One Key Problem/Solution?

[petem]

Hi,
I recently purchased our first 75, but it only came with one key.

I live in/on Malta, so the rather good specialist replacement options available in the UK, don't really work for me. BMW route (if still available?) is not too attractive financially.

I was watching a video about renewing the plastic key fob, and had a thought...

Would everything work if the chip that enables the car to start was removed from the existing key fob, and permanently fixed in the car somewhere close to the ignition?

I'd then have the current key still operating the remote central locking, and could get another blank cut for manually opening the car.

The car should see the chip when either key is turned in the ignition, think both keys are the same whichever is used, and start the car with either key?

yes/no/silly?

[vitesse]

A few problems: your insurance company might not be too happy that you have "disabled" the immobiliser in this way. The transponder chip must be within 2 cm of the black ring around the ignition barrel which is actually a transmitter, and you won't be able to lock the car as your body control unit will prevent that because it "sees" there's a key in the lock.

So it's either Rimmer's to get another key, or sending your EWS module away to UK to get another transponder chip (unless someone locally in Malta can provide a chip).

The remote locking board is not so much an obstacle as the transponder chip.

Regards

[petem]

Thanks, for the reply.

Insurance isn't an issue. They'll only insure 3rd party if the car is 20+ years old.

Will it see a key, with the ignition off?

I did wonder about that.

Plan B

Have a fob or other package with just the chip inside, kept in the car that can be attached to the key or next to the ignition when starting?

[vitesse]

Originally Posted by petem

Thanks, for the reply.

Insurance isn't an issue. They'll only insure 3rd party if the car is 20+ years old.

Will it see a key, with the ignition off?

I did wonder about that.

Plan B

Have a fob or other package with just the chip inside, kept in the car that can be attached to the key or next to the ignition when starting?

I believe ignition on or off won't make any difference, if the chip is within 2cm of the transponder ring you won't be able to lock the car (but I've never actually tested the theory).

Regards

Regards

[petem]

Thanks again. I guess I need to find out

[stocktake]

Originally Posted by vitesse

(but I've never actually tested the theory).

Regards

Regards

I Have, Even with ign off the car sees the key as been in the ignition, you cannot lock the car with the fob but you can put the key in the lock and turn the key to lock it.

[WillyHeckaslike]

Might be worth looking in Malta for someone who can do BMW key chips. The Rover 75 shares the same EWS security system with some BMW's so if they can do a BMW with EWS they should be able to do a Rover 75.

I'm going through the second-key process atm. Recently had one cut from a pic and sent from China for a little over £7 GBP. No internals, just a new generic fob with a cut blade which works fine in all locks.

[petem]

Originally Posted by WillyHeckaslike

Might be worth looking in Malta for someone who can do BMW key chips. The Rover 75 shares the same EWS security system with some BMW's so if they can do a BMW with EWS they should be able to do a Rover 75.

I'm going through the second-key process atm. Recently had one cut from a pic and sent from China for a little over £7 GBP. No internals, just a new generic fob with a cut blade which works fine in all locks.

Thanks. Good tip, but unlikely. I'll ask around though. We have the population of a largish UK town. Not easy to get anything done, generally.

Who did you use for your Chines key?

[petem]

Originally Posted by stocktake

I Have, Even with ign off the car sees the key as been in the ignition, you cannot lock the car with the fob but you can put the key in the lock and turn the key to lock it.

That's good info, thanks

[WillyHeckaslike]

I used Aliexpress, the seller was Shop900247158 Store and the listing is currently here. Click

I would add a caveat: There is no guarantee of immediate success in getting any copied key to work properly. Regardless of where I've ever had a key of any type copied the vendor has usually said, any problems bring it back. Most have worked ok but I've had the odd house key cut locally which didn't work too well and one not at all. I believe the Chinese vendors offer the same but returning a key to China is not likely to be financially viable so I think it is best viewed as a punt and it worked for me. Really it is best if you can get a key cut locally but no one local to me that I'm aware of offers CNC cutting. So for me and at the price I paid the risk was worth taking, it might be for others too, horses for courses I guess and the choice and the risk rests with the individual.