If you’re in the market to upgrade or repair your BMW key fob, especially if you’re diving into DIY Integrated Circuit (IC) swaps, you might be encountering key fobs advertised as “OEM”. It’s crucial to be aware that, despite appearances and claims, these key fobs are often not genuine OEM parts. Extensive research into this topic reveals a key detail: there’s no OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) blade-style key fob Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that utilizes the 28-pin IC commonly found in stock F-series BMW key fobs.
For BMW owners in the US, genuine OEM blade-style key fobs operating at 434Hz come in two primary versions, identified by their FCC IDs: NBGIDGNG1 and N5F-ID21A. A quick look into the internal components of these OEM key fobs, readily available in the FCC’s ID database, confirms this crucial point. By examining the PCB photos accessible through these links: FCC ID: NBGIDGNG1 and FCC ID: N5F-ID21A, you’ll see that neither of these officially certified OEM fobs incorporate a 28-pin IC on their PCBs.
This investigation indicates that both the PCBs and the key fob shells being sold for DIY swaps are overwhelmingly non-OEM, and most likely manufactured in China. While sources in Turkey have been identified potentially producing similar PCBs, the cost of importing a single unit often outweighs the benefits, leading many to opt for the more readily available Chinese-produced options.
However, there’s a practical workaround if you prefer using a genuine OEM blade key fob shell. You can indeed utilize an authentic OEM shell by directly swapping the non-OEM PCB into it. If you choose this route, ensure you acquire a shell version marked with the FCC ID: NBGIDGNG1. The other OEM version, FCC ID: N5F-ID21A, is incompatible for PCB swapping due to differences in the internal plastic housing structure, meaning the PCB shapes are not interchangeable.
For those interested in attempting the key fob IC swap themselves, readily available non-OEM key fobs (sourced from China) can be purchased online for around $30. Platforms like eBay offer these fobs with options for button colors, such as standard silver buttons or black buttons. Swapping the 28-pin IC is manageable with the correct tools, but precision and appropriate equipment are necessary for a successful outcome.
In conclusion, when seeking “OEM” BMW key fobs for DIY upgrades, especially involving IC swaps for F-series models, be critically aware of the “OEM” label. While fully OEM PCBs for these specific modifications are not available, understanding the nuances of OEM shells and readily accessible non-OEM alternatives allows for informed decisions and successful key fob modifications.
