BMW E39 EWS Removal

[RocketSurgeon]

Since I'm now cutting and programming keys, I've received several questions about EWS removal. Cutting a key is the easy part, programming the transponder is the sticking point for all keys not ordered from the dealership. Your car has 10 serial numbers coded to the EWS module, each code corresponding to one key (only the first 4 are used). The dealership has these numbers on file, so they can write a transponder with one of the remaining codes. In order for me to program the transponder, I need to extract the codes from the EWS module directly.

The EWS module sits just below the steering column. I removed mine in just under 12 minutes including taking the notes and pictures for this guide.
You will need a medium size philips-head screwdriver, a pry-tool, and a small pick.

First you will need to remove the one screw holding the carpet to the center console, then slide the carpet piece straight back to remove.

Next, remove the black cover above the pedals by rotating the small knob fasteners 90 degrees, and removing the four screws. Gently pull the cover forward and down, being careful of the gong wires.

Now unplug the wires for the gong and set the black cover aside.

Locate and remove the small screw cover on the side of the lower dash, and remove the screw underneath.

Gently remove the wood trim to the left of the steering wheel using the pry tool.

Now flip open the cover over your cassette or cd player to allow removal of the wood trim to the right of the steering wheel. Gently pry out the wood trim piece.

With the steering wheel in the highest position, remove the small plastic screw from the bottom of the steering column.

Now gently separate the lower cover for the steering column. You can leave the lower cover in place for now.

Remove the 4 remaining screws for the lower dash, 2 left of the steering wheel, 1 right of the steering wheel, and one under the dash close to the center console.



Gently lower the dash piece with attached steering column cover. Be mindful of the OBD port wiring.

Use a pick or small screwdriver to gently slide the retaining clip forward to release the OBD port wiring. Push OBD port out from far side and set lower dash aside.

Locate the EWS module, it is white with green lettering.

Remove the wiring harness from the bottom of the module by pushing in on the release tab.

The module is held in by two short philips head screws on the sides. You will need to use the small hole in the metal cover to access the screw on the right.


The EWS module is now free.

[Jopecasa]

Thanks for sharing!

Nice write-up.

[easymoney]

Great and very detailed write up. Thanks!

[RocketSurgeon]

Could a moderator please add an L to the title to make this thread easier to find.


Done....nice post and pics RS.

[540iEP]

So I've seen threads on transplanting the guts of our diamond keys to newer styled key housings, but does having this module allow you to cut and program to newer style keys (cleaner than hacking / modding), or are the newer chips different and incompatible with the EWS modules?

Also cost for service and turn around time?

[geargrinder]

nice writeup sturg. i hate the hassle of taking that part of the dash apart... BTW I like to take the gong and stuff it behind the gray foam behind the heater box, this muffles it considerably and then you don't ever have to hassle with it if and when you have to pull the plastic panel...

[legends21]

I really appreciate your write up and photos. It really helped me a bunch!
Thanks!

[rukili]

please cant see pics

[geargrinder]

Read the news.

Everybody who used Photobucket for pictures is screwed.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/0..._3rdparty_pgs/

[edjack]

nice writeup sturg. i hate the hassle of taking that part of the dash apart... BTW I like to take the gong and stuff it behind the gray foam behind the heater box, this muffles it considerably and then you don't ever have to hassle with it if and when you have to pull the plastic panel...

Why not just unplug it?

[geargrinder]

Lol - nice reply to 2014 post Ed! I kinda like having a little faint gong but not nearly the full blast was my reasoning. ATM I think it’s unplugged?

[Flynfish]

+1 for awesome service by Dillon. The removal procedure is easy, I sent my EWS and bad remote key, plus had a new key delivered directly to him. His communication was top notch, very reasonable fee, and very fast turnaround. Thanks for fixing my old key, and the new on works great! Cheers.