vietec
Member
When I picked up my car, the key looked like it was microwaved, and being abused by the BMW key system (where even the battery on my E46 M3 key is molded in) I wastickled pink that not only was the battery easily replaced with a common battery, but the shell was easily replaced as well. What's more: The cost of the body from LR was all of $16 shipped. I searched and couldn't find a picture thread, and all of the videos looked like they were filmed on the highest quality Russet potato, so I ventured to record my experience changing the body.
Necessary parts:
-Old key
-two small slot head screwdrivers (one will do, two makes it easier)
-Part LR052882
I used the new key shell to figure out where I should pry to separate the pieces. You'll note that there are little tabs where the red arrows are pointing.
Here's some closer looks as the tabs
First thing you'll want to do is to open the mechanical key tray, the battery tray cover, and the battery, as detailed in the manual:
Next, you'll want to pry at those tabs (I chose to pry on both sides at once to work it open), after some finagling, it will come apart. *Be careful as to not damage the grey gasket that lies between the two halves* At this point, all you have to do is transfer the contents from old to new. I kept my key+components oriented the same way as a sanity check. Don't forget the metal catch:
The next bit is a little tricky. The spring and plastic catch that keeps the battery tray cover closed/keeps the mechanical key section in the open position. You'll need to note how these two parts work on your key:
The side that keeps the mechanical key section open has a little wedge you have to pry that plastic catch free from. The other hidden bit is easier to understand with the following picture:
Note that the plastic catch has a little nub that rides in this recess. The rest is easy. Do not forget to bring over the gasket, and do not forget to bring over the mechanical key section and battery tray cover (like me
)
Finally, snap the two halves together, drop the battery tray in and enjoy your "new" key.:cheers:
Necessary parts:
-Old key
-two small slot head screwdrivers (one will do, two makes it easier)
-Part LR052882
I used the new key shell to figure out where I should pry to separate the pieces. You'll note that there are little tabs where the red arrows are pointing.
Here's some closer looks as the tabs
First thing you'll want to do is to open the mechanical key tray, the battery tray cover, and the battery, as detailed in the manual:
Next, you'll want to pry at those tabs (I chose to pry on both sides at once to work it open), after some finagling, it will come apart. *Be careful as to not damage the grey gasket that lies between the two halves* At this point, all you have to do is transfer the contents from old to new. I kept my key+components oriented the same way as a sanity check. Don't forget the metal catch:
The next bit is a little tricky. The spring and plastic catch that keeps the battery tray cover closed/keeps the mechanical key section in the open position. You'll need to note how these two parts work on your key:
The side that keeps the mechanical key section open has a little wedge you have to pry that plastic catch free from. The other hidden bit is easier to understand with the following picture:
Note that the plastic catch has a little nub that rides in this recess. The rest is easy. Do not forget to bring over the gasket, and do not forget to bring over the mechanical key section and battery tray cover (like me
)Finally, snap the two halves together, drop the battery tray in and enjoy your "new" key.:cheers:
