Transponder question

[HyptisX]

Hello! First post on the forum here. Apologies if I have any typos or mistakes.

Last month I purchased a 2003 540i (my first BMW) privately and the dealer only gave me a non-transponder (valet) key. The key works fine and is able to start the car without issues. Last week, I bought another e39 (2003 530i) from an auction and had a locksmith make a key for me since it did not come with any. The locksmith advised me that the car will not start without a transponder key programmed with/to the EWS module on the car.

My question(s):
Does the E39 require a transponder to start?
Is it different than the 530i? Has the EWS been bypassed?
If it is EWS bypassed, how can I check?

Thank you for any advice or recommendations you can provide. I will keep my best efforts to keep this thread updated with my results for future cases of this issue.

[HyptisX]

The locksmith agreed to come back to program the transponder Monday. If this cranks over the car then we are in business. It would also mean that my theory is correct and that the first E39 I bought had it's immobilizer bypassed.

[HyptisX]

Might have answered my own question. I just confirmed that valet keys have a transponder in them. This means that my first E39 was not bypassed but is still able to start and drive with the valet key. Will be reporting back Monday but I think this solves it.

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...ers%20Keys.jpg

[HyptisX]

Yup, she started right up after the locksmith made me a transponder key. Case closed.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk