F80 - X5M key fob mod

[KimHaugli]

Originally Posted by materialdistractions

I'm curious to see if this will work, and then will it only work for the basic functions such as lock/unlock etc. I'm really interested in the remote start feature that Kies shows in their video. I'm waiting for their video install guide to evaluate the install. I'll give it shot if the install isn't too difficult.

They just uploaded the install guide:

[TommyLights]

Originally Posted by Zermatt

Correct - as I already had an OEM X5M key that I had previously purchased on Ebay at the start of this project.

You used a hot air station for this? Which one?

[sas46]

Hi, today I did the swap of the key
I've got an F20 with the same key fob as your F80
I bought a keyfob from aliexpress that has the same 28 pin chip
I followed all the instructions provided in this thread but I can't open/close the car, I can only turn it on putting it on the steering column

What I did wrong?
(Also I destroyed one button but that's not a problem, I'll buy a new one)
Gallery

View post on imgur.com

The key I bought

[knightarmor]

Totally forgot about this. Glad you got this done Zermatt. We should meet up next time you're in the area!

[Kattanah]

Originally Posted by sas46

Hi, today I did the swap of the key
I've got an F20 with the same key fob as your F80
I bought a keyfob from aliexpress that has the same 28 pin chip
I followed all the instructions provided in this thread but I can't open/close the car, I can only turn it on putting it on the steering column

What I did wrong?
(Also I destroyed one button but that's not a problem, I'll buy a new one)
Gallery

Bmw key swap
The key I bought

Any luck in fixing it?

[Spun Crankhub]

Originally Posted by Zermatt

I'm not a fan of the popular BMW key fobs used with the F8x and F30x.
I much prefer the X5m key. So I bought a used X5m key on ebay with the hopes to swap out the internal circuit.

Unfortunately, the internal circuits were too different and incompatible to be modified to fit the smaller X5m key fob.

Has anyone had any luck in ordering an new X5m key from BMW and have it keyed and coded for their car?

You are one brave SOB.

[eNJay]

Originally Posted by Zermatt

Success!

Using the internal board from a cloned/counterfeit key fob on ebay, I swapped the 28 pin IC with the one from my F80 key. On a side note, the counterfeit key was unsurprisingly of lesser quality in fit and finish; notably the tactile feel of the buttons so I used the X5 key that I previously bought at the start of this mod and seen at the start of this thread.

I am not an electronics engineer so I cant compare the quality of the circuit board between the OEM and fake key. However, using it in the last few days, it appears that the key's RFID Comfort Access range isn't quite as good as the OEM key: car wont unlock when I stand at the rear door and stretch my arm out to reach the front door handle to unlock whereas in the OEM key, it would always lock/unlock. With this counterfeit key fob mod, I'm finding I need to stand right in front of the door. I imagine this is a result of the antenna design or construction.

A big shout-out to knightarmor for his immense help on this project.

Shoutout to @Zermatt & @knightarmor!

2020 Update: I haven't experienced any comfort access range issues but my PCB design looks a lot different then Zermatt's.

Dog had a fun time with on of my keys, followed your posts and upgraded a key.

thanks!!

[dieselbimmer_guy]

Originally Posted by eNJay

Shoutout to @Zermatt & @knightarmor!

2020 Update: I haven't experienced any comfort access range issues but my PCB design looks a lot different then Zermatt's.

Dog had a fun time with on of my keys, followed your posts and upgraded a key.

thanks!!

eNJay, Awesome! Thanks for the update. Who is the supplier for that key fob by chance? Plan on tackling this as my first mod.

[eNJay]

Originally Posted by dieselbimmer_guy

eNJay, Awesome! Thanks for the update. Who is the supplier for that key fob by chance? Plan on tackling this as my first mod.

Here is the Ebay ad I purchased.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232488780558

[althafazh]

hey guys ! I’m interested in getting the key fob retrofit done . I have f30 with a 315mhz key. So I need to get a 315mhz clone key right ? Thanks

[dvq]

Originally Posted by eNJay

Here is the Ebay ad I purchased.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232488780558

Thanks for the update and the link, I've bought a couple and I'll attempt to do this myself as well. Guess I'm going to be learning/practicing how to remove an IC and reinstall one on some spare junk electronics

[alex_07]

Originally Posted by dvq

Thanks for the update and the link, I've bought a couple and I'll attempt to do this myself as well. Guess I'm going to be learning/practicing how to remove an IC and reinstall one on some spare junk electronics

hello . is done ?

[Shockovsky]

Just wondering is anyone has done this lately. I'm planing on doing this for my 650.

[kmouze]

I didn't like the OEM fob look either. I just threw on a Chinese cf cover and called it a day. I personally love the way it looks. Dealership staff seem to look and feel up the fob cover too.

[9M71]

Originally Posted by eNJay

Here is the Ebay ad I purchased.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232488780558

bump - did anyone else use the seller enjay recommended and have on issues with proximity? Looking to tackle this mod soon. TIA!

[Rez_m3]

Originally Posted by BalanceBlind

Looks good. I myself can't unlock a frozen door without calling a car locksmith so I won't ever do that myself but you achieved a nice result so cheers.

I got mines done on gates innovations https://gatesinnovations.com/collections/new-products/products/f-series-key-fob-modification-service

Great improvement and amazing turn around time would recommend

[Liandri]

Hey guys - coming over from 2addicts - see my review here:

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1746439

George @ Gates did mine and it's been great! Highly recommended!!

[s55jesus]

+1 for George over at Gates Innovations. He did the conversion for my 2017 F30 340i. Works flawlessly.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Rez_m3

I got mines done on gates innovations https://gatesinnovations.com/collect...cation-service

Great improvement and amazing turn around time would recommend

Originally Posted by Liandri

Hey guys - coming over from 2addicts - see my review here:

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1746439

George @ Gates did mine and it's been great! Highly recommended!!

Originally Posted by eff80m3

+1 for George over at Gates Innovations. He did the conversion for my 2017 F30 340i. Works flawlessly.

This is the solution we've all been looking for at really the perfect price point! Going to place my order as well! The current fob with the M Performance cover is just too bulky for me so switching to the X5M almost all metal key is the way to go!

[MFNATIK]

Got my key back today from George and all I can say is its exactly what I expected and wanted. So happy there is someone offering this service. Price is spot on and fair and quality of the key is very hard to tell apart from OE. It has to be OEM. I don't have an X5M key to compare it to but it doesn't matter b/c the heft and feel is definitely high quality. More than good enough. Everyone should take advantage of this b/c the key feels and looks great. The F30 style key did not match the F80 but this X5M key is just perfect.

[bmwmdistrict]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Got my key back today from George and all I can say is its exactly what I expected and wanted. So happy there is someone offering this service. Price is spot on and fair and quality of the key is very hard to tell apart from OE. It has to be OEM. I don't have an X5M key to compare it to but it doesn't matter b/c the heft and feel is definitely high quality. More than good enough. Everyone should take advantage of this b/c the key feels and looks great. The F30 style key did not match the F80 but this X5M key is just perfect.

Awesome pictures and update, thanks! Last question... technically you could only send in one key fob to be upgraded, while keeping the spare key as the older fob, correct? That way you have a true OEM as a fallback, worst case scenario? If so, I'm in.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by bsm.m4

Awesome pictures and update, thanks! Last question... technically you could only send in one key fob to be upgraded, while keeping the spare key as the older fob, correct? That way you have a true OEM as a fallback, worst case scenario? If so, I'm in.

Yup, that's exactly what I did. I sent in my key that was the most beat up, which only had one scratch on it, but nonetheless, made it easier to sacrifice. I kept the key blade bc he didn't need it. Everything was returned professionally baged up and labeled. The old key was cut open very cleanly too. Definitely not a hack job if you're curious about that.