[BMW DIY Guy]

Hey yall, I wanted to share my latest video, though not model specific. The only (very mild) disappointment of buying my F87, was when they slid the key fobs across the desk.

I had seen some of the newer //Ms and X3 and X5 with the newer style fob, new shape, metal and much more substantial. I was rather surprised to see that the F87 was still the same design as my 2014 F32.

Well after looking around I found Gates Innovations that I know has been mentioned on the forums through several threads, reached out George, and sent off my key!

It just came back this weekend, which is interesting timing since I had just handled the OEM X3M and X8c keys for immediate comparison. In brief it rocks and is totally worth it.

Yeah, purely a cosmetic change but I feel completely worth it! Plus, make sure to check them out as they are working on a clone of the OEM BMW display key! They are still in development, but the initial work looks spot on!

For me, absolutely worth it.

[ebisu8]

I'm very happy with the key I got as well, I may convert the other stock backup key I have as well.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by ebisu8

I'm very happy with the key I got as well, I may convert the other stock backup key I have as well.

Me too! I am also watching their display key development to see if that might be a good/fun option.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by PrinceCity

There is another guy who does this, a form member. I rather go with him then something associated with Bill Gates. That guy haves enough money, no reason to start up a keyfob business and take work away from the forum members.

[bngcruiser]

I ordered the LCD fob and will be sending in my key ASAP.

I'll review and give feedback as they work with me.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by bngcruiser

I ordered the LCD fob and will be sending in my key ASAP.

I'll review and give feedback as they work with me.

NICE!! I am very interested in how that project turns out for sure!

[mikeyymonster]

Has anyone cut the metal portion of the key as well? To unlock the door manually?

[bngcruiser]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

NICE!! I am very interested in how that project turns out for sure!

Since the LCD fob won't have a physical key, I'll grab a magnetic key holder and hide it underneath the car in the case the battery dies on me and I need to get in the car.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by mikeyymonster

Has anyone cut the metal portion of the key as well? To unlock the door manually?

It can be cut, yes

[(K)]

Curious about their LCD key but heavily turned off by the need to charge the thing. With the way technology is going nowadays, it's probably just a matter of time before they just give you an app to download and then use your phone as a proximity key.

I'd love to have one less item to put in my pocket when leaving the house.

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by (K)

I'd love to have one less item to put in my pocket when leaving the house.

**CoughcoughTeslacoughcough**

Pretty sure my buddy uses his phone as his key on his T3.

[nioh_lbbm2]

Originally Posted by (K)

Curious about their LCD key but heavily turned off by the need to charge the thing. With the way technology is going nowadays, it's probably just a matter of time before they just give you an app to download and then use your phone as a proximity key.

I'd love to have one less item to put in my pocket when leaving the house.

That's already a thing. Newer BMWs, Tesla, etc

[M2OG]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

It can be cut, yes

Know anyone who can cut it? I've been looking for someone.

[Q_Subsub]

Originally Posted by M2OG

Know anyone who can cut it? I've been looking for someone.

I sent mine to Nate's BMW & ECU repair in PA and he cut the key for me as well; and it was cheaper than Gates Innovation. I can't comment on quality difference since I haven't seen the key that Gates uses, but mine feels pretty good.

[nioh_lbbm2]

there are black key and custom paint key fob versions now
https://futureclassic.us/collections...-black-edition

[omasou]

For me the extra weight is a negative, it's not a real BMW key and "to me" it's a waste of time and money for something that never leaves my pocket while I'm out.

[M2OG]

Originally Posted by Q_Subsub

I sent mine to Nate's BMW & ECU repair in PA and he cut the key for me as well; and it was cheaper than Gates Innovation. I can't comment on quality difference since I haven't seen the key that Gates uses, but mine feels pretty good.

Hey I just want to shout out Nate's and thank you for the recommendation. I called him last Friday and sent him a photo of my key. He had a blank in hand that he cut and mailed out to me the next day. I got it Tuesday and it's perfect.

[bngcruiser]

My fob gets there today, so hopefully have the LCD key in hand by middle of March.

[bngcruiser]

Hey guys,

So I sent off my key fob to GATES via USPS Express Mail. Well USPS told me this morning they have no idea where the package is and to file a claim.

So - this has been taken off the shelf for a bit, ha!

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by bngcruiser

Hey guys,

So I sent off my key fob to GATES via USPS Express Mail. Well USPS told me this morning they have no idea where the package is and to file a claim.

So - this has been taken off the shelf for a bit, ha!

Oh man.. I am so sorry to hear that! That sucks!

[atomsapple]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Oh man.. I am so sorry to hear that! That sucks!

This same thing happened to me, key was shipped out from Gates on 2/10.

USPS didn't update the tracking after 2/20 but mine was delivered yesterday.

I also opened a case with USPS who basically told me they suck right now and to keep waiting.

[BMW DIY Guy]

I just heard that next week (3/8) Gates will be able to cut the key blades on orders now as well. Great news!