diamond BMW key

[dagoo98]

On the MY2000 and newer there is the diamond key where the Bmw emblem in the middle locks the door and the button closest to the metal opens the doors and the other pops the trunk. My questions is if that battery dies, is there a way to change the battery? I thought that the ignition charges the battery meanwhile the car is on but I could be mistaken. My friend says his battery in his key is dead and doesn't know how to change it or if he can change it.

[Topper1118]

I just happened to ask the very question at a dealership today. I was told that that particular key (the same as mine) has a nicad battery which is recharged while driving. Being that it is a nicad, it is subject to battery memory and when it will no longer hold a charge, that is it. A new one cost about $200.00 and as far as I know, can only be obtained from a dealer. :eyecrazy

[dagoo98]

I just happened to ask the very question at a dealership today. I was told that that particular key (the same as mine) has a nicad battery which is recharged while driving. Being that it is a nicad, it is subject to battery memory and when it will no longer hold a charge, that is it. A new one cost about $200.00 and as far as I know, can only be obtained from a dealer. :eyecrazy


Thanks that's what I thought.

[Fla540i]

I just had to buy a new key from the dealer - it was $130 with programming. They have to order it, keep a copy of your DL and your registration. Key works great.

[Steve530]

I think it costs $140 here. The manual says the key battery does not have to be replaced. I guess we'll see about that.

[The Fifth Element]

I have a '97 and an ugly key. Is it possible to upgrade to the nicer, diamond shaped key? :D

[The Fifth Element]

^^^

[Dan]

I have a '97 and an ugly key. Is it possible to upgrade to the nicer, diamond shaped key? :D

like wise with the 98 keys.

[5401CT]

hey i got a ?? .....i have a 97 540I and i got the old key u think i get one of those new keys u talking a bout ??

[Dan]

bump!!!

[xatlas0]

The new keys may operate on different frequency ranges and/or using different length security codes. Usually, when they change the on board computers, they update the encryption lengths.

[narfit]

on my 00 540 the key doesnt have the nice bmw emblem in the middle. I think it is because my car was actually made 10/99
it looks like this pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/vishtasbk/ca45ce74.jpg)
which i guess are like your 97 and 98s
any way to upgrade????

[The Beastmaster]

on my 00 540 the key doesnt have the nice bmw emblem in the middle. I think it is because my car was actually made 10/99
it looks like this pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/vishtasbk/ca45ce74.jpg)
which i guess are like your 97 and 98s
any way to upgrade????
Mine doesn't have that red light.

[John 540i6]

mine has that red light and i have a 98 540i

[sirtiger]

what does the red light do?

[Chigga]

what does the red light do?

basically an indicator that the button has been pressed, you know how you aren't too sure if you've pressed hard enough on the buttons? I want to update to the diamond key too, I'll go to the dealership and find out.

[killcrap]

i guess you can "technicly" upgrade to a new key, if...

1) u can find some place that sells blank unprogrammed keys matching our frequency.(highly unlikely since your car already has 6 additional keys that can be ordered and they are specialy cut)

2) you could replace all the relavent computer systems from older car to a newer car. and take all the lock cylinders and switch them too.

[Geo1000r]

can we change to that 2000 key if we have a 1997 key or not ???

[Chigga]

i guess you can "technicly" upgrade to a new key, if...

1) u can find some place that sells blank unprogrammed keys matching our frequency.(highly unlikely since your car already has 6 additional keys that can be ordered and they are specialy cut)

2) you could replace all the relavent computer systems from older car to a newer car. and take all the lock cylinders and switch them too.

I know this sounds bit going too far, but has anybody ever taken their keys apart? the chip can't be THAT big, I went to the dealer today and they say they have no bloody clue, I'm going to find out at another dealer, will update when I do.

