reprogramming keys

[slasH 4]

Hi guys, I have a 2000 728 e38 and i got a set of 4 keys, 2 with the diamond shape keys

One of the diamond keys worked with only unlocking the car and the boot. but the other key no buttons worked.

I figured it was a reprogramming issue as I read that these keys recharge batteries when in the ignition.

I tried the standard method of ignition, remove within 5 secs, hold unlock button and 3 times press the lock button and release.

nothing happened (it was meant to unlock and lock to show that the keys have been programmed..) and also my working key doesn't work anymore lol..

I have searched the net and read the manual as well but this is the method i found. Any ideas :S?

any help would be appreciated !

Edited September 9, 2012 by slasH

[liyi_92 37]

It should work...

Which ignition position did you switch to? Try both position 1 and 2. Also I think when you are reprogramming keys you know to do the whole set not jus the ones not working.

[sp8s 1]

I had a shite of a job doing the keys for my compact. Took lots of goes at it. Finally found I had to put key right next to mirror to do it. dont know if thats the same but keep trying

[liyi_92 37]

sp9s you mean you had to point the key at the little red nose on the mirror right?

[curryinahurry 39]

I've had a similar issue with the diamond key - turned out to be a dead battery (yes I know its rechargeable).

Cut my key open, and replaced the battery - all good after that.

[Allanw 1071]

Is the OP's E38 liekly to be a Jap import with the IR keys? They are line of site, so have to aim it at the sensor.

Euro version are RF, and don't care where you aim them.

[slasH 4]

thanks, il give this another go, i tried it at the 1st ignition position where only the radio turns on, no abs lights etc, its a Singapore import.

if it was the battery that one key that was working should at least work? it is likely that the other key which had no response to begin with has a dead battery though..

[Greg111 13]

Key position two.

[slasH 4]

ok i got 1 key (the key that was working) to respond by actually touching the driver side mirror from the inside and it programmed (Thanks for that!) but it still doesnt lock when i use the lock button

confused about this as that button works to program the key so the button cant be at fault?

any ideas on this?

the 2nd key did not respond at all (i guess its the battery..) A guy from trademe as $120 to give it a new battery/ new case and program lol.. good price?? any alternatives?

Edited September 10, 2012 by slasH

[Greg111 13]

Dead key then.

[slasH 4]

thanks for help,

any one know a good place to get the key repaired/battery replace?

A guy from trademe asked $120 to give it a new battery/ new case and program.. good price?? any alternatives?

[liyi_92 37]

thanks for help,

any one know a good place to get the key repaired/battery replace?

A guy from trademe asked $120 to give it a new battery/ new case and program.. good price?? any alternatives?

I thought usually most malls would have like a booth in the middle doing keys, garage remotes etc. I got my battery replaced at one of them for $40

[Neal 540]

Batteries for the IR versions are less than $10 , easy enough to replace. In terms of the replacement key , would need to be an IR version if a Jap import as they tend to use ir rather then rf. The diamond keys charge off an inductance coil that is around the ignition key on later models. The ir models have a plan battery and the spare key needs to be used once in a while to keep up with the change of sequence numbers.

The learning new key squence can be found here for RF and IR remote keys.

[slasH 4]

I thought usually most malls would have like a booth in the middle doing keys, garage remotes etc. I got my battery replaced at one of them for $40

that was for the same diamond key? thats very cheap, il give them a go if they will reglue and get everything done.

thanks .

also for the replacement key, has to be bought from Germany?

[Greg111 13]

The diamond key is a sealed unit.

[slasH 4]

yup i used this method and got it open, will just need to get a new battery and replace it.

Edited September 12, 2012 by slasH

[slasH 4]

bought a new battery, tested it after installing. worked perfectly! saved my self a few $.

thanks guys