Got a Z4 now

[colb]

Problem with the two new keys cropped up today when I went to get the flip blade key cut.
Discovered that new coded keys will only start the car after the original key has been used in the ignition lock, take the original key out and put the new ones in and the car starts take them out and seconds later they loose the ability to start the car, seems like the coding is not quite right but why they work immediatly after the good key has been in the lock I don't know. Will have to have another go at coding them, I have re-coded the key from the saved EWS Bin file and will try it again in the car to see if it makes any difference. Have looked at the status of the keys using BMW Scanner and it would appear that the Fixed and Random codes are not right, the keys set codes as Wrong Identifcation. Currently the recoded Diamond key is No 5 and the flip key remains as No7. As I understood it there was no need to write anything back to the EWS after coding the new keys as the slots they occupy are already loaded in the EWS and DME data.

 

[t-tony]

Does the code from the original key "stay" in the system for a few seconds before it switches off and that's why the "new" key starts the car?

Just a thought.

Tony.

 

[colb]

Thats what I was thinking Tony, happens with both of the new keys Diamond and Flip, both start the car as long as the original key has been in the ignition and turned to on, don't need to start the car before removing it, put either of the new keys in and both start the car. After the info from the good key drops out neither new key will crank and they set codes saying 'Wrong Information' Had a look at the status of the new keys in BMW Scanner and both show Wrong Fixed Code the Diamond key shows password OK and Random Code OK however Flip Key shows Password Wrong and Random Code Wrong.
I have re-coded the Diamond key again using the Bin file from the EWS I saved when it was out of the car and try it in the morning to see if that has made any difference. I have watched all the you tube AK90 programming videos and am sure I have coded the keys correctly. No doubt I am going to find something amiss.

 

[colb]

No joy with getting the new keys to work after coding with the AK90 machine, sought advice on Digital Kaos site with the locksmiths on there, they suggested try a new transponder and code to 8 or 9 slots, tried that and still no start, what I have found is that AK codes to the chosen slot number but BMW Scanner identifies the key as one of the other slots so there is a mismatch in key numbers. I just havn't a clue whats going on, thankfully my working key still operates. Checked that with AK and that reads as Key No2 and Vin as WBABT32040LR41526
New Diamond key coded as 10 and Vin as WBABT3A04WTR41D26
Tried coding at 8 but same resuilt no start wrong Fixed , Random and Passwords according to key status in BMW Scanner.
Have to ponder this some more if I carry on I will use all the slots up and won't be able to add keys.

 

[colb]

Admitting defeat with this AK90 coding malarky, had another go today following advice given on Digital Kaos site, pulled the EWS module out and read it on the AK90 saved the bin file, it shows 1-3 slots used. Wrote he new diamond key to no.3 as the only key I have working is listed as 2, however BMW Scanner shows it as Key No 1?
Not wanting to fry that key I avoid doing anything other than reading it. Writing the files back to the EWS fails every time with the AK90, its not a very good kit for this job with the hit and miss connection it uses.
With the new key coded to three it fails to start the car when used, it flags up a error code Wrong identfication Wrong Fixed, Random and Password. So much for AK90 and the easy way of coding a key as shown on You Tube, it isn't working for me.
Now pondering if I should lash out another £50 on BMW Editor or just go to an auto locksmith locally or as a last resort BMW?
My new Diamond and Flip keys are already cut and work fine in all the locks and the remote functions it just this dreaded EWS coding thats b******** it all up.

 

[colb]

Sorted at last, called in a local Lockie and within 20mins had my new key coded and working. First try was to write the key to slot 8 with his Zed-Full key coding machine after reading the eeprom inside the EWS module. Connexcted the EWS to his kit using pinouts and used a probe cable on one of the solder joints on the reverse side of the board to start the reading, much the same as the alternative BMW Editor kit you can buy. Key written to slot 8 and when tried in the car didn't crank.
Recoded key to Slot 3 which is a known used slot and that worked first time much to my relief.
I reckon the AK90 I had is faulty as I had previously coded the key to that slot and that resulted in no crank and WRONG Fixed, Random and Password.
Did a quick check on the key using BMW Scanner in live key status and all is well, Fixed Random and Password all pass when key is used. I also noticed the rolling code changed itself ok.
Will be seeing if I can send the AK90 back and get a refund, its ok for reading keys but useless for coding keys and writing back to the EWS, tried that on a spare EWS I have and it fails everytime.
Personally I wouldn't use an AK90 again its a pain in the arse with the cable reading the processor chip, very hit and miss with the pin contacts. Having seen how the eeprom is read the BMW Editor would be a better bet.
Given the cost of the Zed-Full kit the lockie had I don't think I was overcharged at £120 considering his outlay and transport costs to attend, a lot cheaper than BMW supplying a key and there was no knowing if their key was going to work when I got it as the slot history is not known. Happy with two keys now, I can also swap the chip out of the new diamon and put it in the new flip key if ever needed. Will be keeping that as a standby, already synced for remote locking.
Anyone in South Wales wanting key work pm me and I will pass you contact details.