New key design?

[dannibach]

Hey all
Does anybody know if it is possible to change the key for my 750i. It's pretty old.. I'm thinking if it is possible to get a modern new BMW key look??
/D

[psjr]

Not really, unless you do either custom fabrication on the key or some electronics work.
The keys from 1999+ have a rechargeable battery rather than the replaceable one in your key, and your car does not have the charging circuit for the newer keys.
So you would either have to fabricate a key that looks like a newer one but with a replaceable battery, or wire up the charging electronics in your car.
I don't know of anyone who has done either.

[dannibach]

Thanks for the answer. I'll empty the Internet trying to find a solution, but fantastic with the input, gives me some search info :)

/D

750i V12 '95 M73

[Qsilver7]

It's pretty simple just to "fix-up" the key you have. If the problem is that the buttons are worn...you can find new button pads for hardly nothing...and it will give your old style key a nice refreshed look.

The new style keys are more trouble than their worth (in my opinion). Since the key is sealed and the battery is soldered to the IC board inside the key...when the key battery dies...if you're not handy with soldering and finding a replacement battery...you're stuck with paying a hundred dollars (plus) for a new key.

Your old style key is easy to fix, to replace a battery, and to even diagnose issues since it can easily be opened up (just undo the 2 screws under the flap on the back). And the red LED indicates if a signal is being sent etc...which helps to know if a problem is a low battery or a bad contact for one of the buttons.

Below is a pic of the replacement rubber button pad...just look for them on ebay. I did both my e38 & e39 old style keys with great success and got the pads from a seller in China for about $3. If you do a search you should be able to find my DIY I put up back in Sept/Oct of 2010:


Worn button pad...with new replaecment pad prior to installing:

http://imageshack.us/a/img832/1577/rubberkeypadreplacement.jpg

[burninator]

Not really, unless you do either custom fabrication on the key or some electronics work.
The keys from 1999+ have a rechargeable battery rather than the replaceable one in your key, and your car does not have the charging circuit for the newer keys.
So you would either have to fabricate a key that looks like a newer one but with a replaceable battery, or wire up the charging electronics in your car.
I don't know of anyone who has done either.

99's don't have the new style.

[Qsilver7]

I think what PSJR really meant was 9/99. :)

The 9/99 build date is the start of the new style keys...which would mean 3 months into the 2000 model year for the e39 (the 2000 model year started early...June 1999 in the USA)...that the new style keys start. ;)

EDIT: crap...I'm on too many forums...this is the e38 forum...but again, the 2000 model year is odd in that it started even earlier for the e38. For the e38 (in the USA) the 1999 model year was VERY short (approx 9/98-3/99 or 4/99)...and the 2000 model year started approx April or May 1999. (correction)

[psjr]

I think what PSJR really meant was 9/99. :)

The 9/99 build date is the start of the new style keys...which would mean 3 months into the 2000 model year for the e39 (the 2000 model year started early...June 1999 in the USA)...that the new style keys start. ;)

EDIT: crap...I'm on too many forums...this is the e38 forum...but again, the 2000 model year is odd in that it started even earlier for the e38. For the e38 (in the USA) the 1999 model year was VERY short (approx 9/98-3/99 or 4/99)...and the 2000 model year started approx April or May 2000.

Yep, my bad. I do believe it is something like 9/99 though.. I have a 6/99 (MY 2000) and it has the old key still.

[burninator]

Gotcha. Just wanted to make sure you didn't mean MY1999.

[dannibach]

Qsilver: You are my new hero :):):):):):) thx alot for the explaining comment:)
/D

750i V12 '95 M73

[martyanderson10]

It's pretty simple just to "fix-up" the key you have. If the problem is that the buttons are worn...you can find new button pads for hardly nothing...and it will give your old style key a nice refreshed look.

The new style keys are more trouble than their worth (in my opinion). Since the key is sealed and the battery is soldered to the IC board inside the key...when the key battery dies...if you're not handy with soldering and finding a replacement battery...you're stuck with paying a hundred dollars (plus) for a new key.

Your old style key is easy to fix, to replace a battery, and to even diagnose issues since it can easily be opened up (just undo the 2 screws under the flap on the back). And the red LED indicates if a signal is being sent etc...which helps to know if a problem is a low battery or a bad contact for one of the buttons.

Below is a pic of the replacement rubber button pad...just look for them on ebay. I did both my e38 & e39 old style keys with great success and got the pads from a seller in China for about $3. If you do a search you should be able to find my DIY I put up back in Sept/Oct of 2010:


Worn button pad...with new replaecment pad prior to installing:


http://imageshack.us/a/img832/1577/rubberkeypadreplacement.jpg

This, I did both my keys and one of my wifes today in about 30 minutes. I paid about $3 each shipped from China. My keys looked horrible and now they look almost new. This is the cheapest "feel good mod" you can do.

[driftshop]

I have a 95 750IL E38 - I only have one key !! :(

Can I buy a the chip / blank key and have it coded using the initialization procedure found online? Anyone know where I can get one?

[Qsilver7]

No. No one sells an EEPROM chip by itself...and there's no way to "program" the EWS part of the remote key...only BMW has the ISN (individual serial number) that matches the other EWS components.

There are some aftermarket vendors (the one that comes to mind is in Canada)...but they require that you send them your EWS control module or DME so that they can retrieve the ISN...then they will burn a new EEPROM (chip) and insert it into a key.

The only part of the key you can "program" in your driveway is the DWA/FZV (anti-theft alarm/central locking) parts of the key. The EWS immobilizing feature has no driveway fix...it requires dedicated equipment.

I do highly recommend that you go to your local BMW dealership and purchase a spare key. If all it will be is a spare you keep in the drawer...then either an illuminated key or the spare key (with metal blade) or the plastic wallet key are your best choices. They don't cost nearly as much as a remote key...and they aren't limited like the VALET key with the gray head (which can't open the trunk...which is the 1st place most people accidentally lock their keys).


http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Illuminated%20Key_Spare%20Key%20Metal%20Blade_%20V alet%20Key.jpg

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Illuminated%20and%20Spare%20Wallet%20Keys.jpg

You can see an approx cost of all the keys that are available based on your car's build date:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/BMW%20Keys%20Part%20Nbrs%20Prices%20&%20Descriptions.jpg

[franco90]

Good information thanks

Sent from my iPhone using BF.com

[pizzaman09]

Has anyone ever actually used their plastic wallet key in the ignition? I tried it once but was too scared to turn it hard enough to actually turn the the ignition tumbler. It just felt like I was going to break the little guy.

[psjr]

Has anyone ever actually used their plastic wallet key in the ignition? I tried it once but was too scared to turn it hard enough to actually turn the the ignition tumbler. It just felt like I was going to break the little guy.

Yep, I've used it many times. Surprisingly robust.

[Qsilver7]

Has anyone ever actually used their plastic wallet key in the ignition? I tried it once but was too scared to turn it hard enough to actually turn the the ignition tumbler. It just felt like I was going to break the little guy.

Yep...I just used one last week. As you can see, I just got the e53 (last week) and it came with two remotes...then when I got home and was going thru the glove box...the previous owner had placed the plastic wallet key in a small plastic bag (that was a pleasant surprise). But to assure that the key was for the X5...I thought I better try it out. :)

I would say...if you've gotta use that plastic key...remain cognizant that it IS plastic and not metal...and to use it (not abuse it) based upon the material it's made of. :)

[dannibach]

Will it be possible to buy a hole new casing for the key? I would guess it is possible!!!

750i V12 '95 M73

[driftshop]

Thanks Q, I'll see what the local dealership can do. I would like to have a spare remote key, in case I loose the current one.

[Qsilver7]

Will it be possible to buy a hole new casing for the key? I would guess it is possible!!!

750i V12 '95 M73

Anything is possible...and the old style key is easier to swap the innards of the original key into a new case...but then there's the issue of finding a keysmith that has the equipment to cut the blank key blade of a BMW key.

You'll need to find the appropriate key casing with the appropriate key blade...then find a keysmith that can cut the keyblade properly. And most of all DON'T loose the chip inside the key...if you do, the key is toast. It can only be used to remotely lock/unlock & arm/disarm the car...it will no longer be able to start the car.


http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Transponder%20Chip%20Location%20Inside%20Old%20Sty le%20Key.jpg

[dannibach]

Thanks Q

750i V12 '95 M73