car wont start...

[Adrian]

Bonostios Amigos,

please assist here...

Have a 2003 E46 Auto F/L with only 1 key. The key opens and locks the vehicle as normal but when insterted into the barrel and turned on, it only lights up the instrument panel but won't start the car. Took the key to a local BMW stealer and they reckon the key is not talking to their key-reader and needs replacing.

I got the cheapest quote of R1500 for a new key so far BUT am reluctant to replace it supposing something else like a computer box is faulty.

Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks

 

[P1000]

Well, it is either the key or the reader, and the key is the cheapest. In any event, if you just have one key, you should get another one. (How do people only have one key for a car? If you lose it, you replace so many parts on your car, it is a joke, and then you're broke.) If the new key works, buy another one. You might get it for cheaper from drivesure.co.za

 

[///MALCOLM325]

Have to ask....when you turn the key towards the start position does the instrument lights go dim, if so you probably have a flat battery.

Give it a good power supply and check again. I don't think its your key.

 

[Adrian]

Have to ask....when you turn the key towards the start position does the instrument lights go dim, if so you probably have a flat battery.

Give it a good power supply and check again. I don't think its your key.

nope...no dim lights, not even a sound to show some sort of effort in startup. Battery is in good condition...

 

[Nic_s]

+1
Check you battery.

 

[Nic_s]

Well, it is either the key or the reader, and the key is the cheapest. In any event, if you just have one key, you should get another one. (How do people only have one key for a car? If you lose it, you replace so many parts on your car, it is a joke, and then you're broke.) If the new key works, buy another one. You might get it for cheaper from drivesure.co.za

I just have one key for each of my cars. Tried getting extra keys made for the 318i, but it didn't want to work :dunno:

Apparently you can't get the infrared keys for the E34's anymore.

 

[Nic_s]

Have to ask....when you turn the key towards the start position does the instrument lights go dim, if so you probably have a flat battery.

Give it a good power supply and check again. I don't think its your key.

nope...no dim lights, not even a sound to show some sort of effort in startup. Battery is in good condition...

I'm not to clued up on the modern stuff, but have you tried recoding the key?

 

[Adrian]

Well, it is either the key or the reader, and the key is the cheapest. In any event, if you just have one key, you should get another one. (How do people only have one key for a car? If you lose it, you replace so many parts on your car, it is a joke, and then you're broke.) If the new key works, buy another one. You might get it for cheaper from drivesure.co.za

doubt it's the reader cos I saw the technician insert my key into the reader which is hooked up to the PC and it didn't light up like it supposed to, hence he couldnt call up any info on the computer.

unfortunately bought it with only 1 key (beeeeg mistake)

Thanks, I'll check drivesure out..

 

[P1000]

I'm not to clued up on the modern stuff, but have you tried recoding the key?

You cannot recode the immobilizer part of the key, it only affects the remote part.

 

[P1000]

doubt it's the reader cos I saw the technician insert my key into the reader which is hooked up to the PC and it didn't light up like it supposed to, hence he couldnt call up any info on the computer.

unfortunately bought it with only 1 key (beeeeg mistake)

Thanks, I'll check drivesure out..

Well, in that case it is most likely the key. I would just pay the money and get some new keys...

 

[Nic_s]

I'm not to clued up on the modern stuff, but have you tried recoding the key?

You cannot recode the immobilizer part of the key, it only affects the remote part.

Right... :mmm: ... I knew that...