XSeries-forum

Hi guys

Finally making good progress with the X5. Engine running well following timing chain and VANOS Work. Got the steering recalibrated after error messages from LEW sensor, seems to have fixed that and Westfalia towbar fitted.

Next up, I only have one original key, which barely works, very intermittent using the buttons, suspect the micro-switches are goosed. I note from eBay that they can be fairly inexpensively repaired, but involves posting them off for a few days which for me renders the car useless!

So alternate plan, have seen on YouTube that you can get a Key Programmer (AK90) from eBay inexpensively, £25, which enables you to reprogram a new eBay aftermarket key, Timpsons quoting me a fiver to have it cut.

BMW quoting me £161 plus VAT for a new key and a local locksmith quoted me £120, but didn’t turn up twice. So time to try it myself? Should be able to do it for circa £40. Anyone had a go at this? Believe the trickiest part which isn’t too difficult is getting the EWS module out of the car. Located in the drivers footwell..

I recently bought my X5 with one key as well which wasn't working too well.

My dealer was able to supply one for £110 incl VAT. You could try Cotswold BMW as they are club friendly? For a contact look on the E30zone.

Cotswoldbmwmini - already members on the Forum.  Send them a PM with your VIN.

Think I fancy the DIY option. As I have three same generation BMW’s. My dedicated laptop which has all the BMW diagnosis software installed, DIS 44/57 INPA progman etc, think I’ll add this key programmer. It’s not an expensive addition, will see if it works. And post back if it’s successful or not...

But appreciate the tip regarding Cotswold BMW. Will bear that in mind going forward for any parts required, or key if my mission fails..

I havent done it myself but have had some one do me a key at my house and he used the AK device to program it looked fairly simple and didnt take long. As you say getting the module out was the hard part.

Well the update in case this is any use to anyone is as follows..


Was in London on a trip, I took my original key to Crescent Radio, near White Hart Lane. For £18 he replaced the micro-switches and put in a new battery, took 20-30 mins, while-u-wait. Key now working good as new again. Locks and unlocks from inside my house. He does a by-return postal service as well..

To create a spare... The programmer AK90 arrived from China took about 2 weeks. I bought a couple of 433mhz after-market keys from ebay and had one of them cut at Timpsons for £5. Partially successful (glass half full) as it works one way round only! In the door and ignition switch, but I guess thats good enough.


Got the EWS module out no probs and coded the key. Started the car fine.. So success there.


Problem however getting the key fob to sync with the car to remotely open and lock the doors. Just won't connect at all. Using the ignition switch on, then off hold down the open button and press lock three times trick. Tried many combos of this, to no avail. But thinking about it, for a spare key, this is better than nothing! Have contacted the ebay seller, he is willing to refund the purchase...


But not to be defeated, I bought a used second-hand key (AK90 read the VIN number, checked BMW VIN, originally on a 2002 BMW 318i 279000 km's...) off ebay for £6. and have successfully sync'ed it using the open button plus 3 presses of lock and voila.. it works. Only problem I forsee now is the battery on the second hand key is going to expire as it won't be getting re-charged... Unless it can be charged with ignition in off position?

Purchased again off ebay the Scotthall BMW key-rings, just to finish the look. Not bad for seconds...

Might try again with another set of after-market keys. Hopefully ones that transmit on 433. Crescent Radio were very sceptical that the one's I bought were working...