BMW Keys Fob information

Updated February 1, 2019

Got a key fob that doesn't work? Send it in for checkout and repair (this is not a battery replacement service, this is a key repair service which usually does not require battery replacment) BMW Key Fob Repair

Before buying a new or contacting me regarding key repair read this web page to try and narrow down the source of the problem-> click here

The top left key is the old rubber button key. It has three buttons and a red LED that blinks when a button is pressed. This key has a user replaceable CR2016 lithium battery. It was phased out during the 2000 model year and replaced with the bottom left key also called the diamond shaped key. The top right key is for many BMWs from the 2006 to about 2011. The bottom right key is for the 7-series from 2002 through 2008 known as the E65/E66/E67/E68

Most of these keys are permanently sealed with a battery that will last the life of the car. The battery is recharge when in the ignition via the EWS ring antenna. According to BMW, if the key is not used it will discharged in approximately 18 months. I find that it will last much much longer than that. If the battery does become discharge, it requires approximately 30 hours of use to fully charge. BMW says that the remote can be operated 15 times after being charged for only 30 minutes. Charging only occurs when the ignition is in the Accessory or On positions. It does not charge in the Off position.

One story that is not true is that BMW made 10 keys for every car. Three or four of them were delivered with the car and the remaining ones are stored in a big warehouse somewhere waiting to be ordered. This is not true. It is true that the car can only take 10 keys, but, they are not cut and programmed until you order it. Some people believe that when you order a new BMW key that it gets cut and sent from Germany. That's not true. At least not true if you order the key in the US. Keys ordered in the US come from BMW Center in Tennesse and arrive at your dealership for pickup in about 2 business days.

The key part numbers below are for the E46. Other models may have other part numbers, but, the prices should be the same. I do not sell keys. This is only to give you a ballpark idea of what a key should cost. Each dealer sets their own mark up so if there are multiple dealers in your area get quotes from all of them.

Service Key (aka Valet)	General Key Illuminated	Spare Key	Master Key up to 09/99	Master Key from 09/99

Service Key - No remote, works in the door and ignition only. Also known as the valet key.
General Key Illuminated - Built in light, no remote, but, works in all key holes (door, ignition, glove box and trunk) - Discontinued
Spare key - No remote, but, works in all key holes (door, ignition, glove box and trunk)
Master Key up to 09/1999 (rubber button) - Wireless remote, works in all keys holes (door, ignition, glove box and trunk)
Master Key from 09/1999 (diamond) - Wireless remote, works in all keys holes (door, ignition, glove box and trunk)

Again I do not sell keys. I repair keys. The prices are for reference and taken from the BMW of South Atlanta web site on 2013/05/10. Each dealer sets it's own mark up so prices will vary. If you have multiple dealers in your area get quotes from all of them. 315 MHz Master Keys are used in North America and some other markets of the world. Some markets use the 315MHz LP (LP stands for low power) and some markets use frequencies of 433 MHz or 868 MHz. The frequency and part number is etched onto the back of all the keys except the rubber button key.

Keys for E65/E66 7-Series
51217013722 - Spare key w/o remote ($50.90)
61316922666 - Adapter required to use the spare key in the ignition ($10.37)
66120396048 - 315MHz Remote with Comfort Access ($274.27)
66120396044 - 315MHz Remote w/o Comfort Access ($171.43)
66120308613 - 315MHz Remote w/o Comfort Access (superceded by 66120396044)
51217065227 - Key blade for Remote ($33.40)

Keys for E60/E61 5-Series, E63/E64 6-Series, E70 X5, E71/E72 X6, E82/E88 1-Series, E84 X1, E90/E91/E92/E93 3-Series
51217013722 - Spare key w/o remote ($50.90)
66126937508 - Adapter required to use the spare key in the ignition ($7.10)
66120413690 - 315MHz Remote w/o Comfort Access ($163.27)
66122296932 - 315MHz Remote with Comfort Access (
51217069547 - Key blade for Remote ($31.81)
66122155754 - BMW emblem for key
66126933008 - 868MHz Remote diamond key, new Board Key

Key Resyncing procedure.

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 Remote keys
Each remote control contains a rechargeable battery that is automatically recharged when it is in the ignition lock while the car is being driven. Use each remote control at least twice a year for longer road trips in order to maintain the batteries' charge status. In cars with convenient access, the remote control contains a replaceable battery. The