For BMW i8 owners, particularly those with 2015 and early 2016 models, the question of digital key retrofit compatibility has been a recurring topic. If you’ve been wondering about upgrading to a digital key for your i8, the answer is a resounding yes. The best part? This upgrade doesn’t require any modifications to your vehicle or additional hardware retrofits.
This digital key solution is confirmed to work on 2015 BMW i8 models and onwards, specifically those manufactured in 2015 and later. While compatibility with 2014 models hasn’t been fully verified, owners of 2015 and newer models can confidently proceed with this upgrade.
What You Need to Order for Your BMW i8 Digital Key
To get started with your BMW i8 digital key retrofit, you’ll need to order the correct part. It’s crucial to use the specific part number to ensure compatibility and avoid any issues.
Required Part:
- Part Number: 66129867202 – This is the most up-to-date and correct part number for the digital remote control/key, superseding older part numbers.
Reference Links for Part Verification:
Estimated Cost:
- The approximate price for this BMW i8 digital key is around $452.00 USD. Prices may vary depending on your dealership and location.
Important Notes on Ordering:
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-ons: BMW dealerships might try to include a physical laser-cut key blade or a cable with your order. The key blade is not necessary for the digital key functionality, and a standard micro USB cable (if needed) is likely something you already have.
- Order Lead Time: Be aware that the key is a coded item and typically takes about a week to arrive after placing your order.
Simple Steps to Program Your New BMW i8 Digital Key Fob
Once you have received your new BMW i8 digital key, you might be quoted a hefty labor charge for programming at the dealership. However, programming the key to your i8 is surprisingly straightforward and can be done in just about 5 minutes. Here’s how:
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Unlock Your BMW i8: Use your existing, currently working key fob to unlock your BMW i8.
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Remove the Old Key Fob: Take your original key fob and move it away from your car. Ideally, place it inside your house or at a distance where it is no longer in close proximity to the vehicle. This step is crucial to prevent interference during the new key programming process.
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Position the New Digital Key: Take your new digital key and hold it against the designated steering wheel rack location. This spot is usually marked with a key symbol, indicating the area for key recognition and programming.
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Initiate Key Mating Sequence: While holding the new digital key against the steering wheel rack, press and hold down the brake pedal, and then press the start/stop button to start your BMW i8.
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iDrive Prompt Confirmation: Keep holding the key in place and watch your iDrive screen. You should see a prompt confirming that the new digital key is being mated and synchronized with your BMW i8. Follow any on-screen instructions if prompted.
That’s all there is to it! Your new BMW i8 digital key should now be successfully programmed and ready to use with your vehicle.
Key Takeaways and Important Considerations
- Pre-Mated Connection: Interestingly, the new key might initially connect with your car even before the mating process. However, functionalities like locking, unlocking, or display information updates will likely be limited until the key is properly programmed.
- Standard BMW Procedure: The key mating process described is a standard BMW procedure used for programming keys across many of their new vehicles. A quick search on YouTube for ‘BMW key programming’ will show similar methods for various BMW models, reinforcing the simplicity and standardized nature of this process.
- VIN Coding and Security: Each digital key is pre-coded to your BMW i8’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it is shipped. This security measure ensures that only keys specifically coded for your vehicle can be programmed and used, preventing unauthorized access. Furthermore, dealerships will require proof of ownership, such as your vehicle registration and driver’s license, before processing the key order, adding another layer of security and verification.
By following these steps, upgrading to a BMW i8 digital key is a straightforward process that enhances your vehicle’s functionality without the need for complex installations or dealership programming fees. Enjoy the convenience of your new digital key!
