2011 BMW 5 Series Key Replacement

The 2011–2016 5 Series uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the BMW 5 Series key guide.

2011 BMW 5 Series: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: ID49 (PCF7953P, Hitag Pro)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

CAS4/CAS4+ car: specialist territory. Add-a-key is possible via OBD with pro tools (VVDI2/Autel/CGDI per tool documentation); all-keys-lost usually means bench-reading the CAS4 module. Not dealer-only, but not a general-purpose-tool job either.

What kind of key does a 2011 BMW 5 Series use?

The 2011 5 Series uses a smart proximity key. The car senses the fob when it's near, and you start the engine with the push-button. Inside the fob is an ID49 transponder chip (PCF7953P, also called Hitag Pro). That chip family has been checked against two hardware-supplier references, so we treat it as verified.

Every one of these fobs also carries a mechanical backup key. If the fob dies or the car won't recognize it, you can still open the driver's door by hand. That key does not start the car, but it keeps you from being locked out.

What this means for you: this is not a blade you can cut at a hardware counter. The fob has to be programmed to the car's immobilizer, which is why replacement is a different job than it would be on an older, simpler key.

Key type: smart proximity, push-to-start
Chip: ID49 (PCF7953P, Hitag Pro)
Mechanical backup key: yes, inside the fob
Immobilizer module: CAS4 or CAS4+

Spare key or all keys lost: what's different on this car?

If you still have one working fob, adding a key is the easier case. For this year, the original key is not required to duplicate, and programming goes through the OBD port. We use professional programming tools for this. Tool documentation lists VVDI2, Autel and CGDI as capable of the work. A basic general-purpose key machine is not enough.

If every fob is gone, it's still possible. It is also the more involved job. On a CAS4 car, all-keys-lost usually means reading the CAS4 module on the bench so a new key can be matched to it. That's why this is specialist territory. It is not dealer-only, so you don't need a tow to the dealership just to get a key made. It does need someone who does this work regularly.

Either way, plan ahead if you can. Adding a spare while you still have a working fob is the simpler and more economical route compared with starting from nothing.

What affects the cost of a 2011 5 Series key?

We don't quote numbers on a web page, because they depend on your situation. These are the things that move the cost:

Whether you have a working fob or have lost all of them. All-keys-lost usually involves bench work on the CAS4 module, which adds labor.
How many keys you need programmed.
Whether the job is done at our Westwood storefront or at your car with a mobile van. A car that can't be driven or moved is a different job than one you can bring in.
The condition of the car's existing fob. Sometimes a dead battery is the only problem and no new key is needed.
Parts. Lost-fob replacement on this generation costs more than keys for the earlier E-series cars, and that's a real difference in the fob itself.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What commonly goes wrong, and how we handle it

Before anyone replaces a key, we try to rule out the simple causes. These are the three problems that come up most on this year:

A dead coin cell in the fob. The dash shows a 'key not detected' warning. The emergency start position still works, so the car can be started while you fix the battery.
Comfort Access door-handle sensor faults on cars that have it. The fob may be fine and the handle sensor is the issue, so we check this before programming anything.
A lost fob. This is the one that needs programming.

Call us and tell us what's happening. We'll ask for your VIN and whether the car has Comfort Access.
We check if it's a battery or sensor problem before suggesting a new key.
If a key is needed, we confirm ownership and whether you have a working fob.
We program the new fob through the OBD port, or bench-read the CAS4 module if all keys are gone.
We test starting, locking and the backup key before we leave.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key, and what we confirm by VIN

The data on this year is verified, but BMW builds many variations of one model year. We confirm the exact module and key by VIN or in person before we start, so you're not guessing about parts.

We've been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans. You're talking to one company, with no dispatch middlemen, and David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. Phones are answered 24 hours a day at (213) 577-1366.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license. Ask any locksmith for their number before they work on your car. See the rest of our BMW key service or the full 5 Series key page for other years. You can also browse all car key services or contact us directly.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my original key to get a copy made for a 2011 BMW 5 Series?

No. For this year the original key is not required. Programming is done through the OBD port with professional tools, so a spare can be added as long as the car is accessible.

Can you make a key if I've lost all of them?

Yes, it's possible. On a CAS4 car it usually means reading the CAS4 module on the bench, so it takes more work than adding a spare. It's not dealer-only.

My car says 'key not detected'. Do I need a new key?

Not necessarily. A dead coin cell in the fob is a common cause. The emergency start position still works, so you can usually start the car while the battery is dealt with.

Does the 2011 5 Series have a mechanical key?

Yes. A mechanical backup key is inside the fob. It opens the driver's door by hand, but it doesn't start the car.

What chip does this key use?

The fob uses an ID49 transponder (PCF7953P, Hitag Pro). Two hardware-supplier references back that up. We still confirm by VIN before ordering or programming anything.

Can you come to my car?

Yes. We have mobile service vans as well as our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd. Call (213) 577-1366 to talk through where the car is and what's wrong.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.