[Divy]

I know this sounds bit going too far, but has anybody ever taken their keys apart? the chip can't be THAT big, I went to the dealer today and they say they have no bloody clue, I'm going to find out at another dealer, will update when I do.

lol before i read your post i just tried...but i have a sunglasses kit screwdriver and I stopped before i stripped the two phillips head screws on the backside of the key (under the pop-in cover) as it fit but was a bit too small. I guess a #1 phillips will do it but I will wait till I am home to try again.
I'll let you know if/when I go through with it...

Dib

update - yea #1 did it. Battery is a standard 3v CR2016 (watch/remote/laser pointer) battery. That's on the old style key as in the pic above. As far as switching keys...There is a sticker here above the battery with a barcode and a five digit number imprinted below it. I am sure that is somehow related to the coding of the key (freq. or whatever). Don't know how it would be programmed into a new key, however.

GL.

[Chigga]

gentlemen, I found out YES IT WILL WORK.

but you must match the part # of LX8 FZV, the remote has to be programed by a dealer.

I can't link e-bay, but you can search for blank keys for abotu $25.

[The Fifth Element]

So I can just buy one of these part number LX8 FZV diamond keys, take it to the dealer, and get programmed to work on my '97? :buttrock

[narfit]

so would this work??
LINK (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KEYLESS-REMOTE-98-05-BMW-3-5-7-SERIES-Z3-Z4-X5-LX8-FZV_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33723QQitemZ8017474 967QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[narfit]

heres one that is uncut LINK (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-5-7-SERIES-X5-UNCUT-KEYLESS-REMOTE-KEY-98-99-01_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33723QQitemZ80169035 72QQrdZ1)

but is a good deal more expensive

[John 540i6]

so i take this new uncut key to the dealership and say," Hi, id like to have this key cut for my 98 540i and have it reprogrammed to work on my car" ?

I noticed the first link says the key is already cut but can the dealership replace the actual metal part that fits in the lock cylinder?

[Qsilver7]

Hmmm...so let me get this straight...you're saying we can take a key with keyless entry made for cars mfg'd 9/99-up and use it for the DWA/EWS systems for cars mfg'd from 1995-9/99?

DWA - Anti-Theft system
EWA - Immobilizing system

If that's the case, perhaps I can purchase one of the 95-9/99 keys and program it for my 95 525iT that uses the 3 button rectangular key fob. If I take it to the dealer I'm sure they can program it for me, right? (I'm being facetious) :lol :lol

Remember the saying...a fool and his money are soon parted. The dealer will sell you this key (cha ching)...then charge you labor for programing it...and its not going to work (cha ching) ... and you'll be standing there fleeced again.

As you all charge forward some things are being overlooked (and was discussed in the upper half of this post started along time ago)...when you upgrade to this new "diamond" shaped key...how do you propose to keep it charged since your ignition doesn't have the capacity to recharge the battery? If you get a "blank" key...who's going to "cut" it? The local dealer doesn't cut them...they order them from BMW NA. What is the local dealer going to do differently to program this "new" key that isn't already writtin in your owner's manual?

(reinitializing instructions in your owner's manual)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_49_full.jpg

To your advantage, the "diamond" keys can be used...but you have to perform surgery and remove the guts from your old key into the new key...and that includes the 2016 (replaceable) battery Good news... it has been done by several e38 owners from another message forum and the instructions are documented for you to follow. Here's a link to someone who just did it a few months ago...and he inserted links to prior posts of others who did it. Hopefully this will send you in the correct direction and resolve your need for this "diamond" shaped key! :D

Click here for info on how to upgrade to the diamond shaped key: http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/109158

[Chigga]

I think 97 used different system, I'm not too sure, I'm going to the dealer on monday to check part #s.

[Qsilver7]

I think 97 used different system, I'm not too sure, I'm going to the dealer on monday to check part #s.

