If EWS is deleted will the key charge?

[samthejam]

If the EWS module has been completely removed and bypassed will the car still charge the key, is the antenna ring reader still energized?

[samthejam]

https://charm.li/BMW/2005/M3%20Coupe%20%28E46%29%20L6-3.2L%20%28S54%29/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Diagrams/Electrical%20Diagrams/Drive/Drive-Away%20Protection/Ring%20Coil%20%2F%20Key/

I think I answered my own question, pretty sure that is a no.

[heinzboehmer]

The car doesn't actually charge the key. The coil in the ignition switch is just there to power the transponder in the key that is needed for authentication with the EWS module.

The battery in the key is non-rechargeable and is only used for the remote features.

Snippet from TIS:



So, removing the EWS module will disable the coil, but this component is no longer needed, as there is nothing for the key to authenticate with.

[Shonky]

The car doesn't actually charge the key. The coil in the ignition switch is just there to power the transponder in the key that is needed for authentication with the EWS module.

The battery in the key is non-rechargeable and is only used for the remote features.

No. The diamond key (i.e. most E46s from 2000 on), only early ones had the old key) is definitely charged by the EWS coil.

[Ramps]

How can this be right? I still use the original key, the battery surely can’t be still going after 23 years. I always thought the coil charged it up. Although with that said, i have EWS disabled for the last couple of years and the key still unlocks doors and trunk etc. so i was assuming the coil is still charging it.

[heinzboehmer]

No. The diamond key (i.e. most E46s from 2000 on), only early ones had the old key) is definitely charged by the EWS coil.

Wow, no way! Have always been under the impression that the battery doesn't get charged.

Alright, well, disregard everything I said above. Thanks for the info.

[sapote]

How can this be right? I still use the original key, the battery surely can’t be still going after 23 years. I always thought the coil charged it up. Although with that said, i have EWS disabled for the last couple of years and the key still unlocks doors and trunk etc. so i was assuming the coil is still charging it.

Disabled EWS: DME with ews delete firmware, or ews module was removed? Removed ews would disable the coil and no key batt charging.

[Cubieman]

So EWS simply disabled maybe charges the key?
But the module removed for sure does not charge it?

I have been using the same key with EWS delete (due to donor DME) since about 2018 with no issues FWIW.

Too bad there really isn't an easy way to test if it is being charged.

[Shonky]

So EWS simply disabled maybe charges the key?
But the module removed for sure does not charge it?

EWS removed removed definitely won't charge it.

I have been using the same key with EWS delete (due to donor DME) since about 2018 with no issues FWIW.

Based on that evidence alone I would say it does charge. See point 2 in the BMW tech documentation that says a key will self discharge in ~1.5 years. If your remote unlock is still working, then it's charging.

Too bad there really isn't an easy way to test if it is being charged.

Aside from the fact your practical evidence says it does charge, it may be possible with an appropriate coil and a simple LED circuit to detect it.

[samthejam]

I replaced the battery in my key and it discharged. It actually worked for several months. I had to buy a parts key to fix my original key and my other one is a POS aftermarket key. I didn't have remote unlocking/locking for a long time.

I have my DME coded out and the module removed, as it failed or the EWS chip inside the key died not sure. If you delete it with SMG you can start the car in gear lol

It looks like the key charges at a certain hz rate. https://www.m5board.com/threads/anal...he-car.614346/

I bought a couple wireless chargers from Amazon gonna mess with those, kinda like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF5xIeaG-aQ

If that doesn't work, I'll probably go through effort of fixing the EWS system.

Also battery info inside an original key:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOK2QS2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Panasonic VL2020, a horizontal mount rechargeable lithium battery with 3V 20mAh power. However it has 90 degree tabs

[Flow]

I believe a toothbrush charger will charge the key if you simply leave it on it overnight.

[sapote]

Too bad there really isn't an easy way to test if it is being charged.

try the remote function of a spare key which has not been used for couple years, and it should not work until it's used for running the engine sometime.

[sapote]

So EWS simply disabled maybe charges the key?
But the module removed for sure does not charge it?

I have been using the same key with EWS delete (due to donor DME) since about 2018 with no issues FWIW.

Too bad there really isn't an easy way to test if it is being charged.

Using a DME with ews delete firmware, the car still has a functional ews module to enable the starter. This should charge the key.

[Ramps]

I have the hardware still installed and used ECUworx tool to disable it when I switched to a new DME for my airbox, so from the sound of it the coil is still charging the key as it should? Which was my assumption, but this thread made me question that lol.

Disabled EWS: DME with ews delete firmware, or ews module was removed? Removed ews would disable the coil and no key batt charging.

[sapote]

I have the hardware still installed and used ECUworx tool to disable it when I switched to a new DME for my airbox, so from the sound of it the coil is still charging the key as it should? Which was my assumption, but this thread made me question that lol.

EWS software disabled: how do you run the starter with a disabled EWS?