Updating the key fob

[Invadermoose]

I have a 2008 M3 with this key:


My friend just got a brand new 2013 328 and his key looks really, really cool:



Is there any way to update my key fob to that one? I'm probably the only person on the forum who worries about key aesthetic, but its pretty good looking.

Also, just double checking. Updating my idrive to the newest version on a 2008 M3 is about 700 dollars correct? I read that somewhere but it sounds low.

[phrozen06]

i have those questions also as I just bought an 08

[Invadermoose]

Originally Posted by phrozen06

i have those questions also as I just bought an 08

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477061

Looks complicated. Might do it.

[skins333]

Unfortunately neither's likely to happen (or at least be remotely cost effective). I-drive update is min $2k and huge undertaking. Anything dealing with BMW keys is hundreds of dollars and huge headache.

New key does look nice though! I recently got 2012 x5 and it still had old style key.

[skins333]

They do make key jackets you can get on ebay and key fob holders from dealer if you are into that sorta thing (m one is ~$21).

[m3an]

the new key is much larger.. Why would you want it?? also it wouldn't fit in the dash

[Invadermoose]

Originally Posted by m3an

the new key is much larger.. Why would you want it?? also it wouldn't fit in the dash

Because I really like it. If it's as simple as 200 dollars or something to switch the keys, then I'd do it. I dont need to put mine in the dash. Never have.

[boi222]

maybe a long shot..but if someone were handy, couldnt you just gut and swap the internals of each key?

[BlackLight]

New key look unsymmetrical - ugly

[snk]

the grass is always greener on the other side. I'm sure there are someone out there wanting the older style key fob

[Small Yellow]

Originally Posted by BlackLight

New key look unsymmetrical - ugly

Same.. I really like the simplicity of the older one and how it is symmetrical... I also find merc keys really really ugly... and heavy

[Totti]

Looks cool, but as has been said, won't fit in the dash. Which is no biggie as it doesnt charge the comfort access fobs anyway..

[THE TECH]

IIRC if your fob battery dies, you can still start the car by putting the key in the dash. You would negate this if you had this other key.

[W///]

Originally Posted by phrozen06

i have those questions also as I just bought an 08

I remember your E46 from the e46f days. Always been one of my favorites since I had a TiAG as well, not to mention yours was over 200k if I remember correctly. Congrats!

I think if you are just looking at paint scheme, it might make more sense to modify the looks of original key fob than go with a new one all together.

[CurbBender'90]

Buy a 2014 M3...?

[nbennettksu]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

IIRC if your fob battery dies, you can still start the car by putting the key in the dash. You would negate this if you had this other key.

Yup

[Titanium Silver]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

IIRC if your fob battery dies, you can still start the car by putting the key in the dash. You would negate this if you had this other key.

This is probably the single greatest reason not to want the new fob. Your best bet is to sell your M3 and get the new 3 series. Then you will have the fob you ultimately want.

[phrozen06]

Originally Posted by phrozen06

i have those questions also as I just bought an 08

Originally Posted by W///

I remember your E46 from the e46f days. Always been one of my favorites since I had a TiAG as well, not to mention yours was over 200k if I remember correctly. Congrats!

I think if you are just looking at paint scheme, it might make more sense to modify the looks of original key fob than go with a new one all together.

Thanks. My e46 has 250k miles currently. But the E92 ///M is worlds apart in fit/finish and power than my silver surfer. Thinking about selling it but You're right. It wouldnt be worth it to update the key fob as they're different shapes. I rather update/upgrade my IDrive which is a more worthwhile endeavor.

[Gilou]

Not if the OP has comfort access... In that case, the key does not charge even if plugged into the dash.

To me the main drawback is the size of the key..that thing is massive!!

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Gilou

Not if the OP has comfort access... In that case, the key does not charge even if plugged into the dash.

To me the main drawback is the size of the key..that thing is massive!!

This has nothing to do with charging. If the fob battery dies, you should still be able to start the car, CA or not. If the key no longer fits the hole and the fob is dead, you are SOL.

[Gilou]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

This has nothing to do with charging. If the fob battery dies, you should still be able to start the car, CA or not. If the key no longer fits the hole and the fob is dead, you are SOL.

My bad, I misread your post, you are correct you would still be able to start the car.
I guess another drawback then would be not to be able to charge the key if you DON'T have CA.

[mkoesel]

When you take your car in for service, I am pretty sure they require the key to be inserted into the dash in order to read information from the car. Showing up with a key that prevents this would at the very least make for some frustrated service folks, and I imagine could even void some part of the warranty in that event as well.

At the risk of sounding patronizing here, why couldn't you just obtain the new F30 fob and carry it with you, show it off etc., but not actually use it to operate your car? I suppose this would have the negative effect of making you look pretty silly if someone challenged you on its relevance to your car.