Copy Ignition Key?

[Norrimac]

Hi all, although I have a 2002 X5, I suspect this question will apply to all the older models?

The ignition key battery is dead. I tried hacking in a new battery (rather than buy a new key) but it didn't happen.

So there's no battery in the key any more.

However the key works fine for the central locking & ignition circuits.

I went to Mister Minit to get a spare key cut.

The guy took one look and said he couldn't copy it because of the immobilizer.

???

Can that be right?

Seems illogical!

Thanks, Norm.

[Greydog]

Morning Norm

He is quite right the key blade has a chip which is read by an induction coil in the key slot

The battery only powers the radio link to the Access system to provide remote operation.

I did read of a guy in the states who moved the blade to a new Fob then registered the fob to the car

BMW will probably want £100 + for a new key

Dave

[Norrimac]

News to me! Thanks Dave.

A wee quick drive 120km to the coast. Apparently there's a place in Benidorm wot copies them.

Probably next to a pub that sells beer at £1 a pint. Whoopee...

[X5smw]

I have all the stuff to code new keys for the x5 e53….. 😝😉 

what you need is a blank key, cut to your barrel.

a copy of bmw 1.4.0 or equivalent to see what key slot you have. A piece of kit called an ak47 key reader I think… you need to remove the dme module from the car and read it, copy it, allocate the key, write the programme to the chip in the key and refit the dme (then hope you have done it right or you have bricked a new key… ) 

enjoy the drive and a beer!