Dublinoh

When I purchased my 07 E63 it came with one key. If you want a second key your first visit to the dealership must include proof of ownership and photo ID after which they will order you a key. The second visit the new key is programmed, this can take hours apparently.

You must be very careful to ask for a second key, not a replacement key (like a replacement for the lost key). If you are not clear about wanting the old key to work, you may end up with a new key and an old "no longer recognized" key, do you need to ask me how I know?

I didn't realize I had a "dead" key until my wife called from work unable to restart the car. So I took the second key with me to trouble shoot. It turned out to be the battery (it was 5 Fahrenheit) but I discovered the car did not recognize the key I brought at all. I have finally convinced the dealership that I was quite clear that I wanted a second key, that I paid for one but really didn't get it. They are replacing the dead key at no charge and I am grateful for that. These keys are in the $450 range now, so if you need a second key be very specific and check both for function after the new key is programmed.

Forrest Gump 9

Which dealer were you at?

Dublinoh

Crown in Dublin, Ohio. As dealers go pretty good group of people.

jmb614

Crown is §hit. When they replaced the supercharger clutch on my E55 they forgot to tighten the bolts on the intake runner to head, then tried to blame the surge tanks for the vacuum leak because they were painted... spent a bunch of money and time figuring that one out. Never took my car there again. Germain is much better, as far as dealers go anyway. Mike, the lead parts guy, is super helpful. Though the SA's are some snaky ****s.

Dublinoh

After a heart to heart they took care of me....what can I say.

Yuille36

I just ordered a replacement key, for my 07 E63 from the dealership. And when it arrived, we couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work, until I realized they ordered it with the wrong VIN. So we had to re-order it using the correct VIN. But what's weird is that, I provided them with the registration and my license to verify, that I was the owner of the vehicle. And the registration had the VIN number on it. At first we thought that the key wasn't programmed to the vehicle. When my new key arrived all was great with the world once again.

atoms

Also got a new key from a dealership in Barrington, IL. ~$370 with tax which I thought was *reasonable*. Took 30 minutes to an hour to do its thing on my 12 year old car but the process went smoother than anticipated. The parts guy gave me the skinny on the process which I appreciated. The new key/fob looks and feels better than the old one and works fine so far. To be honest, I'm surprised it worked and just assume issues.

Interesting thing I learned (somewhat, some concepts I didn't fully grasp). Something about "eight keys already made so have to replace an old code, blah blah". Wouldn't mind some better explanation if someone has one to offer. 2005 E55.

Rocman8

The EIS (ignition switch) has 8 key tracks meaning you can have up to 8 remotes active at the same time. Each track can be replaced up to 2 times for a total of 24 remotes before the EIS must be replaced along with some other components on some models. There are many ways to go about getting new remotes but the most common is ordering the "next track available" and some request to block out key tracks when the other remote is lost/stolen or still with a previous owner. The times where you have to leave a new key in the ignition for a long period of time to program is when you order a "replacement" key not an "additional" key. Each key is good for 200,000 start codes so when replacing an existing used key track the EIS will need to count up to 200,000 from where the track left off at so that the replacement remote can start operating at 200,001 up to 400,000.

StarvingArtist

I read that twice and I'm still confused. Does this mean the key stops working after 200,000 starts?

Rocman8

Correct.

Dublinoh

Start your car five times a day and your still good for 1000 years

StarvingArtist

Thanks, I hadn't done the math on that. I was starting to wonder if I was near the end.

rapidoxidation

well, 109 years anyway but who's counting?

Dublinoh

Yea, my math was a little off LOL , 100 years ought to work out okay.

atoms

Rocman8, thank you! You sound just like the parts guy except now I can properly digest it.

StarvingArtist

Parts guys aren't on his level. At least none that I've met. Come to think of it, there not even on mine.

trevorradman

I was just quoted over $400 for an 06 E55 keyless go key. Do we have any other options? Parts guy said "Most keys are $200, not sure why yours is so expensive".

Yuille36

Unfortunately, you can only purchase the key from the dealership, so your at there mercy. I would call other dealership to get the best price.