BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-20-2019, 08:09 PM   #1
Jedi767
Private
Jedi767's Avatar
United_States
23
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X5 35D
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Program (Used) Key Fob?

I've been searching for hours and can't find any reliable information regarding programming a used key fob to my 2015 F15 X5.

Long story short - 1 of my keys was lost (but not the actual metal key, just the remote fob), and I was given an old fob leftover from a friends X5 (he found well after it was turned back into dealer).

I tried the method of holding the fob up to the key signal on the steering column, but that doesn't seem to work. The amount of disinformation out there regarding BMW keys is staggering. I'm hesitant to call the dealership because here in LA they're just angry assholes who will tell me I should not have a used key, and they'll program it for me for the cost of my firstborn.


Does anyone know:

A: How to wipe my old key so someone doesn't find it / use it to break into my car?

B: Program this used key to my car?


Any help is appreciated!
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 12:59 AM   #2
CatalinP
Major
587
Rep
1,255
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 F15 2014 3.0xd
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: RO

iTrader: (0)

You need ISTA + to delete the lost one and a brand new key to pair it with the car.
Appreciate 2
Violator4587.50
maDjzo851.00
      03-21-2019, 09:44 AM   #3
BimmerTy
///M
BimmerTy's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: 2015 F15 X5 50i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: RVA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedi767 View Post
I've been searching for hours and can't find any reliable information regarding programming a used key fob to my 2015 F15 X5.

Long story short - 1 of my keys was lost (but not the actual metal key, just the remote fob), and I was given an old fob leftover from a friends X5 (he found well after it was turned back into dealer).

I tried the method of holding the fob up to the key signal on the steering column, but that doesn't seem to work. The amount of disinformation out there regarding BMW keys is staggering. I'm hesitant to call the dealership because here in LA they're just angry assholes who will tell me I should not have a used key, and they'll program it for me for the cost of my firstborn.


Does anyone know:

A: How to wipe my old key so someone doesn't find it / use it to break into my car?

B: Program this used key to my car?


Any help is appreciated!
A. INSTA + to delete old one
B. It can't be done on a used key - must be brand new from the factory
__________________
2015 F15 X5 xDrive50i - M Sport - Space Grey Metallic - 21" 612M - Accelera Iota ST68's - Black Dakota - Leather Dash - Poplar Wood - Ceramic - Shawdowline - Anthracite - Adaptive M - Full LED - Executive - DA+ - Surround - HUD - Enhanced BT - Soft Close - B&O - ACC Stop & Go - Multi Contour - 4 Zone Climate - Comfort Seats - Cold Weather - Muffler Delete - Akrapovic Tips - F85 Grille - 35% Tint - BMW All Weather Mats -- Missing DHP, NV, Active Steering, Rear Entertainment, & Cooled Seats
Appreciate 1
maDjzo851.00
      03-21-2019, 09:53 AM   #4
alphaod
Mmmmm…
alphaod's Avatar
United_States
1148
Rep
2,426
Posts

Drives: F15
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
You cannot reprogram an used key from another car.
__________________
2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i
BMW CCA 509766
Appreciate 1
      03-21-2019, 11:14 AM   #5
Jedi767
Private
Jedi767's Avatar
United_States
23
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X5 35D
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

That's really unfortunate. Guess I'll have to buy a new one.

Thanks for the input guys.
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 11:16 AM   #6
Qsilver7
Major General
Qsilver7's Avatar
United_States
4343
Rep
7,361
Posts

Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Indiana, USA

iTrader: (0)

The misinformation and misunderstanding of BMW remote keys is HUGE.

Like mentioned above...you can't program a "used" BMW remote fob to START another BMW because the EWS encryption is VIN specific and only BMW has the database as to what the encrypted ISN (individual serial number) is. New keys are ordered from a dealership's part department once proof of ownership and VIN info is retrieved...the key is ordered and shipped back to the dealership and given to the owner who purchased it.

The FZV (central locking system) and DWA (anti-theft alarm siren system) are two other features of the remote keys which is independent and operates differently than the EWS (immobilizing) system.

Some BMW models (like the older E series...I'm not sure about the F & G series)...a used remote or another remote can be programmed to lock/unlock and arm/disarm your BMW (if they transmit on the same radio frequency...which is 315 MHz in North America and 433 Mhz in Europe)...but the key still won't start the car.