The e34 540i (1994/95) also used the fat black rubber headed key w/3 buttons just like the (early) e39 & e38. [see pic below] I was just joking about using that key on my 95 525iT...I know it doesn't work. :D

Below are the part #s and cut-off dates for the two types of keys...but feel free to verify the info with your local BMW dealer...they can give more details specially if there is a new/changed part #. :D

* e39s up to 9/99 mfg date - 51 21 8 372 844 (master key #15 in diagram) http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_0012&hg=41&fg=40

* e39s from 9/99-up mfg date - 66 12 6 933 730 (master key #5 in diagram) http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN63&mospid=47588&btnr=41_1330&hg=41&fg=40

[info above is for the North American market]

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_63_full.jpg

[Chigga]

ah.............

um.. looks like I might want to take a day or two to check these out.

[Lscman]

This thread has turned into total confusion.

[John 540i6]

i agree. Its a shame this is so complicated for something so simple.

[ahspao]

Sounds like a whole lot of trouble to get a cut key, have them recode the transmitter and insert a new metal piece to fit your cars key-cut. Not bad if you lost your key and need a new one anyway, but what about the ignition charge...does that still work on the older model cars?

[The Fifth Element]

Man, maybe I should just sell my '97 and pick up an '01. lol sounds a bit easier. :D

[narfit]

i dont think its that bad. just buy the uncut key from the link on ebay. cut the key at a key shop which cuts auto keys. then swap the insides of the old key with the new key.

am i right????

[The Fifth Element]

:) Yeah I was just being sarcastic.

[Qsilver7]

i dont think its that bad. just buy the uncut key from the link on ebay. cut the key at a key shop which cuts auto keys. then swap the insides of the old key with the new key.

am i right????
kinda...sorta...finding someone that can cut your type of BMW key is not as easy as it sounds. Have you ever really looked at your BMW key? It is constructed sort of like a sandwich. The cut is on each side of the blade (like slices of bread)...but the blade is solid in the middle (like the meat).

The key joints like at the mall or Sears...their machines are designed to cut thru the entire blade (like most other cars...or your house keys). You will need to find a professional keysmith...perhaps like a place that sells safes or makes keys for safes etc.

If you go back to the links I posted earlier...where the e38 guys did this...you will see that some of them not only took out the guts of their old key...but also removed the blade and transplated it as well into the new "diamond" headed key.

Everyone has their own thing...but for me personnally...its a whole lot of cuttin, choppin, and carvin...just for a dang ol' key! But I do recognize some people blaze new trails...just because! :D

My input into this thread was just to point out what some others had done successfully...and point out some issues you guys were overlooking. If you venture on...please take pics along your journey and share them with us. It'll be interesting. :)

[narfit]

well lets get this show on the road
link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8017247053)

someone do it!

[sirtiger]

^link no work

[narfit]

fixed

[aok2me]

Guys - the diamond key isn't that great as you think. It's plastic and makes a hollow plastic sound when you put it in your pocket. The old key is covered in rubber so it has a good feel and the rubber absorbs the rattle when you put it in your pocket. Also, the plastic gets scraped up with a million scratches and after awhile, the key looks beat up. It looks nice at first, but not after all the scratches.

[aok2me]

lol before i read your post i just tried...but i have a sunglasses kit screwdriver and I stopped before i stripped the two phillips head screws on the backside of the key (under the pop-in cover) as it fit but was a bit too small. I guess a #1 phillips will do it but I will wait till I am home to try again.
I'll let you know if/when I go through with it...How exactly did you open it? Did you make a lot of scratches on the key?

[The Fifth Element]

Guys - the diamond key isn't that great as you think. It's plastic and makes a hollow plastic sound when you put it in your pocket. The old key is covered in rubber so it has a good feel and the rubber absorbs the rattle when you put it in your pocket. Also, the plastic gets scraped up with a million scratches and after awhile, the key looks beat up. It looks nice at first, but not after all the scratches.

Liar! You just don't want us to experience the obvious superiority of the uber key! :shifty

All kidding aside I have no idea, my current key looks ratty, fat and ugly and I hate it. :(

[aok2me]

All kidding aside I have no idea, my current key looks ratty, fat and ugly and I hate it. :(That's exactly how I felt about my old key. After using the new key, I want to old one again. True, it's fat but it's not that ugly. Now, if they covered the new key in rubber, then that would solve all my complaints.