Reprogramming Used key fob
11-13-2018, 08:24 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Reprogramming Used key fob
i found a used OEM keyfob. Does anyone know the process of reprogramming a used one? How much? Is the dealership our only option and would they reprogram a used one? Any advise would be appreciated so I can make a decision before purchasing it.
11-13-2018, 09:12 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Don't recall the name - do some homework and search on the forums here and on the other. Plenty of past discussion (discussed to death) on this w163 ML Fob key topic.
I dont believe the Stealership has the resources to reprogram another fob key set for the MLs- you can check yourself.
Typically, they can re-order a replacement matching FOB key for you when you produce ID and ownership info, but no more for ML W163s.
11-13-2018, 09:16 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
There is a company down in Florida that I recall reading about on the forums and perhaps elsewhere, that can correctly do what you want. They need your SUV though, to do this.
Don't recall the name - do some homework and search on the forums here and on the other. Plenty of past discussion (discussed to death) on this w163 ML Fob key topic.
I dont believe the Stealership has the resources to reprogram another fob key set for the MLs- you can check yourself.
Typically, they can re-order a replacement matching FOB key for you when you produce ID and ownership info, but no more for ML W163s.
Don't recall the name - do some homework and search on the forums here and on the other. Plenty of past discussion (discussed to death) on this w163 ML Fob key topic.
I dont believe the Stealership has the resources to reprogram another fob key set for the MLs- you can check yourself.
Typically, they can re-order a replacement matching FOB key for you when you produce ID and ownership info, but no more for ML W163s.
thanks for the info. I will do some research. I only have one remote and want to get another bc the one I have is wearing down on the buttons. I’m also wondering if I can just replace the casing of the remote.
11-13-2018, 09:26 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Again, there's some postings either on this forum or the other on this very topic and how-to (I think) open carefully and remove the internal cb and tiny pea-size chip, etc and re-stall into the new generic one.
11-14-2018, 12:46 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Certainly, the casing can be replaced. I picked up a few of the casings cheap in fleabay or aliexpress (4 button includes the uncut key)
Again, there's some postings either on this forum or the other on this very topic and how-to (I think) open carefully and remove the internal cb and tiny pea-size chip, etc and re-stall into the new generic one.
Again, there's some postings either on this forum or the other on this very topic and how-to (I think) open carefully and remove the internal cb and tiny pea-size chip, etc and re-stall into the new generic one.
do you remember how much you paid for them? Someone is selling me a used one for $45.
11-14-2018, 01:27 AM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Ouch!
$45 for a generic or oem? Still that's a crazy price for a USED one.
Doesnt matter.....you can pickup them here for under $4 bucks a piece.
These are the same ones I purchased.
$45 for a generic or oem? Still that's a crazy price for a USED one.
Doesnt matter.....you can pickup them here for under $4 bucks a piece.
These are the same ones I purchased.
its OEM. I’ll check out that link. I assume the fitment was right on and the swap was simple? Thanks for your help man.
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11-14-2018, 01:32 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
$45 used and most likely, no blank key comes with it.
The generic shells open slightly differently than the OEM FOB key shells (oem 3 pieces vs generic 2 pieces).
11-14-2018, 01:40 AM
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
The computer chip from the OEM fits 100% in the aftermarket and no alterations? Does it close and seal pretty good with just 2 pieces? I’m assuming I don’t have to glue them? I just notice that it does have 2 parts rather than 3 like the OEM but looks identical. Thanks again
11-14-2018, 01:51 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
last 2 questions.
The computer chip from the OEM fits 100% in the aftermarket and no alterations? Does it close and seal pretty good with just 2 pieces? I’m assuming I don’t have to glue them? I just notice that it does have 2 parts rather than 3 like the OEM but looks identical. Thanks again
Cut a new key blade with the blank key that comes with it. The older oem key blade does not fit 100% correctly in the new shell, (the oem key blade is made ever so slightly different than the new blank key) but it does still fit and the key blade still opens up when you press the small button. Original blade key is still useable in the new generic shell. I still have that as a spare on a new shell.
11-14-2018, 01:57 AM
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
You can transfer everything from the oem FOB to the new generic one. Everything fits with no issues, no glue needed - it snaps into place. They are virtually identical (oem shell has imprinted on the back, the official FCC ID stuff and simple lock/unlock picture instructions on it. The generic shell does not have this imprinted on it.
Cut a new key blade with the blank key that comes with it. The older oem key blade does not fit 100% correctly in the new shell, (the oem key blade is made ever so slightly different than the new blank key) but it does still fit and the key blade still opens up when you press the small button. Original blade key is still useable in the new generic shell. I still have that as a spare on a new shell.
Cut a new key blade with the blank key that comes with it. The older oem key blade does not fit 100% correctly in the new shell, (the oem key blade is made ever so slightly different than the new blank key) but it does still fit and the key blade still opens up when you press the small button. Original blade key is still useable in the new generic shell. I still have that as a spare on a new shell.
11-14-2018, 01:59 AM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Any reputable locksmith should be able to cut them. It's a special blade - just check around. It cost a tad more to cut than a regular key.
11-14-2018, 02:02 AM
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
08-31-2022, 06:08 PM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
I've been searching for hours and can't find any reliable information regarding programming a used key fob to my 2015 F15 X5.
Long story short - 1 of my keys was lost (but not the actual metal key, just the remote fob), and I was given an old fob leftover from a friend's X5 (he found it well after it was turned back into the dealer).
I tried the method of holding the fob up to the key signal on the steering column, but that doesn't seem to work. The amount of disinformation out there regarding BMW keys is staggering. I'm hesitant to call the dealership because here in LA they're just angry *******s who will tell me I should not have a user key, and they'll program it for me for the cost of my firstborn.
Does anyone know:
A: How to wipe my old key so someone doesn't find it / use it to break into my car?
B: Program this used key to my car?
Any help is appreciated!
Long story short - 1 of my keys was lost (but not the actual metal key, just the remote fob), and I was given an old fob leftover from a friend's X5 (he found it well after it was turned back into the dealer).
I tried the method of holding the fob up to the key signal on the steering column, but that doesn't seem to work. The amount of disinformation out there regarding BMW keys is staggering. I'm hesitant to call the dealership because here in LA they're just angry *******s who will tell me I should not have a user key, and they'll program it for me for the cost of my firstborn.
Does anyone know:
A: How to wipe my old key so someone doesn't find it / use it to break into my car?
B: Program this used key to my car?
Any help is appreciated!
Brilliant.