The EWS transponder chip in the remote key is a write-once chip. So even if you got aftermarket software/hardware that could retrieve the ISN from your DME and EWS control modules...you would have to write that ISN data to a new EWS transponder. I've never seen the inside IC board of the F series remote keys...but if like the old E series diamond shaped remote...the EWS transponder is soldered to the IC board inside the key.
__________________
2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha)

Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
Appreciate 3
CatalinP586.50
alphaod1148.00
      03-21-2019, 11:47 AM   #7
Jedi767
Private
Jedi767's Avatar
United_States
23
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X5 35D
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qsilver7 View Post
The misinformation and misunderstanding of BMW remote keys is HUGE.

Like mentioned above...you can't program a "used" BMW remote fob to START another BMW because the EWS encryption is VIN specific and only BMW has the database as to what the encrypted ISN (individual serial number) is. New keys are ordered from a dealership's part department once proof of ownership and VIN info is retrieved...the key is ordered and shipped back to the dealership and given to the owner who purchased it.

The FZV (central locking system) and DWA (anti-theft alarm siren system) are two other features of the remote keys which is independent and operates differently than the EWS (immobilizing) system.

Some BMW models (like the older E series...I'm not sure about the F & G series)...a used remote or another remote can be programmed to lock/unlock and arm/disarm your BMW (if they transmit on the same radio frequency...which is 315 MHz in North America and 433 Mhz in Europe)...but the key still won't start the car.

The EWS transponder chip in the remote key is a write-once chip. So even if you got aftermarket software/hardware that could retrieve the ISN from your DME and EWS control modules...you would have to write that ISN data to a new EWS transponder. I've never seen the inside IC board of the F series remote keys...but if like the old E series diamond shaped remote...the EWS transponder is soldered to the IC board inside the key.

^This is really great & detailed info.
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 12:17 PM   #8
Jedi767
Private
Jedi767's Avatar
United_States
23
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X5 35D
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Just got off the phone with Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA:

$421.00 (after tax) for just the electronic remote. Geez.
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 12:25 PM   #9
1norseman
Captain
United_States
398
Rep
647
Posts

Drives: X5 50i
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Pavement

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedi767 View Post
Just got off the phone with Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA:

$421.00 (after tax) for just the electronic remote. Geez.
Ask if they give discounts to BMW Car Club of America members, might be worth it if you plan to buy stuff from the dealership..
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 01:54 PM   #10
Qsilver7
Major General
Qsilver7's Avatar
United_States
4343
Rep
7,361
Posts

Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Indiana, USA

iTrader: (0)

Also try some of the other BMW dealerships that have an online presence. Some of them (on the east coast) will allow you to fax (is that still doable?) your identification & proof of ownership...and many times are price competitive.

Off the top of my head I can think of the dealerships below (look for their toll free nbr (for the Parts dept or personal contact) and give them a call):
  1. https://www.getbmwparts.com/
  2. https://www.bmw.sunmotorcars.com/
  3. https://www.circlebmw.com/
  4. https://www.bmwstore.com/

You can also call some BMW dealerships closer to where you live and inquire about remote key purchase and if they would accommodate out of town/long distance purchase...while getting a price quote.

Good luck.
__________________
2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha)

Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

Last edited by Qsilver7; 03-21-2019 at 02:29 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2019, 02:25 PM   #11
Kraftwerk AG
Major
Kraftwerk AG's Avatar
No_Country
460
Rep
1,025
Posts

Drives: Mein F Fünfundachtzig Einhorn
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: RIP Florian Schneider-Esleben

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedi767 View Post
Just got off the phone with Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA:

$421.00 (after tax) for just the electronic remote. Geez.
Try Sterling BMW in Newport Beach (scorebmwparts.com) if you're local to OC.
__________________
Quote:
“Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that's what gets you.”
― Jeremy Clarkson
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2019, 05:49 PM   #12
alphaod
Mmmmm…
alphaod's Avatar
United_States
1148
Rep
2,426
Posts

Drives: F15
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedi767 View Post
Just got off the phone with Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA:

$421.00 (after tax) for just the electronic remote. Geez.
You can definitely get it a lot cheaper than that. Shop around.

$300 minus 15% for BMW CCA plus 8.675% tax when I needed a new remote over a year ago.

It's likely the price has gone up somewhat, but definitely not $120 more.

Name:  IMG_5453.gif
Views: 17795
Size:  92.9 KB
__________________
2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i
BMW CCA 509766
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2021, 01:06 AM   #13
djbmw1
New Member
8
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW 530xi, 2001 BMW X5
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Using HiTag2 and E/F Scanner

Reviving an old thread to provide information.

Programming a key to your BMW's CAS will cost you money, regardless if you DIY or pay someone to do it. The tools for you to DIY will be in the $200 range for chinese clones and the process takes 15 min.

1: It's FAR easier to program a virgin key than a 'used key'. Virgin keys are $15 USD on Aliexpress.

