Just a thought... as some of you know the key memory problem doesn't seem to be as big of an issue on the E39 as it is on the E53. My E39 hasn't failed once in the two years I've had the car. My E53's key memory was doomed from day one. I've noticed the keys are not the same and the E39 key has a traditional battery. The E53 key doesn't. It's recharged in the car when you insert it into the ignition. I think the E46 uses the same key. I'm wondering if there is a problem with the key design itself that might be causing this. Does anyone know if the E46 has the key memory feature too?