I one have 1 key.
Have seen the cases on ebay and others, but what are the options when you need it all?
Can the electronics be found somewhere?
I know it is possible to find blank keys.
What are the electronics for? only the remote? or is there also some sort of immobilizer that needs it?
I don't want to get stranded somewhere with a flat battery in my only remote not being able to start it anymore.
Koen, this has been covered lots of times on here before, and you can see the battery changing procedure in the Knowledgebase.
Essentially there are three separate systems to the keys:
1) The physical key blade which operates the locks, including the ignition barrel - a replacement can be cut anywhere
2) The immobiliser chip - this does not need a battery and is read inductively by a loop in the ignition barrel - only available from BMW and a limit of 8 per car
3) The remote control - either built into the key or on a separate fob - battery operated - the fob type is fairly easy to buy, but not the type that is built into the key
If the battery goes flat, then there are two different procedures depending upon which remote you have. With the early separate fob type, there is a small round key to turn off the siren - the indicators may continue to flash but the car can be driven. With the later integrated type the immobiliser chip can be used to disarm the alarm - simply unlock the car with the key, alarm will sound, put key in ignition, turn to position II, alarm will be disarmed just as if you had used the remote.
The cheapest replacement key is what is known as a "grey service key" - this is a fully functional key with immobiliser chip, but no remote control. At the time of the last person on here buying one, they were about £60.
Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
Robert T wrote:Koen, this has been covered lots of times on here before, and you can see the battery changing procedure in the Knowledgebase.
Essentially there are three separate systems to the keys:
1) The physical key blade which operates the locks, including the ignition barrel - a replacement can be cut anywhere
2) The immobiliser chip - this does not need a battery and is read inductively by a loop in the ignition barrel - only available from BMW and a limit of 8 per car
3) The remote control - either built into the key or on a separate fob - battery operated - the fob type is fairly easy to buy, but not the type that is built into the key
If the battery goes flat, then there are two different procedures depending upon which remote you have. With the early separate fob type, there is a small round key to turn off the siren - the indicators may continue to flash but the car can be driven. With the later integrated type the immobiliser chip can be used to disarm the alarm - simply unlock the car with the key, alarm will sound, put key in ignition, turn to position II, alarm will be disarmed just as if you had used the remote.
The cheapest replacement key is what is known as a "grey service key" - this is a fully functional key with immobiliser chip, but no remote control. At the time of the last person on here buying one, they were about £60.
Cheers R.
Thought so about the 3 functions.
Where do you get the "grey serivce key" from? BMW Stealer?? for only 60£? (the doors of the showroom don't open for that price)
There is a nice man on youtube who has posted a video of how to replace the rubber button pad on these keys. And you are right it's easy.
Fitted those snide replacement buttons off ebay and as you said, follow the mans instructions on youtube and you cant go wrong, just make sure you memerise the way the little chip faces as it will drop out.
No more sticky gungey buttons, job done in about 10 mins
Nice one - thank you
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
