[fridgeman12]

Hello,

Just purchased a used X7 and received two key fobs, one in great condition and the other in not so great condition. The second key fob is missing the lock button but the functions still all work. Is there a way to purchase the missing button and clip it back on or will I just need to purchase a generic/used key fob shell? If it is the latter, does anyone have any recommendations on aftermarket shell?

[Madsen203]

Why not buy a used fob and transpose the buttons to your current? Does it work that way? It might not. I haven’t taken the fob apart.

key fob used

If that doesn’t work, dealer can program it but likely will be expensive.

[streborx]

Many hard and soft fob covers on Amazon. Hope previous owner wasn't popping the beer caps while driving.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Madsen203

Why not buy a used fob and transpose the buttons to your current? Does it work that way? It might not. I haven’t taken the fob apart.

key fob used

If that doesn’t work, dealer can program it but likely will be expensive.

BMW dealers can NOT program a used remote fob. Never have since fobs started being used in the mid 1990s. EWS (the encrypted start immobilizing feature) has always been programmed as the vehicle comes off the assembly line, and the data is stored...then retrieved (based on VIN) when a customer requires a new key. The new BMW remote is then programmed (metal key blade is cut if required) then sent to the ordering dealer and given to the owner.

Perhaps the OP can attempt to remove the IC board and implant it into a compatible new or used remote fob. But they will need to use the IC board that has the transponder that is written with the same encryption that matches the same 128-bit encryption on their CAS/FEM/BDC/DME modules.

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

BMW dealers can NOT program a used remote fob. Never have since fobs started being used in the mid 1990s. EWS (the encrypted start immobilizing feature) has always been programmed as the vehicle comes off the assembly line, and the data is stored...then retrieved (based on VIN) when a customer requires a new key. The new BMW remote is then programmed (metal key blade is cut if required) then sent to the ordering dealer and given to the owner.

An you remove the button and install on current remote?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Madsen203

An you remove the button and install on current remote?

I honestly don't know. But since the one button is missing on the remote pictured above, I'd fiddle with it to see if the other buttons can be removed and replaced without any damage. That could be an indicator of any ease of buying a remote online and popping the buttons on/off.

Good luck...keep us posted with your decision, especially if the buttons can be popped off/on with no damage.

[JJacksonIII]

One of those fobs was the wife's and one was the husband's.

[streborx]

Carve out a piece of wood or plastic that fits and functions as the missing button. Then buy a soft leather fob cover that will mask the crafted button and all the damage the dog did. You'll be the only one that knows.

[fridgeman12]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

I honestly don't know. But since the one button is missing on the remote pictured above, I'd fiddle with it to see if the other buttons can be removed and replaced without any damage. That could be an indicator of any ease of buying a remote online and popping the buttons on/off.

Good luck...keep us posted with your decision, especially if the buttons can be popped off/on with no damage.

I've been scouring ebay listings and the buttons seem to be able to get popped on and off quite easily (see image attached), hesitant to try button popping off on my own key but I probably should as a proof of concept before spending the $40 on a stripped out key.

I

[fridgeman12]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

BMW dealers can NOT program a used remote fob. Never have since fobs started being used in the mid 1990s. EWS (the encrypted start immobilizing feature) has always been programmed as the vehicle comes off the assembly line, and the data is stored...then retrieved (based on VIN) when a customer requires a new key. The new BMW remote is then programmed (metal key blade is cut if required) then sent to the ordering dealer and given to the owner.

Perhaps the OP can attempt to remove the IC board and implant it into a compatible new or used remote fob. But they will need to use the IC board that has the transponder that is written with the same encryption that matches the same 128-bit encryption on their CAS/FEM/BDC/DME modules.

I believe transplanting the internals shouldn't be an issue electronic wise, just wondering if the key blades are all the same length between models so I wouldn't have an issue swapping parts.

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by fridgeman12

I believe transplanting the internals shouldn't be an issue electronic wise, just wondering if the key blades are all the same length between models so I wouldn't have an issue swapping parts.

Key blade should be same length. Obviously cut differently but should t be an issue if you get a similar key profile. These are manufactured in large scale so having various sizes is inefficient and very unlikely.