car it now has the new mileage and service information.

If the car was clocked the key would just update to whatever the car was telling it.

biggybum

yes this is true, all you need to do is ask your bmw/Audi dealership to give you a key read, its proven that uk imports have been caught out with mileage defects as the key gives the correct reading in relation to mileage, service info, chassis number etc. Your local dealer will provide you with this free of charge in most cases

cianclarke

I've had experience with this before and through a dealer had the mileage read from the key of a 99' FOB - the mileage didn't match, so they didn't tamper with the key this time, however he said that he's seen many keys that have been also tampered with, so not foolproof.
The only 100% way of knowing is verifying with the BMW main dealer.

JimmyCrackCorn!

The BMW keys can be fiddled with and iv seen a car and a key where it has been done.

Verified as the last service recorded by bmw was at a much higher mileage than on the key and the ECU.

There was no mention of clocks storing mileage.

BlackWizard

You can also count the number of scratched lines along the surface of the key to determine the miles.

cianclarke

BlackWizard wrote: »

You can also count the number of scratched lines along the surface of the key to determine the miles.

Yep, and on the E46 onwards if you take a cross-section of the crankshaft and count the rings... :rolleyes: