[Wayfastwhitey]

Does anyone know if I buy a new push button ignition, with keys from a junk yard, do I need to do anything special to install the switch part? I assumed the keys would “talk”to another module, not the button. I understand the keys would need to be learned to the car, and the metal piece would be wrong.

[brianhinton77]

Originally Posted by Wayfastwhitey

Does anyone know if I buy a new push button ignition, with keys from a junk yard, do I need to do anything special to install the switch part? I assumed the keys would “talk”to another module, not the button. I understand the keys would need to be learned to the car, and the metal piece would be wrong.

The push button ignition is just a switch…pop off the trim , unscrew the switch, unplug it, and plug in new one. As for actual keys, they need to be coded to the car

[Qsilver7]

Might be easier if you could go back to the beginning and simply explain what the problem is. You've laid out a plan that has some major "kinks"...and since we have no clue why you want to do this...we are at a loss at giving you some possible other solutions/suggestions.

The remote key doesn't "talk" to the START button...it communicates over radio frequencies to multiple aerials around the cabin and they communicate with various modules in the car.

A remote fob from another BMW will NOT communicate with any module in your car. Each BMW has a unique encryption (ISN {individual serial number}) that is written to the DME & BDC or CAS modules that can't be overwritten or replaced.

[Wayfastwhitey]

Apologies, the button in the car is showing wear, such as chipping off the paint, so wanted to replace it to look new again. A new unit from rock auto is ~100, whereas I see junk yards with like new buttons and include a key for less. Ideally I will just have the extra key reprogrammed and use it for part of the remote start function, but wanted to verify it would work first

[Qsilver7]

Again, the remote key from another vehicle can't be programmed to your car.

If your START button is worn...its a simple replacement. There's no need to replace the entire switch assembly...you can just replace the worn button. There should be videos on youtube that shows how to do it, too. And you can also buy them (in different colors if you like) from amazon.com or ebay etc.


Examples below: