My Sad Looking Key Fob

Snyperx · 12-14-2012, 09:30 AM

Can anyone recommend a way to refinish my sad looking key fob? I have seen the overlays you can buy, but am hoping to repaint the buttons somehow as well. Any help is appreciated.

AddictedToBavarian · 12-14-2012, 09:50 AM

I believe you can buy the housings from eBay. It will only get like that if you keep it in your pocket with other keys. I bought a red key case from BMW and it looks brand new. However my other key looks a little beat up.

benzo23 · 12-14-2012, 10:14 AM

Hey it has character

j2m · 12-14-2012, 10:24 AM

That is one sad lookin key fob, you can get a new skin for it

Snyperx · 12-14-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AddictedToBavarian

I believe you can buy the housings from eBay. It will only get like that if you keep it in your pocket with other keys. I bought a red key case from BMW and it looks brand new. However my other key looks a little beat up.

I have the fob that you can not open, so a new case is out of the question. I will probably look at doing the overlay from Bimmian. Anyone know if I can repaint the buttons and if so what paint would work (model paint clear coated maybe?).

Quote:

That is one sad lookin key fob, you can get a new skin for it

I know right. It was pretty sad when I got the car though. I do carry it in my pocket on a key ring, time to buy a fob cover.

asus389 · 12-14-2012, 11:07 AM

You can get a replacement roundel decal from bmw. It's part 66122155754. You put a tiny bit of super glue to get it to stick. Just did mine last week and it looks great now. Make sure the old one is completely off first, though. Use a razor blade to peel off the remaining old decal.

DetectiveLoki · 12-14-2012, 11:26 AM

I say you repaint your key fob.

Funny story... Just for kicks... I got pushed down the pool and I had the key in my pocket... it still works!!

adriang · 12-14-2012, 11:50 AM

People have bought new key fob housings off ebay before,

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Uncut-Blade-S...e8f8e4&vxp=mtr

and just replaced their key in the remote....

Snyperx · 12-14-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adriang

People have bought new key fob housings off ebay before,

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Uncut-Blade-S...e8f8e4&vxp=mtr

and just replaced their key in the remote....

You can not open my fob though. I have one that is sealed and has the battery that can not be replaced.

Jace_91 · 12-14-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snyperx

You can not open my fob though. I have one that is sealed and has the battery that can not be replaced.

There are DIYs about how to do this, if you heat it up with a blow dryer you can loosen the glue enough to open it up and swap the innards to a new case

VMRWheels · 12-14-2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace_91

There are DIYs about how to do this, if you heat it up with a blow dryer you can loosen the glue enough to open it up and swap the innards to a new case

Yup. You can probably heat it up and swap the internals. I highly doubt a wrap will last long at all.

apeyuen818 · 12-14-2012, 12:46 PM

Use a heat gun and heat the edge of the key fob. Don't worry, just use a screw driver to break it. They will fall apart. Get a new case from eBay, around $20 - $30. I recently replaced mine. Good Luck.

Snyperx · 12-14-2012, 09:56 PM

Oh this is great. I attempted to look for a replacement shell and they are all in China. At least the ones that are around $20. I found one here in the States, but they want $40 for it. Forget that.

I did find some full key fobs pretty cheap, but unsure if the dealer would reprogram to have it work with my car. I verified that the FCC number and frequency match my current remote.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...a5c2c2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...49b315&vxp=mtr

BmerMeUp · 12-14-2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Oh this is great. I attempted to look for a replacement shell and they are all in China. At least the ones that are around $20. I found one here in the States, but they want $40 for it. Forget that.

