New key doesn't work; programming?
 

Old key remote function stopped working eventually, little by little, after I cut open the key to replace the battery and glued it several times after trying several batteries over a year. At first it worked fine, then stopped. I tried more correct batteries and I'm guessing I damaged the chip somehow or somewhere with glue.

Bought a new blank online, with new chip inside. Locksmith cut it for me precisely. Tried programming it many times according to online instructions. When I put the new key in with the new chip, electronic system doesn't even turn on, so I guess programming it is out of the question. Then I read a disclaimer on the programming website that the new key needs to be programmed by a "specialist" i.e. dealer to start the car.

So I guess I gotta go to the dealer after all? So the point of buying a blank online and cutting it through a locksmith is to save on parts? I thought this could be done avoiding the dealer.

Unfortunately this is one of those things where you really do need to go to the dealer.

The electronics part of the key (from what I remember anyways) can only be programmed to a specific car one time. I've never heard a successful story of someone buying a blank online for one of these cars and being able to make it work.

I have this BMW 545i 2003 and my key remote doesn't work. Some people told me to change battery but I do not want to pry open the original key. I cannot use remote but I can open with the key to doors and ignition.At last I order a new key from BMW and it cost me Euro$ 147.99. Now it is working perfectly after spending a few bucks.

"Euro$ 147.99....."

cost me double that here in HK - mine is a 2009 with the slot type key and push start button. Really disappointed at why the battery is so useless.

I decided that paying 300Euro/Pounds for a new key is just extortion and decided I would try out the guy in the US who fixes BMW keys for 55USD - I believe someone here or one of the other 5 series forums have used him...

Anyway, key is in the post to him and will update results if anyone is interested..........

Hmm, I bought car with 2 keys, one is working properly, but the second one can't start car, but still can open it. Car is 2006 with Comfort access, but let's say I'm not using it. It does not work when I place fob to the slot either.

Does anyone know if this is the same case like above? Do I need new key?

PS: sure its not battery issue - tested ;)

update: called the dealer yesterday and he told me that if I bought the key online, they can't make it work, I need to buy the key from BMW. Has anyone here been successful in getting a key to work you bought online? They want $200 for a BMW key (with programming), which seems reasonable. Then why the heck do these places online sell blank keys, claiming they can be cut and programmed for my car?

I've never read of anyone being able to get one to work--everyone has the same result as you.

I guess they can get away with selling them.. so they keep on doing it!

when i ordered a new key fob(the one that presses into steering column), the dealer took the new one and inserted it into the slot on the steering column and held it pushed in for like 20-30 seconds. he said it was to pair it to the car.

I've also read that you can only do that process once on a key..

Is that process can be done with the help of locksmith services also ?