Will this switchblade key work????????

[L84THSKY]

I bought this key on Ebay. It flips out to expose the key. I went to a hardware store, and he said it needs to be cut and programmed. He said there is a transponder in the key, is that true?

If this key is more trouble than it's worth, then I will try to send it back.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7941204749&category=40016

[1996 328ti]

It won't work. Our cars have something called EWS.
There is a chip inside the key that matches up with the ring aroung the ignition switch.

You shoulda asked. ;)
It even says, "...,but you have to varify it yourself. models that don't have microchips installed..."

[L84THSKY]

I was thinking, the valet key opens my doors and starts the car. That key seems very unsophisticated, how come that key works? I doubt there is any electronics inside that key.


It won't work. Our cars have something called EWS.
There is a chip inside the key that matches up with the ring aroung the ignition switch.

You shoulda asked. ;)
It even says, "...,but you have to varify it yourself. models that don't have microchips installed..."

[aceyx]

the RFID transponder in the keys is very small. if you take apart your lighted key you can see it; it's about 2x3x4mm, which can easily be moulded into the lockout key.

you could rip apart an existing key and dremel the switchblade to accept the tag, but it may be more trouble than it's worth. the lighted key costs about $38 from the dealer (i have no keyless entry, so i've worn down a few).

[John Firestone]

The RFID chips continue to shrink. You can see the size of a more current, albeit simpler fixed code chip here. (http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/337/1/1/) Try to find the loop antenna. :)