BMW Key

Spipov

Hi all.

just wondering about the best procedure:

have a 02 e39 - came with 4 keys!! 2 electronic, 1 valet and 1 plastic.

one of the electronic keys - does not work,ie i think the battery is gone on that. I need to get this going obviously.

Autokey - refurbishment - 100 euros + vat i think
- New Key - 220 euros + vat

Murphy & Gunn - New Key - 164 euros + vat i think


anybody other suggestions as to what i can do to get that key going? otherwise i might have to go autokey tomorrow. takes 24-48 hours to get it sorted.

thanks

the merchant

I recently changed the battery in my e39 diamond key.
These keys are sealed for life and the battery charges wirelessly from the car. Eventually the battery won't hold the charge so technically you need a new key. But there is another way.

You need to cut the key open with a Stanley knife and solder in the new battery. (I'm terrible at soldering so I got someone to do it for me)

I glued the key back together with black tec7 and it works 100%

Battery cost €4 from eBay!!

Spipov

its a nice idea. but i just would not be able to do that DIY. i have no knowledge of soldering at all.

i thought if you changed battery, that you would have to recode the key anyway?

MetzgerMeister

What exactly does "refurbishment" mean when it comes to that autokey crowd??

the merchant

That's a good question MM - but I know that there are a couple of guys in the uk who will supply and fit the new battery for you. £25ish I think.

You need to sync the remote to the car but that's a 30 second procedure.

MidlandsM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

What exactly does "refurbishment" mean when it comes to that autokey crowd??

they open it, and put a new battery in, glue it up.:D

MetzgerMeister

Ah crap, I want to get my keys done up a bit for my e92. The BMW button/logo on both is worn and it'd be nice to get them done up!

MidlandsM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Ah crap, I want to get my keys done up a bit for my e92. The BMW button/logo on both is worn and it'd be nice to get them done up!

i'd say there do all that stuff too.

Chuck_Norris

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Ah crap, I want to get my keys done up a bit for my e92. The BMW button/logo on both is worn and it'd be nice to get them done up!

Ah Jebus MM. Next thing you'll be breaking out the D/A on them!!!

MetzgerMeister

Chuck_Norris wrote: »

Ah Jebus MM. Next thing you'll be breaking out the D/A on them!!!

I've tried that and it didn't work! Hence why I'm looking elsewhere :pac:

dahamsta

See here for a much more affordable solution:

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showpost.php?p=488696&postcount=22

delly

I did my key a few weeks back. My seal was already broken from when I had to fix one of the buttons a while back, so that made it easier. The replacement battery I got had two pins attached, so all i did was twist them around the existing pins, worked a charm with no soldering needed. It's tie wrapped at one end, with 4 thin gaffer tape strips crossing the bottom to hold it overall in place. I haven't sealed it permanently in case I have to modify it further, but nearly a month in and no probs.

Spipov

delly wrote: »

I did my key a few weeks back. My seal was already broken from when I had to fix one of the buttons a while back, so that made it easier. The replacement battery I got had two pins attached, so all i did was twist them around the existing pins, worked a charm with no soldering needed. It's tie wrapped at one end, with 4 thin gaffer tape strips crossing the bottom to hold it overall in place. I haven't sealed it permanently in case I have to modify it further, but nearly a month in and no probs.

Hi where did you get the battery from? Interested as there is no soldering involved..

delly

I got it from this Irish eBay seller, but it looks like he doesn't have anymore listed. It is also the less common ML2020 which has a better capacity than the VL2020. If you do go for the same option I did, then the cover won't close fully unaided if you get me, what with the two sets of pins or rather connections. Also, if you are the type that likes your key looking nice and neat, then this way may not be for you. Mine is closed tight, but does have the scars from the operation, but I'll live with it for the cost savings alone.



/EDIT Just to add, I know the resync procedure is easy enough, but I didn't actually have to do it.

bmstuff

the merchant wrote: »

I recently changed the battery in my e39 diamond key.
These keys are sealed for life and the battery charges wirelessly from the car. !

Err no, the battery recharges when it is in the cylinder.

delly

bmstuff wrote: »

Err no, the battery recharges when it is in the cylinder.

True, but the merchant may have meant that it is charged via induction rather than a physical link to the car to charge, and just used the wrong term.

the merchant

delly wrote: »

bmstuff wrote: »

Err no, the battery recharges when it is in the cylinder.

True, but the merchant may have meant that it is charged via induction rather than a physical link to the car to charge, and just used the wrong term.

That's exactly what I meant, i.e it doesn't charge using contacts.

bmstuff

You are confusing me guys.

the merchant

bmstuff wrote: »

You are confusing me guys.

How so?

Maybe you can explain how it works so.

bmstuff

the merchant wrote: »

How so?

Maybe you can explain how it works so.

What are you even saying? Are you saying the key is recharged over the air or what?

bmstuff

Ok I got you now...it is late...