I did find some full key fobs pretty cheap, but unsure if the dealer would reprogram to have it work with my car. I verified that the FCC number and frequency match my current remote.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...a5c2c2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...49b315&vxp=mtr

Hey Snyperx - If the replacement fob is truly a compatible "electronic blank" - try this when you get it before blowing a wad at the Stealership programming your new key:

Bring a WORKING key fob and the BLANK key fob to your car
With the WORKING fob "nearby" - I did it holding it 2" from the BLANK, some say it needs to be resting on the shifter, some say 1" from the radio pointed at the dash... for $50 or whatever they'll charge you at the dealership for this ridiculously simple task, it's worth it to try a couple versions if the first one doesn't work.
Insert and press the BLANK fob into the key socket and keep it pressed all the way in for at least 20 seconds (I went 30 just to be sure...)

If it works like it did for me (I had a dead and used OEM non-functioning CA fob which came with the car, not a third-party replacement though...), then the BLANK will now be a fully functional WORKING key matching the one you held nearby.

NOTE: This will NOT transfer Comfort Access features, but seeing as your key is a sealed one, it isn't a CA fob, so you should be good to go.

NOTE #2: As it is NOT a CA fob... then it has a *rechargeable* battery. Not sure what the rules are for charging it first?

Worth a try!

BrazilianBimmer · 12-15-2012, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Can anyone recommend a way to refinish my sad looking key fob? I have seen the overlays you can buy, but am hoping to repaint the buttons somehow as well. Any help is appreciated.

Damn yo! That is one sad, dirty, nasty looking key FOB.
Can you imagine how many germs make it their habitat on that thing?

VTECaddict · 12-15-2012, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Oh this is great. I attempted to look for a replacement shell and they are all in China. At least the ones that are around $20. I found one here in the States, but they want $40 for it. Forget that.

I did find some full key fobs pretty cheap, but unsure if the dealer would reprogram to have it work with my car. I verified that the FCC number and frequency match my current remote.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...a5c2c2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...49b315&vxp=mtr

Used keys cannot be reprogramed.

kitkat1723 · 12-15-2012, 04:55 AM

In my opinion, there's no reason for you to buy an oem "sticker". Just go on ebay and type key fob emblem and you'll see plenty for $3. Simple fix but adds a lot. Granted its not the great fix cause it scratches easily but I'm sure it's cheaper than oem

Martin528 · 12-15-2012, 03:34 PM

I think a good cleaning would not hurt. Get the dirt out of the crevices.

iczz · 12-15-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitkat1723

In my opinion, there's no reason for you to buy an oem "sticker". Just go on ebay and type key fob emblem and you'll see plenty for $3. Simple fix but adds a lot. Granted its not the great fix cause it scratches easily but I'm sure it's cheaper than oem

I got 4 emblem stickers for $5 last month. will just replace it whenever it got scratched again.

WesleyC · 12-15-2012, 10:52 PM

A suggestion:

http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Meyers-Cle...ords=hand+soap

GOTMH8N · 12-15-2012, 11:53 PM

Plasti dip

Lol

e92ben · 12-16-2012, 11:44 PM

That's disgusting! Clean that thing a little 409 on a qtip and get new key sticker for the center

12-14-2012, 09:30 AM	#1
Snyperx Lieutenant 97 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 2006 325i (SOLD) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Stoughon, WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	My Sad Looking Key Fob Can anyone recommend a way to refinish my sad looking key fob? I have seen the overlays you can buy, but am hoping to repaint the buttons somehow as well. Any help is appreciated. __________________ Regards, SnyperX Last edited by Snyperx; 12-14-2012 at 09:45 AM..
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12-14-2012, 10:14 AM	#3
benzo23 Colonel 74 Rep 2,848 Posts Drives: 14 F30 AW MSport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: FL iTrader: (1)	Hey it has character
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12-14-2012, 10:24 AM	#4
j2m Colonel 180 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Calgary, Ab iTrader: (8) Garage List 2011 BMW E92 M3 [10.00]	That is one sad lookin key fob, you can get a new skin for it __________________ 11' E92 M3 Space Grey \| DCT \| ESS VT2- 625 \| Gintani Race (valved) + Quad Res Catless X-Pipe \| KW Sleeve's \| GC Camber Plates\|Arkym Diffuser \| Vorsteiner VRS Lip \| P3 Boost Guage \| Stud Conversion PHOTO's: Click Here ESS VT2 625 PHOTOS: Click Here
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12-14-2012, 11:07 AM	#6
asus389 Captain 68 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	You can get a replacement roundel decal from bmw. It's part 66122155754. You put a tiny bit of super glue to get it to stick. Just did mine last week and it looks great now. Make sure the old one is completely off first, though. Use a razor blade to peel off the remaining old decal.
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12-14-2012, 11:26 AM	#7
DetectiveLoki First Lieutenant 19 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Convertible Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orange County - SOCAL iTrader: (4)	I say you repaint your key fob. Funny story... Just for kicks... I got pushed down the pool and I had the key in my pocket... it still works!!
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12-14-2012, 09:50 AM	#2
AddictedToBavarian My other ride is a Bianchi Infinito 96 Rep 2,767 Posts Drives: Miss my E92 but love my E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (2)	I believe you can buy the housings from eBay. It will only get like that if you keep it in your pocket with other keys. I bought a red key case from BMW and it looks brand new. However my other key looks a little beat up.
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12-14-2012, 11:50 AM	#8
adriang ****** 64 Rep 750 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X2 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	People have bought new key fob housings off ebay before, http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Uncut-Blade-S...e8f8e4&vxp=mtr and just replaced their key in the remote....
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12-14-2012, 12:46 PM	#12
apeyuen818 Private 6 Rep 63 Posts Drives: BMW 435I GC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Use a heat gun and heat the edge of the key fob. Don't worry, just use a screw driver to break it. They will fall apart. Get a new case from eBay, around $20 - $30. I recently replaced mine. Good Luck.
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12-14-2012, 09:56 PM	#13
Snyperx Lieutenant 97 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 2006 325i (SOLD) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Stoughon, WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	Oh this is great. I attempted to look for a replacement shell and they are all in China. At least the ones that are around $20. I found one here in the States, but they want $40 for it. Forget that. I did find some full key fobs pretty cheap, but unsure if the dealer would reprogram to have it work with my car. I verified that the FCC number and frequency match my current remote. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...a5c2c2&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...49b315&vxp=mtr __________________ Regards, SnyperX Last edited by Snyperx; 12-14-2012 at 10:16 PM..
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12-15-2012, 04:55 AM	#17
kitkat1723 Lieutenant 48 Rep 506 Posts Drives: e90 325i - sold Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Round Lake, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2006 E90 325i [9.50]	In my opinion, there's no reason for you to buy an oem "sticker". Just go on ebay and type key fob emblem and you'll see plenty for $3. Simple fix but adds a lot. Granted its not the great fix cause it scratches easily but I'm sure it's cheaper than oem
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12-15-2012, 03:34 PM	#18
Martin528 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2012 528 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Gulf Coast iTrader: (1)	I think a good cleaning would not hurt. Get the dirt out of the crevices. __________________ 2012 Tasman green metallic with oyster/ black interior. premium pkg, power tailgate, homelink, and park distance control. Premium sound: premium hi fi system and satellite radio,technology package: Rear view camera and navigation,Comfort Access,heated front seats, BMW apps
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12-15-2012, 10:52 PM	#20
WesleyC Colonel 54 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (20)	A suggestion: http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Meyers-Cle...ords=hand+soap
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12-15-2012, 11:53 PM	#21
GOTMH8N Stay Classy 70 Rep 1,021 Posts Drives: 335i Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: c iTrader: (2)	Plasti dip Lol
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12-16-2012, 11:44 PM	#22
e92ben Brigadier General 1053 Rep 3,205 Posts Drives: BMW M3 BMW 635csi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kenosha Wi iTrader: (7)	That's disgusting! Clean that thing a little 409 on a qtip and get new key sticker for the center __________________ e92 ///M3
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