E70 Keys problem

[Apo33197]

Hi everybody,

New to the forum, I'm looking for some help and advice for my X5 troubles, and also help other owner with their trouble if I can help.
Thank you for your time !

So first, the car, X5 2008 4.8i N62.
I got the car for a year now and fixed a lot of thing my self as a mechanic.

My latest problem, is my keys.

The main one, stop working to lock and unlock the car, same for comfort access. to start the car I have to insert the key in the dash.
Same for the second key I have.

First I tried to replaced the battery, didn't work.

I scanned the car, and I got a fault about the ''rear bumper antenna''.
Purchased a brand new one at my closest BMW Dealership.
Still don't work then.

I scanned the car again, and now I read a code about the driver's door handle comfort access.
I have to mention that when keys and CA were working, the drivers doors sensor wasn't working, I usually openned the vehicle by the rear driver's side with the comfort access.

So, I found a used replacement door handle W/CA same color on Ebay, installed it, but still nothing. But no more code, maybe still defect ?

I don't know what to try now, its very annoying to lock and unlock the car with the metal key on the door every time, especially when I carry my baby on arms...

Suggestion guys ? Is there any coding thing to do ?
I'm thinking to book an appointment with BMW to have a look at it for me.

I have a professionnal Autel scanner with me FYI.

Thanks and have a nice day !

[jbash87]

Do the lock and unlock buttons on the remotes work?

Did you clear the codes when you replaced the rear bumper antenna?

Does the center button on the dash lock all the doors?

[Apo33197]

Originally Posted by jbash87

Do the lock and unlock buttons on the remotes work?

Did you clear the codes when you replaced the rear bumper antenna?

Does the center button on the dash lock all the doors?

Sorry if I wasn’t clear on my first post, no, both original buttons keys are no longer working to lock and unlock the car. And they are also not recognized to start the car if not insert in the dash.

But yes, inside the dash button work perfectly.

I have to update a little, because today I called the specialist electronic car guy we work with (I’m employed at a used car dealership) and he look at my car.

He tested my two original keys and both are not sending any frequency or signal.
He tested this with a device who show on a screen the frequency around when you push a key button. (Pretty cool actually).

So he told me I need a new key.
He produce an aftermarket one and programmed it right away and the lock and unlock fonctions are now working on this new third key.

For the comfort access, he told me only a BMW brand new key can be programmed to get this function.

But at this point, I can’t be sure if a brand new key from BMW will solve the CA functions.

[jbash87]

Well that is good news! Odd both keys stopped transmitting at the same time though.

I'm not sure if you need BMW branded keys. You can try to get the new keys working with CA by using ISTA to remove all the old keys from the CAS's memory. The procedure for this has been documented. If you can't find it let me know.

[Apo33197]

Originally Posted by jbash87

Well that is good news! Odd both keys stopped transmitting at the same time though.

I'm not sure if you need BMW branded keys. You can try to get the new keys working with CA by using ISTA to remove all the old keys from the CAS's memory. The procedure for this has been documented. If you can't find it let me know.

Yep, I still found special that both keys stop working the same time, but probably the spare one was already not working for a while.

The guy told me yesterday that aftermarket proximity keys actually work, but he experienced some trouble by the time. So he recommend the OEM keys for that.

I think I will let go the CA, its too bad because its a very nice feature, but E70 are not aging well, I will experience many troubles again I'm pretty sure..

Thank you for your time jbash87

[JellyStyle]

I ordered replacement keys online, from BMW Dealer, came keyed to the car, and easy to pair it.
I did have to get it coded for comfort access, but that takes 5 minutes to do. Valentine can do it quickly.
I think i paid like 300 for a new key, although you can get it less since you already have the metal keyed part you can reuse.


Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
66-12-9-268-486 Keyless Entry Transmitter $241.54 1 $241.54 - order 2 of these..
51-21-7-139-710 Integrated Key 512043 $39.58 1 $39.58 - you don't need this, you can reuse your old key blades

You only need 486 x 2, I got them from bmwpartsworldwide.com (need to send them your ID, reg etc) but best price around.

[Apo33197]

Originally Posted by JellyStyle

I ordered replacement keys online, from BMW Dealer, came keyed to the car, and easy to pair it.
I did have to get it coded for comfort access, but that takes 5 minutes to do. Valentine can do it quickly.
I think i paid like 300 for a new key, although you can get it less since you already have the metal keyed part you can reuse.

Here BMW quoted me 520CA$ before taxes to place an order.
Then, to get CA, I have to book an appointment to code it, extra 200$CAD.

Thanks, will have a look at it !

[JellyStyle]

Originally Posted by Apo33197

Here BMW quoted me 520CA$ before taxes to place an order.
Then, to get CA, I have to book an appointment to code it, extra 200$CAD.

Thanks, will have a look at it !

I have a guy that can code the two keys for you for probably 100 USD or less.

[Apo33197]

Originally Posted by JellyStyle

I have a guy that can code the two keys for you for probably 100 USD or less.

Good to know, thanks mate