Spare eBay key wont work in my E36.. any ideas?

[Renn Sport]

I have an 97 E36 328 coupe and only got one spare key with the car but two Sigma alarm fobs. My key is an old style BMW key with the crappy little light thingy integrated into it.

I have strange issue… I bought a spare diamond shaped key blank (from later E46 and E39 with boot and door lock buttons *of course this key is empty inside) from eBay and had it cut. This key will open the doors but cannot start the engine. ???


I disarm the alarm using the Sigma (which also unlocks the doors) slot it in the ignition and when I twist… nothing. I checked the key in all of the locks and it releases the steering lock ok but it still doesn’t fire the motor.

Anyone know why?
Does the original key have a chip or something in it?

[adam85]

Renn Sport said:

Does the original key have a chip or something in it?

I'm afraid so, there is a transponder in your key which is necessary to deactivate your immobiliser.

[Babu 01]

Post Jan 95 so yours has EWS II with transponder in the key, which means dealers only for keys unfortunately.

http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f9/1995-e36-31...

[Renn Sport]

stzer!!!

Many thanks guys...

[sniff diesel]

You could take the chip out of the one working key you have, and tape it securely near the black ring around the ignition barrel. That way both your keys will work as the chip will always be there.

[S3_Graham]

its not expensive to buy a new key from BMW. £29+vat

[Renn Sport]

I'll just buy a couple of keys.

cheers

[adam85]

S3_Graham said:

its not expensive to buy a new key from BMW. £29+vat

I paid £118 in total for mine in September

[john_p]

You think that's bad, VW quoted the best part of £200 for a new key.. on a Lupo!

[M3333]

AFAIK the ews isnt hard to bypass, only a relay i believe. If your not that fussed then it could be an option as your sigma may have an immobiliser anyways...