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      01-24-2017, 09:54 PM   #1
dadasaab
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i8 Digital Display Key Retrofit - DIY.

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There's been numerous threads on how to get the the Digital Key retrofit and whether it is available for our 2015 or early 2016 cars at all.

If this hasn't already been addressed, the short answer is: yes!! There is no modification to your car involved - no additional hardware retrofit required either.

I am not sure if this works on 2014 models, but it certainly works on 2015 models that were manufactured in 2015 and onward.

What you need to order:

Part #: 66129867202 - please don't order any other part number, after doing much research, it's been discovered that this part number supersedes all other part numbers for digital remote control / key.


For Reference, please use the following link on the Retrofit:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...39#66126841626

AND

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=66129867202

This part # is approximately $452.00 USD

BMW Dealership will try to sell you the integrated key, i.e. the physical laser cut key blade, but it isn't a requisite. They will also try to sell you the cable along with the key, but if you have a micro USB cable lying around, that's also not necessary.

The key takes a week to arrive as it is a coded item.

How to Program the New Key:

So, you've got the key and BMW wants to charge you 2 hours of labor to program it. Don't fall for it. It is extremely easy to mate the new key to your i8 and takes 5 minutes.

1. unlock the car with your existing key fob.
2. take the existing key fob away from the car, put it back inside the house or something such that it's not in the proximity anymore
3. take the new digital key and hold it against the steering wheel rack where it has the key symbol.
4. while holding they key against the steering wheel rack, press on the brakes and start the car

You should see a prompt on the iDrive for the new key being mated to your car.

DEMO for the aforementioned procedure:




That's it!!! Your new key is now ready.

I got suckered into buying the key blade and the cable. I am not sure how the key blade fits the new key, if anyone here knows, let me know.

Name:  file (1).jpeg
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**** Few things to note before being skeptical: ****

- the key actually connected with my car without even being mated. However, would not lock or unlock the key or update the information on the display.
- This key mating process is actually a STANDARD BMW process for all new vehicles. i.e., youtube 'bmw key programming' and you'll see that this is how most new BMW keys are programmed
- the key is actually coded to your VIN before it is shipped
- you cannot order the key without your ownership and driver's license.

Did a lot of research and went through a lot of BS filteration before getting this to work - it really *is* that easy.

Last edited by dadasaab; 01-30-2017 at 03:10 PM..
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      01-24-2017, 10:55 PM   #2
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Can anyone else who's done this confirm this works? If so, this is awesome and thanks for this information!
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      01-25-2017, 12:49 AM   #3
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Really? I just paid a fortune to had the dealer do all that and sold me all that other stuff too!
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      01-25-2017, 12:50 AM   #4
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subscribed!!!
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      01-25-2017, 01:18 AM   #5
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Quite interesting. Not that it should ever happen, but it sure feels like a flaw...once the car is unlocked, you can just pair a new key...
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      01-25-2017, 01:47 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skinrock View Post
Quite interesting. Not that it should ever happen, but it sure feels like a flaw...once the car is unlocked, you can just pair a new key...
My thoughts intially, but a re-read of the original post:
I think the clue is in the "The key takes a week to arrive as it is a coded item."

Presume this means BMW link the key to your car's ECU or whatever and load it with unique encryption keys?
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      01-25-2017, 01:49 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NGR View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by skinrock View Post
Quite interesting. Not that it should ever happen, but it sure feels like a flaw...once the car is unlocked, you can just pair a new key...
My thoughts intially, but a re-read of the original post:
I think the clue is in the "The key takes a week to arrive as it is a coded item."

Presume this means BMW link the key to your car's ECU or whatever and load it with unique encryption keys?
Not sure how the ordering process works...I know Tischer requires the VIN. Presumably you can order this from any BMW parts dealer?
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      01-25-2017, 06:44 AM   #8
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This is awesome! Mind showing us a picture of the key?
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      01-25-2017, 06:56 AM   #9
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Cool! I'll have to talk to my parts guy about getting one of these.
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      01-25-2017, 09:57 AM   #10
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very cool info. and the key's not that expensive considering replacement keys for most cars run in the hundreds
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      01-25-2017, 10:24 AM   #11
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I ordered one today, I will keep you posted. They told me the cost was $600 but they might be able to price match. Also said it would arrive tomorrow which is strange
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      01-25-2017, 11:28 AM   #12
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Is this the vaunted display key? I assume it's not available for the 2014. We sucked hind teat and couldn't even get "comfort" access.
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      01-25-2017, 12:41 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer View Post
Is this the vaunted display key? I assume it's not available for the 2014. We sucked hind teat and couldn't even get "comfort" access.
Same feeling and thoughts. May still try it though if my dealer wants to test it on mine and promises to take the key back at no charge .
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      01-25-2017, 12:43 PM   #14
dadasaab
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Few things to note before being skeptical:

- the key actually connected with my car without even being mated. However, would not lock or unlock the key or update the information on the display.
- This key mating process is actually a STANDARD BMW process for all new vehicles. i.e., youtube 'bmw key programming' and you'll see that this is how most new BMW keys are programmed
- the key is actually coded to your VIN before it is shipped
- you cannot order the key without your ownership and driver's license.

Did a lot of research and went through a lot of BS filteration before getting this to work - it really *is* that easy.

Last edited by dadasaab; 01-25-2017 at 12:54 PM..
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      01-25-2017, 12:50 PM   #15
dadasaab
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      01-25-2017, 01:04 PM   #16
dadasaab
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skinrock View Post
Not sure how the ordering process works...I know Tischer requires the VIN. Presumably you can order this from any BMW parts dealer?
You can only order from BMW i Dealerships in Canada. Not sure about everywhere else in the world.
I tried ordering it from a dealership that didn't sell 'i' cars, the system did not allow for the dealership to order.

Tischer is selling it for $452USD + your local taxes.
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      01-25-2017, 01:05 PM   #17
dadasaab
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skinrock View Post
Quite interesting. Not that it should ever happen, but it sure feels like a flaw...once the car is unlocked, you can just pair a new key...
It is not a flaw but a standard practice for BMW keys. The keys are coded prior to being shipped.
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      01-25-2017, 01:08 PM   #18
dadasaab
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carholic View Post
Really? I just paid a fortune to had the dealer do all that and sold me all that other stuff too!
I am sorry man, I was in the same boat as you are. But, once I found researched how these keys work and how they're not much different that our regular key fobs, it became apparent that there's no additional programming or hardware replacements required.
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      01-25-2017, 01:11 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dadasaab View Post

Tischer is selling it for $452USD + your local taxes.
Hm, didn't see it on their site when searching for 66129867202
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      01-25-2017, 01:12 PM   #20
dadasaab
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For those that'll perform this, here's a youtube demo:



[youtube]tfYGRlPAhmo[/youtube]
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      01-25-2017, 01:14 PM   #21
dadasaab
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skinrock View Post
Hm, didn't see it on their site when searching for 66129867202
This is the latest part number, so it wont appear on their website, however, if you try 66129867200 (the older part number), that should work to check for price. Call them directly.
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      01-25-2017, 01:16 PM   #22
dadasaab
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Also, guys.. www.realoem.com is a very good resource for parts and retrofits
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