E39 diamond key program?

[firehawk618]

Is it possible to code a car that came with diamond keys with any software listed here?

Thanks.

[IcemanBHE]

Define "program". Changing options? New module?

NCS, DISv44 and SSS/Progman do pretty much everything.

[joako]

When BMW makes the EWS 10 key codes are assigned to it. When you order a key from the dealer it is sent from BMW and by VIN they access their database, delete the key code from the database and assign it to the key.

Are you saying that:

A) You bought a new key and it starts the car but you need to program the remote, or in a SINGLE key the remote stopped working?
B) You bought a used key and want to program it to the EWS so it can start the car?
C) You changed your EWS and the keys no longer start the car?
D) You want to setup key memory so when you unlock the car with your key e.g. the seat position, air condition and radio go to your settings?
E) None of the above?

[VitaminXX]

I bought a 2001 e39 recently and the seller only gave me 1 key because he clamied the other two are lost. Here I have two questions,
1. I have a yellow diag. head, can I disable the other two keys by myself?
2. I would like to buy a new key from a dealer on the ebay. Can I hook up the new key to my car using the yellow diag. head?

[joako]

1) Yes, it is mentioned in the technical literature. Not only can keys be disabled but they can subsequently be re-enabled, but no idea what the actual steps are.

2) Key is pre-coded to EWS so you can pickup the key from the dealer and use it to start the car without any coding or programming. You need to program the remote control but I am not even aware of how do to that through DIS... read the owner's manual the info is there.

[Fx323i]

1) As joako wrote, it is possible.
2) The remote can be programmed even without the GT1, but the immo functionality won't be possible to do with this interface. You would need a special interface to read the data out of the EWS memory and then to write it into the key's transponder. A lot of keys sold on ebay as "brand new" are "refurbished" used keys, so the electronics is old and the casing new. Unfortunately the diamond keys have the transponder in the circuit and it's just one-time programmable, so be very careful. Better way is to buy a chinese copy which has the older type of chip inside (PCF7930AS or 7935). This chip will also work, is rewriteable and the only disadvantage is that some types of them are not with a recharge function for the battery.

[VitaminXX]

Hi Joako,

What I meant in the 2nd question is I would like to buy a new key from an ebay dealer and I guess I need to program this car key in order to start the engine. Can I code this key to EWS using the yellow diag. head and SSS software?

[Fx323i]

Show us which key you would like to buy on ebay, but I don't believe that you can do this without a special interface for writing transponders...

[VitaminXX]

Hi Fx323i,

What is the battery recharge function for? Without this function, what will happen?

Hi Fx323i,

After reading lots of threads, I agree I can't do it without special interface for writing the transponders. I finally realise that the SSS is only able to enable or disable the car key.

My car key is diamond key, if there any cheaper alternative?

[Fx323i]

There is an induction coil in on the ignition lock and also there is one in the original key with ELM10030A transponder. When the key is in the ignition, its battery is being regarged, or better said, it doesn't discharge during that time (I have two different information about this system - one says that the battery is charged, the second says it's "kept" like it's in the factory sealing).

A cheaper alternative is to have nearby someone with an interface like AK-90, BMW Key maker or so. This interface allows you to read the data out directly from the disassembled EWS unit, factually from its MCU. There are several types of EWS systems and their MCUs, some of them have a lock bit and so on. This action is safe with the better interfaces (today I did it on a 2005 E46 330xD). The cheapest, if you have a good interface (which costs unfortunately about USD450 shipped directly from China, USD800 on Ebay), to get a Chinese diamond key working with the factory keyless entry system (ca USD43 + USD20 shipping). It's PCB is different from the original, but works good, and the chip used there is PCF7935AS from the NXP manufacturer, so it makes no problems.

[VitaminXX]

Hi Fx323i,

Not sure I understand what you meant of the cheaper alternative. Can you make it clear. Thanks.

[Fx323i]

If you have anyone with the interface for reading dumps or you have it, it's quite easy. Dismount the EWS unit (on E39 it's located on the steering column), get the PCB out of it, clean the paint off the MCU and read the data out. Then using a special software and interface you can programme the key.

With GT1 you cannot do this, the interface can just enable or disable existing keys in the unit. It means that if you lose the key, it can be disabled in the unit. If anyone found the key, he can open the car, but can't start it.

If there isn't anyone able to programme the key to the EWS unit, you'd better order the key from the dealership.

[VitaminXX]

Got it. Thanks. Is this reading safe? What I mean is does my ESW data safe?

[Fx323i]

It depends on the interface. Some of them need to have the processor unsoldered out of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The reading is quite safe, but unsoldering depends on the worker's skills. I use an interface which doesn't need the MCU unsoldered and needs just the paint from the MCU removed. Then I read the data using a clip up on the processor.

You very likely have the EWS version 3.3 which has a double floating code protection (once in the key and once in communication between EWS and DME units). Its MCU is very probably 0D46J in your case, this MCU is quite easy to read when using a proper device.

The data read from the MCU contain the VIN code, synchronisation code and algorithm for it, data for the 10 possible keys (fixed part of the code, variable part of the code, key state - used/unused and enabled/disabled), codes of equipment, mileage and so on. Using this data you can make a key chip that will work with the car.

If the synchronisation code between the EWS and DME comes bad during this operation, it can be matched using GT1 easily. But it never happened to me :)

[VitaminXX]

(http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=109501) Hi Fx323i,

What type of reader will you suggest for reading my car's EWS? I want to check if the local vendor has this reader and then go for it.

By the way, I bought this car 1 month ago and the seller claim he lost the other two keys but gave me only one key. I checked my car's information through SSS and there are 4 keys stored in my car. How do I know that the key I am using is Key 1, 2,3 or 4? I want to disable the other 3 keys but do not want to disable my current key.

[sparkybp]

Check SSS if it has the capability to re-enable a previous key. If it does, just use process of elimination. I know that's not very helpful but hey. :)

[joako]

It should be easy to read what key is currently in the ignition! Probably easiest in INPA....