Beast key programing - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

timhur · 25th January 2006, 05:12

OK, so I bought my 03 beast last Sunday and I can't turn the head lights off. I call the dealership and I am told the key is programed for day time run lights. I say no problem I will set an appointment to have them re-programed. The service rep proceeds to tell me that is not covered by the oem and the charge is 140 bucks!! I tell her you have to be kidding, and she says the key has to be inserted into a computer. Has anyone been able to get around this stupid design and charge? Thanks.

palantirion · 25th January 2006, 05:59

Take it to an independant Dinan-authorized BMW shop. If you are anywhere near Santa Ana, I'd suggest taking it to BMS (see my tag). They turned off the daytime running lights on my wife's 540iT in 5 minutes. Screw the dealerships if they insist on charging $2,800/hr ($140*20).

ard · 25th January 2006, 06:16

It is called Daytime Running Lights or DRL.

It is a setting in the car. Technically, the key/car has a 'configuration' that is set up when you first buy it. many dealers will not charge, many do.

Mine didn't but there were other services they did under warranty.

Maybe have a discussion with them about "I'm trying to decide who gets my business and figured the 5 minutes this takes would be done as good will"

A

timhur · 25th January 2006, 06:18

Thanks Dinan of Mt. View CA is right behind where I work.

VancouverM · 25th January 2006, 08:37

Not really a comment on the car/key programming per se (although I do agree with the comments regarding rediculous fee quoted you) but why would you want to remove the daytime running lights feature? They have been required by law in Canada for some time (all Canadian vehicles sold after a certain date many many years ago had to have them) because they SIGNIFICANTLY reduce accidents by DRAMATICALLY increasing the visibility of your car to others!! To each their own but I wouldn't touch the DRL. BTW, the DRL should not to be confused with the regular headlights or highbeams.

Just my $0.02

Ben Carufel · 25th January 2006, 08:46

Call me crazy, but just after buying the M Coupe a couple years back I added a Canadian headlight relay to it to enable DRL.

palantirion · 25th January 2006, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by VancouverM

Not really a comment on the car/key programming per se (although I do agree with the comments regarding rediculous fee quoted you) but why would you want to remove the daytime running lights feature? They have been required by law in Canada for some time (all Canadian vehicles sold after a certain date many many years ago had to have them) because they SIGNIFICANTLY reduce accidents by DRAMATICALLY increasing the visibility of your car to others!! To each their own but I wouldn't touch the DRL. BTW, the DRL should not to be confused with the regular headlights or highbeams.

Just my $0.02

True, but they also make you more visible to cops.

Most recently, my trouble with DRLs was how quickly they drain the battery with the engine off. Even while on a trickle charger, the 540 battery was dead after a window tint install. I'd rather not take chances getting stranded for listening to the radio and forgetting the lights are still on.

VancouverM · 25th January 2006, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by palantirion

True, but they also make you more visible to cops.

Most recently, my trouble with DRLs was how quickly they drain the battery with the engine off. Even while on a trickle charger, the 540 battery was dead after a window tint install. I'd rather not take chances getting stranded for listening to the radio and forgetting the lights are still on.

The DRLs do not come on in key pos 1 only 2.

As for the cops... well.. you tend to show up on radar regardless whether or not you have DRLs (sad but true)

palantirion · 26th January 2006, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by VancouverM

The DRLs do not come on in key pos 1 only 2.

As for the cops... well.. you tend to show up on radar regardless whether or not you have DRLs (sad but true)

I'm not exactly sure which positions 1 and 2 are, but in the case of my wife's 540iT the lights came on at any key position that allowed the windows to open.

With regard to cops, yes radar is radar, but many in the States use their eyes and clock you by pacing. What makes you more visible to other motorists also makes you more visible to the fuzz. It's simply human reflex to target the individual that stands out in a crowd - which in the States is the car with DRLs.