[BMW5and7]

I repeat, a used one from ebay or so is not an approach that I have tried or claim that it works. You have to do your own research if you can ever use a previously linked divice/key and use it for your vehicle.

I do not think BMW would ever design the key that way. this means anyone can steal your key, and claim it as his, and link it to his car.

If you ever buy a used one, make sure that it is either a (Brand new) or (used but never linked) key. If it has been pre-linked to a vehicle, I am not aware of the process of de-linking it from the previous vehicle to a new one.

The safest approach is to work with someone internally, or an experienced service advisor who is willing to help you, or have the GM to encourage his electrician or senior tech to look into it for you, and make it work.

[roxxor]

Originally Posted by thenew3

A pre-programmed display key or just a pre-programmed standard key?

Pretty sure a standard key would work, but the thing is, that part just pairs it to the car. The key has to already be programmed for your VIN by BMW or a key programmer. That's the issue with buying a used Display Key is that it is most likely already linked to another car and there is very little if any information out there about how to clear or "virginize" a used one.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by roxxor

Pretty sure a standard key would work, but the thing is, that part just pairs it to the car. The key has to already be programmed for your VIN by BMW or a key programmer. That's the issue with buying a used Display Key is that it is most likely already linked to another car.

Yes, a standard key. The display key is just another standard key basically (as far as how the vehicle sees it). The car manual has very clear steps on the process of adding a new key.

[PinkNinja400Guy]

Can you still triple tap the roundel to remote start without having to mess with the display on the key?

The range of the standard key is very disappointing.

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by PinkNinja400Guy

Can you still triple tap the roundel to remote start without having to mess with the display on the key?

The range of the standard key is very disappointing.

What's the range of the standard key?

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by PinkNinja400Guy

Can you still triple tap the roundel to remote start without having to mess with the display on the key?

The range of the standard key is very disappointing.

Yes, it works too. All the physical buttons functions exactly like the standard key. The touch screen is then used as needed for the additional functions or to check status of various modules available.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Brigitte

What's the range of the standard key?

For me, the standard key works from about 50-100 ft away depending on the surrounding environment. In a wide open field it works from about 100 ft away, in a regular parking lot it's more like 50 ft.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Brigitte

What's the range of the standard key?

There is no formal number that I am aware of for the standard key but on average most users have reported an average of about 75 ft or so. In comparison, the display key range is about 1000 ft.

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

There is no formal number that I am aware of for the standard key but on average most users have reported an average of about 75 ft or so. In comparison, the display key range is about 1000 ft.

So for example if I'm in a mall...it won't work until I get to the exit!

[MystroX5]

I have started my X7 from across the Disney Grand Floridian parking lot and that had to be 400+ feet. It was out side and that makes a difference in the range. This is the normal key. I thought BMW was having charging issues with the display key with them discharging too fast????

FYI: BMW doesn’t always have a fresh battery from the factory with the key fob. It was a known issue with the G05 in 2019. It’s a good idea to put in a fresh battery if your range sucks.

[BMW5and7]

I like the cover. By the way, 400ft is impressive, clearly the battery charge level has a huge impact!

[PinkNinja400Guy]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

I have started my X7 from across the Disney Grand Floridian parking lot and that had to be 400+ feet. It was out side and that makes a difference in the range. This is the normal key. I thought BMW was having charging issues with the display key with them discharging too fast????

FYI: BMW doesn’t always have a fresh battery from the factory with the key fob. It was a known issue with the G05 in 2019. It’s a good idea to put in a fresh battery if your range sucks.

I guess that must be it, BMW is still using bad batteries at the factory. By standard key I'm referring to the same key as your photo.

My key's (since brand new) range is around 15 seconds of walking time, which I think is around the 50-100ft that others were reporting here. That's outside in a parking lot, it varies a bit depending on how direct of a line of sight there is between the car & the key.

I'll ask them to change it when I'm in for service in a month or two. Will report back.

[AlteBMW]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

it does not require any coding. Pretty easy. All you have to do is hold your new key fob flat against the low key battery indicator on the side of the steering column. Then hold the start/stop button until the 'no key' warning light disappears. Press the start/stop button again to confirm activation was successful. And you're done!

This may be true for a new key, but not for one that was previously linked to another car (i.e. used on ebay). The key would need to be wipred clean first as it is coded to a specific car. I believe this is true for all recent BMW keys.

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by PinkNinja400Guy

I guess that must be it, BMW is still using bad batteries at the factory. By standard key I'm referring to the same key as your photo.

My key's (since brand new) range is around 30 seconds of walking time, which I think is around the 50-100ft that others were reporting here. That's outside in a parking lot, it varies a bit depending on how direct of a line of sight there is between the car & the key.

I'll ask them to change it when I'm in for service in a month or two. Will report back.

Changing the remote control/key battery is part of the free 3-year/36000 miles maintenance program. Please let us know if it improves the range.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Brigitte

Changing the remote control/key battery is part of the free 3-year/36000 miles maintenance program. Please let us know if it improves the range.

The problem is some dealers have to have the battery completely dead before they will do it.

Honestly, it’s a 2 minute job and about $1.50 for the cr2032. I actually replace the battery in all my key fobs every year while watching a football game just out of preventive maintenance. I also won’t ding up my key fob with crappy tools the dealers sometimes use to pry the key apart.
I also check the water proof seal, clean it and put a thin layer of dielectric grease on the rubber seal. That seal is very important if your fob gets anywhere near dampness.
I buy the multi pack cr2032 batteries from Amazon so cheap that even 12-14 key fobs is still cheap insurance. Maybe $15 total??

Decades ago when the laser cut keys were new, I had a key fob go dead on a long vacation and it was such a pia that now I got into the battery change practice every 12-16 month.

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

The problem is some dealers have to have the battery completely dead before they will do it.

Honestly, it’s a 2 minute job and about $1.50 for the cr2032. I actually replace the battery in all my key fobs every year while watching a football game just out of preventive maintenance. I also won’t ding up my key fob with crappy tools the dealers sometimes use to pry the key apart.
I also check the water proof seal, clean it and put a thin layer of dielectric grease on the rubber seal. That seal is very important if your fob gets anywhere near dampness.
I buy the multi pack cr2032 batteries from Amazon so cheap that even 12-14 key fobs is still cheap insurance. Maybe $15 total??

Decades ago when the laser cut keys were new, I had a key fob go dead on a long vacation and it was such a pia that now I got into the battery change practice every 12-16 month.

I think I have those batteries...I bought them from Amazon. I remember changing the battery on a remote control of a gate. It was difficult to open...it took me a long time to open it So let me ask you...how do you open the key fob? Is there a safe tool to use?

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Brigitte

I think I have those batteries...I bought them from Amazon. I remember changing the battery on a remote control of a gate. It was difficult to open...it took me a long time to open it So let me ask you...how do you open the key fob? Is there a safe tool to use?

It's very easy to do. Lots of youtube videos on it. You don't need any tools really. The cover just pops off. You can use your finger nails to pry the battery out or some folks like to use a small screw driver. I just use the metal key to pop the battery out. Takes about a minute and cost less than $1. I pickup up a 12pk of Duracell CR2032 from Costco when they go on sale for like $8.

Here's one video

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by thenew3

It's very easy to do. Lots of youtube videos on it. You don't need any tools really. The cover just pops off. You can use your finger nails to pry the battery out or some folks like to use a small screw driver. I just use the metal key to pop the battery out. Takes about a minute and cost less than $1. I pickup up a 12pk of Duracell CR2032 from Costco when they go on sale for like $8.

Here's one video

WOW...that is so easy! Thanks for the video...

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Brigitte

WOW...that is so easy! Thanks for the video...

^^ This is why I just do all my fobs at one time. It would cost more in gas just to drive to the dealer for the free battery. It will make a difference in signal strength. I can start my BMW parked at the last spot at Walmart while in checkout line.

[Brigitte]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

^^ This is why I just do all my fobs at one time. It would cost more in gas just to drive to the dealer for the free battery.

Yep! I will do the same...

[BMW5and7]

Do you guys know that the “standard?” method of opining the key cover is by using the metallic physical cut-key itself? There is a notch at the end of the key, you use it and hock it right under the plastic cover and push it up to open the plastic cover.

[huskerdoc2020]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Here you go gents, the option is 3DS, and when available as an option, it costs $300 to add it to the build. Again, I am certain it costs more to buy it "after the fact"

Is there a way to tell when it becomes available as an option other than calling my BMW guy over and over?