[Miko Lizazi]

I have a 2001 330ci vert Japanese import with an Infrared key that has a red light at the end, wanted to know if it's possible to change it to RF. I have seen a tutorial for sedan versions but none for convertibles. Has anyone done it or know how to go about it?
The receiver is located in the rear view mirror for verts. So I think it's wired different compared to sedan. Help will be highly appreciated.

 

[4004]

Not done this myself, but don't see how the different location of the receiver would change the logic of the process - you might need to get a new mirror and wire it up

 

[Miko Lizazi]

Not done this myself, but don't see how the different location of the receiver would change the logic of the process - you might need to get a new mirror and wire it up

Will try that, thanks

 

[Sapote]

I have a 2001 330ci vert Japanese import with an Infrared key that has a red light at the end, wanted to know if it's possible to change it to RF. I have seen a tutorial for sedan versions but none for convertibles. Has anyone done it or know how to go about it?

change the key to RF seems not hard, but how do you get the diversity antennas on the car body if they are not already installed?

 

[Miko Lizazi]

change the key to RF seems not hard, but how do you get the diversity antennas on the car body if they are not already installed?

That was also my concern. How and where do you connect them?

 

[TobyB]

The antenna is contained in the mirror itself-

so you can "probably" just plug, code and go.

t

 

[NZ00Z3]

Not sure why you want to do the swap? If you are having trouble pairing your IR keys, here is the instructions. They are different to the instructions for the RF keys.

 

[Miko Lizazi]

Not sure why you want to do the swap? If you are having trouble pairing your IR keys, here is the instructions. They are different to the instructions for the RF keys.

Not having trouble pairing, it's just that key range is miserably short. Have to be in view of car like 5 meters without any interruption between. Also the design of the gummy key is ugly to say the least.
I already have the cut diamond key and know that I could just transfer the chip into it to work, but it won't have the comfort features of remote control. That's what I am trying to achieve.

 

[Miko Lizazi]

Update: So this morning I went ahead and swapped out my rear view mirror with one from an RF equipped e46 convertible, and went about initializing the diamond key that I had cut a while back. And behold, it worked.
It worked without the need for any wiring or coding of any sort. I also took the chip from the two button gummy key and voila, works like a charm. I'm absolutely stocked right now.

I should mention this will probably not be a straightforward process with the sedan versions of the car since the convertible has a receiver fitted in the mirror.
One more thing, to change the key frequency between 315 and 433 you press and hold the lock button while pressing the trunk button 5 times.
Thanks guys, and @TobyB

 

[TobyB]

Oh, right- reading comprehension on my part:
if you moved the chip from an enabled key, you're right, no coding.

Otherwise, it's an EWS/AK-90 thing, which is in most cases pretty straightforward.

t