key fob needed for f33

Alpine430i · 10-14-2023, 12:24 PM

Can anyone school me on a key fob for f33? I have 1 key fob and need a second key fob as backup.
Dealership is overpriced. Been searching around to find an alternative that wouldn't break the bank.

some posts say to buy used key fob from ebay/FBmarketplace, then buy a new key fob blade and have locksmith cut the blade. In reading about this approach more, ppl state that the ebay/fbmarketplace bmw oem key fob doesn't work or the blade can't be cut by locksmith...

Does anyone have another option ?

fe7565 · 10-14-2023, 01:41 PM

You cannot program a blank key FOB yourself without a $500-1000 tool set.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post30568441

Qsilver7 · 10-15-2023, 10:35 AM

Ditto above…your BMW remote fob is more than a one trick-pony. And make sure you’re not reading replacement key info from older generation BMWs where aftermarket services have been able to crack the encryption with aftermarket hardware/software.

The new gen BMWs not only use encryption for the EWS (immobilizing start) features…but also the various components for central locking. The remote sends an RF signal (315 MHz in North America) to various aerials around the car which then sends the 128-bit encryption to various modules (depending on communication bus set-up) BDC/CAS/FEM/DME. But the EWS system is powered by induction (doesn’t require the battery inside the remote). The ring aerial, in the steering column, powers up the transponder in the remote and sends the encryption and rolling code info to the DME and BDC modules which allows the car to start.

You can waste time trying to track down someone who can actually do what is required, but many out there don’t and you’ll more than likely end up with a BMW desk trinket that won’t start your car.

Or you can cut the chase and find a BMW dealership, give them the correct info they need (your VIN & proof of ownership) and they will retrieve your data from their database, cut the blank key blade and write the correct 128-bit encryption data to new transponders that match what has been written to your car. Is it cheap? No. But you get a working remote and key blade (if you order it, too) that will start your car and operate your lock cylinders with no problems.

Alpine430i · 10-15-2023, 12:26 PM

Thank you, appreciate the feedback!

10-14-2023, 12:24 PM	#1
Alpine430i Private 3 Rep 82 Posts Drives: Bmw 430i Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Nj iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	Can anyone school me on a key fob for f33? I have 1 key fob and need a second key fob as backup. Dealership is overpriced. Been searching around to find an alternative that wouldn't break the bank. some posts say to buy used key fob from ebay/FBmarketplace, then buy a new key fob blade and have locksmith cut the blade. In reading about this approach more, ppl state that the ebay/fbmarketplace bmw oem key fob doesn't work or the blade can't be cut by locksmith... Does anyone have another option ?
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10-14-2023, 01:41 PM	#2
fe7565 Lieutenant Colonel 553 Rep 1,582 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i N26 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	You cannot program a blank key FOB yourself without a $500-1000 tool set. https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post30568441 __________________ Help each other: if you manage to fix your issue (especially with help from this forum), don't be a d*ck and disappear. Follow-up by posting the solution so you can help others.
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10-15-2023, 10:35 AM	#3
Qsilver7 Major General 4448 Rep 7,488 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Ditto above…your BMW remote fob is more than a one trick-pony. And make sure you’re not reading replacement key info from older generation BMWs where aftermarket services have been able to crack the encryption with aftermarket hardware/software. The new gen BMWs not only use encryption for the EWS (immobilizing start) features…but also the various components for central locking. The remote sends an RF signal (315 MHz in North America) to various aerials around the car which then sends the 128-bit encryption to various modules (depending on communication bus set-up) BDC/CAS/FEM/DME. But the EWS system is powered by induction (doesn’t require the battery inside the remote). The ring aerial, in the steering column, powers up the transponder in the remote and sends the encryption and rolling code info to the DME and BDC modules which allows the car to start. You can waste time trying to track down someone who can actually do what is required, but many out there don’t and you’ll more than likely end up with a BMW desk trinket that won’t start your car. Or you can cut the chase and find a BMW dealership, give them the correct info they need (your VIN & proof of ownership) and they will retrieve your data from their database, cut the blank key blade and write the correct 128-bit encryption data to new transponders that match what has been written to your car. Is it cheap? No. But you get a working remote and key blade (if you order it, too) that will start your car and operate your lock cylinders with no problems. Attached Images __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
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10-15-2023, 12:26 PM	#4
Alpine430i Private 3 Rep 82 Posts Drives: Bmw 430i Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Nj iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	Thank you, appreciate the feedback!
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