[RPC]

Looking for suggestions on what try before replacing the CAS to the tune of $1400 quid at the dealership.

Car: 2011 e90 335i, non-CA

Background and the issue: I recently purchased the car from an independent dealership and it came with just one key. For extra peace of mind I wanted to get another backup key so I ordered a replacement key from my local dealership. 2 days later I picked up the key and I got the yellow crossed-out key warning when it was inserted into the slot. Nothing worked, and I tried various different initiation methods that are written about here and elsewhere online.

I left the car with BMW to figure it out. In the process they replaced the FRM under extended warranty, and ordered another replacement key in case the first one was a dud. It turned out that the second key also was a dud and showed the same crossed-out key symbol as the first.

The diagnosis was that the open key-slots must have been disabled and locked by a locksmith or someone outside the BMW network. Seems strange as the car is a 2-owner car with no apparent history of messing with keys. CAS replacement was the only option from BMWs point of view.

What I've tried so far: The specialist that I use hooked the car up and could see that the working key is in slot #1 of 10. He was unable to modify the status of slots 2-10 which were all disabled. I have also asked BMW for a printout of all the work that has been done on car to see if this gives any insight into why the slots are disabled or if all 10 keys have been issued (highly unlikely I would think)

Questions:
- Has anyone experienced something similar?
- Can the "disabled" slots be enabled again - and if so how and what software is needed?
- Anyone in North Carolina with the required software willing to give this a shot?
- Any other suggestions that doesn't involve $$$$ for a new CAS from BMW?


Thanks in advance for the help.

RPC