2: A used key will need to either have the transponder de-soldered and a new one soldered in ($4 per transponder chip) OR you can purchase a PCF79xx Unlocker, or Xhorse VVDI PROG Programmer, and fiddle around with that to erase the data from the transponder. As you can see, you're better off buying a virgin key!!!

3: You can use HiTag2 to use data from a working key and create a 'new key' file for use in BMW Explorer/EF Scanner

4: With a battery tender/charger on your car, use EF Scanner to program the new key to the CAS.

Here's how:

Appreciate 1
SaNGRia980.00
      02-01-2021, 07:17 AM   #14
mikeson
Private First Class
mikeson's Avatar
United_States
59
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 M package
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: OC

iTrader: (0)

Yes, you need a new key.
I got mine at San Diego $300.(new key + programing)
I lost contact but you can find it from Craigslist.
He took out my some module (inside of passenger side wall) then reprogram it and put it back. I don't know what he did but it took 30 min.
Good luck with you.
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2021, 10:27 AM   #15
RED_Y_
Colonel
United_States
1047
Rep
2,496
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 3.5d
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by djbmw1 View Post
Reviving an old thread to provide information.

Programming a key to your BMW's CAS will cost you money, regardless if you DIY or pay someone to do it. The tools for you to DIY will be in the $200 range for chinese clones and the process takes 15 min.

1: It's FAR easier to program a virgin key than a 'used key'. Virgin keys are $15 USD on Aliexpress.

2: A used key will need to either have the transponder de-soldered and a new one soldered in ($4 per transponder chip) OR you can purchase a PCF79xx Unlocker, or Xhorse VVDI PROG Programmer, and fiddle around with that to erase the data from the transponder. As you can see, you're better off buying a virgin key!!!

3: You can use HiTag2 to use data from a working key and create a 'new key' file for use in BMW Explorer/EF Scanner

4: With a battery tender/charger on your car, use EF Scanner to program the new key to the CAS.

Here's how:

I don't think this works for the F-series.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2021, 09:52 AM   #16
djbmw1
New Member
8
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW 530xi, 2001 BMW X5
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RED_Y_ View Post
I don't think this works for the F-series.
As long as you have the correct EF Scanner it should (though I dont have an F series car so I cannot confirm.

V2018.12 E/F Scanner II Full Version has support for:
Fxx Series Coding
Module Write keys FEM/BDC (F series)
Module write key (F-series ) and Read / write module ISN MEVD172Y ( N55 )
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2021, 10:43 AM   #17
e1000
that's what SHE said!
75
Rep
1,163
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: OC

iTrader: (1)

FYI there's a number for California residents that need replacement keys.

https://www.bmwusa.com/contact-us/key-replacement.html
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-27-2021, 02:47 AM   #18
Bali
E46 Fanatic
Bali's Avatar
United_States
39
Rep
152
Posts

Drives: E46 E84 F15
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Riverside, CA

iTrader: (0)

For the M Sport with Comfort Access, here are the part numbers.

Remote fob
66126806000
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...51#66126806000
https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/...er-66126806000

Slide out key:
51217409076
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...51#51217409076
https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/...43-51217409076
Appreciate 2
      03-29-2021, 04:17 PM   #19
Jarhed1964
Enlisted Member
21
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: 2009 BMW X5 XDrive30 Sport
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC

iTrader: (0)

FWIW,

I just got a quote from http://www.carkeysexpress.com for a replacement key, special order from BMW, for $399.00, including tax and shipping.
Appreciate 0
      03-29-2021, 07:50 PM   #20
Ascotgrun
Second Lieutenant
171
Rep
294
Posts

Drives: X5
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

If that's a new key from BMW, then it's a good price. In my area I was getting prices between $690-$900 from dealers. Programming to car with comfort access was extra.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2021, 07:11 AM   #21
mikeson
Private First Class
mikeson's Avatar
United_States
59
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 M package
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: OC

iTrader: (0)

If you are SOCAL go this place.
Auto Locksmith - 619-535-7000
5820 Autoport Mall, San Diego, CA 92121
I paid $300

It took a 40 min~ 1hr. Took out a small box (passenger side) and they programed into a new key.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2021, 07:37 AM   #22
Jarhed1964
Enlisted Member
21
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: 2009 BMW X5 XDrive30 Sport
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ascotgrun View Post
If that's a new key from BMW, then it's a good price. In my area I was getting prices between $690-$900 from dealers. Programming to car with comfort access was extra.
I intend to call them to make certain that it is coming from a dealer. Not going to ask about comfort access as I'm betting they don't know.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:39 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST