[Drifter2090]

After seeing the G series keys in person I really wanted to swap my F series fob.

Checked the price for the gates innovation key swap and I decided to do some research and try it myself.

Found this thread on E90post, saw someone successfully swapped their E series key for a G series key by swapping the ID chip. He uses a CAS3 key since it is a E series car.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1968737

He also linked this very helpful video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFh_wWDD_94

After figuring out my key uses 434mhz and PCF7953P ID chip and the car is CAS4/CAS4+. I ordered the proper key on aliexpress.

You should be comfortable with basic soldering before attempting this

Ordered a hot air station on amazon, kapton tape and a pcb holder. Already had a soldering iron and flux.

Cut open the F series key like in the video, mounted the pcb into the holder.

Wrapped everything but the chip in kapton tape (doesn't really matter for the old key). Applied flux. Set the hot air to 350 degrees and airflow low. Heated the chip until the tweezers could move it (do not force it or the pins can break).

Disassembled the G series key and removed the chip using the same method.

The chips are marked with a circle at the bottom left for pin 1, you can use this to orient it because the text is hard to read after heating up (take some pics as well so you know which chip is yours).

Cleaned up the G series PCB using alcohol and a brush, then flattened the old solder using the soldering iron (you can use solder wick like the video but be careful).

Once you confirm all the contacts are perfectly clean/flat (very important, the first time the key only half worked for me), place the ID chip from your keys onto the new board and make sure all pins are perfectly aligned.

Then wrap the remaining pcb with kapton tape, use hot air to tack the chip on. Once the chip is tacked on, remove the tape. Add flux to the pins and run the soldering iron over the pins with a very small amount of solder. Use a magnifying glass to make sure all pins are connected.

Clean up the pcb with alcohol and a brush again, make sure you clean the buttons very well (I had flux in the buttons and they did not work till cleaned).

Re-assemble the G series key and test, as long as you had the correct key and the chips was swapped properly you should be good

Notes:
Tesed two different Ali express keys and both worked, green and black pcb.

Still need to get the new key cut.

[samsamdar]

Could you please post a link to the key you ordered?

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by samsamdar

Could you please post a link to the key you ordered?

This is the key I used, I didn't link it because the sellers are always changing products.

Make sure you pick the right key from the options.

Ali key

[Jayden_F87]

Does the key from Aliexpress have some heft to it? The OEM key for my G30 had some weight to it compared to the F87 key. Wondering if the Aliexpress key is the same.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Jayden_F87

Does the key from Aliexpress have some heft to it? The OEM key for my G30 had some weight to it compared to the F87 key. Wondering if the Aliexpress key is the same.

Yes, felt identical weight to my friends X5m key.

[atlas]

Any functional differences?

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by atlas

Any functional differences?

Works just like the oem key, actually my range was a bit better with the Aliexpress key lol

[Jayden_F87]

Can't seem to find any information on PCF. How do I know what PCF ID my key uses?

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Jayden_F87

Can't seem to find any information on PCF. How do I know what PCF ID my key uses?

It is most likely the same as mine but you can open it up to confirm.

[F87source]

Drifter2090 and anyone else who has diy'ed this, just curious have any of you tried programming the aftermarket aliexpress x5 key?

Since it is the same frequency, and the 28 pin chips are interchangeable, I was wondering why can't it just be programmed to the car conventionally?

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by F87source

Drifter2090 and anyone else who has diy'ed this, just curious have any of you tried programming the aftermarket aliexpress x5 key?

Since it is the same frequency, and the 28 pin chips are interchangeable, I was wondering why can't it just be programmed to the car conventionally?

I believe you can but you need someone with access to this big physical key programming device. I couldn't find anyone near me.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

I believe you can but you need someone with access to this big physical key programming device. I couldn't find anyone near me.

Can't you do it with ISTA?

Edit - some additional methods:

[F87source]

I feel like you should be able to use one of these 2 methods to connect the new key to your car. Especially if the internals as so similar (same frequency and same 64 pin transmitter chip, and similar 28 pin car ID chip to the point that they can be swapped), and since the chip swap allows the new key to function like normal you should be able to pair it like a normal key.


If that's the case it'll be awesome not having to solder it.

[F87source]

Yeah I read about it more, turns out the technique I posted above only works on preprogrammed keys from the dealer (vin already programmed into them by the dealer). if we need to do it there's alot more equipment required.... Guess solidering it is haha.

[Giggo]

Hey guys,
Currently I have 3 buttons Fkey 434MHz.
Thinkink about swap to Gkey, but 4 buttons looks better (even if 4 will do nothing ).
Did someone swap it from 3 > 4 or should I keep my feet on the ground and safely buy 3 buttons key.
thanks

PS: Thanks for this amazing manual and link to keys on Ali.

[Shahar87]

What happened to Gates Innovations?
Plenty of bad communication reviews and for a while now the key upgrade seems sold out

[F87source]

Originally Posted by Shahar87

What happened to Gates Innovations?
Plenty of bad communication reviews and for a while now the key upgrade seems sold out

I honestly have no idea.