General topics » Ignition key question

I'm confused as to whether the standard-issue RS ignition key is just a mechanical one, or whether it contains electronic wizardry related to the immobiliser?

The manual says "You can obtain emergency/extra keys only through an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer. The keys are part of an integrated security system...". However, if that's so, what are the flat grey plastic keys all about, which I've seen? (I understood they were designed to be stored in your wallet, for emergency use, and if so I'd quite like one!)?

I think the flat plastic ones are the emergency key for the keyless ignition system, mine isn't keyless so came with 2 standard keys, one with some brushed chrome to make it look posh! These have a transponder built into them to communicate with the immobiliser. When you get a replacement key it must be programmed to the immobiliser.

Thanks Willy.
Presumably a keyless RS also has the immobilsier?
So does anyone know if I can buy/use a flat plastic/metal key (ie, one which would fit in my wallet) on my non-keyless RS?

I know that my keyless RS has an immobilizer as a couple of weeks ago my key fob battery was getting tired and when I tried to start the bike I received a bright red triangle on the dash and it did not start. I had to stuff the fob in the crack between the passenger's and rider's seat sections to get it to start. Replacing the battery with a new CR2032 battery solved that problem.

Your best bet is to call your dealer and ask them that question. I was able to purchase a metal key for my RS so that I could open up the seat lock as the plastic key will not turn the lock without breaking. The key had to come from BMWNA and it cost $15, if I recall correctly. But I don't think it has a chip in it so you would need the metal key to open up the seat and the plastic emergency chipped key to lay on top of the immobilizer antenna to get the bike to start, if you lost or misplaced the key fob. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that obtaining an extra chipped key would cost big bucks, would have to be programmed at the BMW factory in Germany and would take a month or two to arrive, depending upon your location in the World.

I would kind of agree . I just ordered a spare dumb key last week , because I thought I was selling my rs and realized. If I wanted to keep my factory bags and sell separate, I better get a spare before I sell . With out proof of being able to provide current registration .I may not be able to get a factory key. And be able to sell bags with a key. I ordered a metal dumb key cost us $ 41.00 .The dealer photocopied my reg. And ID which they keep on file which is federal requirement for any smart key ordered in the us. I ordered it Saturday before closing and the had it a few days later. The parts dude told me bmw ordering procedure for keys is processed as as a rush order different then a regular part order. That is because often when a key is ordered it could be because it has been lost and the vehicle is no longer drivable with out it. I was also told by dudes at bmw dealer to keep the gray small plastic smart key away from the black smart key fob.
If they are stored together It may cause the keys not to be able to communicate properly with the vehicle. I replace the 3 volt battery in the key fob about every 6 months ,because the battery voltage drops below 3 volts after that period of time .New voltage is 3.3