Dupe key coding problems
 

Bought what is said to be a genuine Valeo key - includes the PCB and transponder (cost £35) - had it cut (£10) - and took it to well known ex Rover dealers to code. They altered the "unlock all doors" option so that was OK but couldn't get past the immobiliser to start the car. They even brought in a retired employee who went to the pre-test launch of the R75 but he couldn't get it to start: the conclusion being it is a faulty key. (This exercise cost me £47).

Before I send the key back any ideas you clever people?

Did you swap out the little black transponder from the old key?

If the new one has a transponder, was it coded to the immobiliser unit (ews) at the bottom of the drivers side a post?

If no to any of the above, it won't work.

Edit. Just 're read the mention of transponder

Try swapping them.over. But the new one will need to be programmed to the ews.

Sent from my SM-A600FN using Tapatalk

Yes I had thought of that on the way home, but as it will prob be another £47 I think I'd better wait till I can get another PCB innards from the supplier then I can try all poss combinations. Thanks.

Have a word with Marinabrian..

The PCB and transponder are totally separate things and in no way connected. The PCB operates the central locking, the transponder speaks to the immobiliser. Can't reuse a transponder, needs to be a virgin one paired with the cars security system (EWS) using specialised equipment, not a T4, completely separate bit of kit which some of the traders have is required Be careful using alleged key specialists, many of them simply copy the code from the EWS and it will only work for so long, the transponder/EWS work on a rolling code, constantly changing.

Nearest trader who deals with keys is Chris in Portsmouth.

Thanks for that. Just had reply from key supplier:

"Hello thanks for contacting us, id ignore the garage they tend to buy keys in they can code, when your buying keys and taking to garages its very hit and miss if you look up auto locksmith on Google maps and give a few a call they will be more than happy to do it for you using different equipment, in my 15 years of selling keys witch will be about 1 million keys including all our accounts for ebay and shop sales this is my experience i would not us a garage or dealer"

Weirder and weirder.

PS The garage I used is on our T4 location map and they say they've done this many times. (???)

This is turning into an epic. Have just had further response from key supplier:
"
Hello, if you open up the key all codes are inside the remote, for proof of OEM.
our supplier we buy keys off normally cant be be programmed by a dealers or specialists but in almost every situation a independent auto locksmith will be able to do the job every time, i am not 100% sure but it will most likely will be with in the software installed via the manufacturer not being fully complete. which means more advanced equipment, often dealers and big specialist company will only buy massive bulks from direct company, which means its fully ready which is more money per key, thats why we have our key at £40, like i have said you will not have a problem with an independent auto locksmith found on Google maps"

The only code you'll find inside the key is the serial number on the PCB, that's what is entered into the car's systems by T4 to operate the central locking.

When Russ did me spare key for the 260 he had to remove the EWS unit from under the dash, connect it to his equipment to read it then place the new transponder into the equipment and program it.

I dare say one of the "key guys" will be along at some time with some advice.

I think that he's spinning you a yarn Dave.

I'm not pretending to be an expert on this but if you have a new key fitted with a new transponder then it's my understanding (from talking to MGR dealer parts department staff) that the key needs to be sent to BMW in Germany to be programmed to interact with your car's immobiliser (EWS). This service is extremely expensive.

It may be that a club trader can also do this (I don't know) but I doubt that an automotive locksmith can. If this was possible, then it would be easy for a thief to buy a key for £40 and steal a car!

Simon

PS Steve was typing at the same time as I was and has confirmed the procedure.

Several of the traders (four I can think of) have the equipment necessary to program a new transponder.