How to program your BMW remote key fobs to your car

[ac427]

The sequence of programming the keys must be completed for all keys within 20 seconds (to comply)

The first key programmed will get key memory one's functions and the second will get key memory two's functions, these may well be different. You may have drive away locking on one and not the other but whatever key you start with is the key that is going to get key memory one's functions wether or not it was key one before!

[Dark_Knight]

right, how much does the dealer charge and how long does it take?

Seems I've goosed it

[Dark_Knight]

WOOHOO!!!

Now working..........well if I can find my spare set that is then they'll both be done!!

[lee330]

I just gave this a go because 1 key would lock and unlock the car but both would star it. I dont it all good the locks locked then unlocked then i get the 2nd key and nothing, so I keep doing this the same as before and now both keys dont work. I read somewhere online to leave it 15 mins so I went off come back 25 mins later and still cant get them to work. I really dont want to go to bmw to do this they take to much of my money as it is lol

[Rob_320Ci]

Hi Guys,

Not too sure if the above covers my situation;

I have two keys, both working properly.

I have a blank blade and a new fob shell.

If I take the insides of the spare key and put them in the new shell and get the blade cut - will this work, lock/unlock and start the car?

Will I need to reprogram the key?

Thanks

[Rob_320Ci]

ok, after putting all the internals in the new shell and getting the blade cut all works, except for starting the engine, I can switch to postion 2 but I cant start the engine.

I can do as above though and insert the main key and swap it quick with the made up key and it starts the engine.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks

R

[bimmerboy]

does anyone know if or how i can programme my key so when i lock car the mirrors fold up ?

[1fast6]

does anyone know if or how i can programme my key so when i lock car the mirrors fold up ?

If you have the correct software version on the car then it is a feature that can be programmed in by a good indy/stealer.

Otherwise an aftermarket control unit can be bought from Germany to do this and wired into the fuse box behind the glove box.

[lee330]

If you have the correct software version on the car then it is a feature that can be programmed in by a good indy/stealer.

Otherwise an aftermarket control unit can be bought from Germany to do this and wired into the fuse box behind the glove box.

how much are these

[turbodiesel]

OK could really do with some help here guys (and gals)

My fob stopped locking/unlocking the doors from a distance, I had to get closer and closer to the car as time went on.

I presumed the battery was dying, and not knowing much about replacing it, I went into my local car shop (Halfords) and the fella behind the counter advised me to open my key fob, so he could see what type/size of replacement bettery i needed.

I did this, and he sold me the one i needed.

When I got home, I changed the battery and it didnt work

My key starts the car no problem, but no remote lock/unlock.

I have checked the battery is connected properly and have tested the pcb with a multimeter but I cannot get the key to remotely operate the door locks.

I have tried following the procedure on this threads several times, but there is no response from the door locks to confirm reprogramming was succesful.

Any advice or info on what to do next?

I would really like to get my key working again without paying the dealer £100+ for a new key.

Thanks for looking

TD

[johnboy07]

top write up mate

[turbodiesel]

anyone help please???

[stringy93]

I didn't realise you could change the battery in the key? Our keys charge themselves when in the ignition.

[turbodiesel]

I didn't realise you could change the battery in the key? Our keys charge themselves when in the ignition

Yes so did mine when it was new, but the rechargeable got old and eventually died.

It is not meant to be replaced easily as the connectors are soldered to the battery and the pcb.

But it can be done with a little patience.

Most people seem to have had success with reprogramming after doing this, but not working for me

[Bandad]

I only had one key with the car, so I contacted the original owner and they very kindly mailed me the other key.

The second key has been chewed by a labrador puppy, but all the buttons clicked so thought it might be ok. Previous owner said that it used to work after the mauling. So...

I attached it to a toothbrush charger with the aid of an elastic band and left it for 24 hours. Still no action, so I tried the re-programming button sequence (as OP). It was a great feeling when the door locks cycled with the new second key. However...

It won't start the car! It will do the remote function but does not cancel the immobiliser. I know it was the original key, so I assume that it has the same magic code in it. It does work if I put the old key in first and swap to the second key quickly. I guess this is because the first key disarms the immobiliser and it doesn't rearm for a short while.

Any ideas? Would love to get it working.

[fat-e46]

so if i buy a key off ebay can i just get it cut then use this how to to program it to my car?

[Andy H]

Thought this might come in handy as a DIY for someone as some companys charge to do this!

- Sit in the car with all the doors shut and windows up with your key fobs (all your fobs need to be done at the same time)

- With one of your keys turn the ignition on then off and remove the key

- Press and hold the unlock botton and then press the lock button 3 times.

- Release all buttons and the locks will bounce up and down.

- Repeat this with the other key/keys (press and hold unlock and press lock 3 times, locks will bounce)

Note: Only switch your ignition on once, doing so again while programming will reset the process and you will have to start again.

Hope this helps

Hi,

I have the diamond shaped key, is it possible to program the new folding type key fob in the same way for my 2000 330d sport.

Regards Andy

[JoshM]

Hey guys, i recently bout a 2003 318 with the diamond shape key fob. its unlocks the car fine remotely and starts its fine, but it wont lock the car remotely. i have to use the door lock. now would this method solve this problem?

a friend of mine recons it could be a dodgy button [the centre bmw logo] as it doesnt click, it just pushes in and springs out? is this how it should be or should there be a deffinate click?

if its neither of these options what can i do? is it a matter of a new case and buttons?

[edmart]

Hmm think migh have slightly different programming instructions......Dave Dnnlop did his one.....al he did was change the battery and it was ok....if not the it will have to be reprogrammed.....

Found this though which doe sgive another 2 reprogramming methods

X5, E46, E38 & E39 Diamond Shaped Key

To carry out this procedure you need to have one working key and one key which requires programming. Please read on if you do not have a working key as this is also covered further down. It may help sometimes to hold the key close to the rear view mirror as this is where the sensor is located in most models.

1. With both keys, get in the car and close all windows and doors.

2. Put working key into the ignition and turn to position 1 (the accessories should turn on)

3. Turn the key back to position 0 and take the key out of the ignition.

4. Using the working key, hold down the unlock button, press the BMW logo (lock button) 3 times, and release the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock.

5. With the new key, hold down the unlock button and press the BMW logo (lock button) 3 times and let go of the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock and you're done!!

Alternate Procedure:

1. Switch ignition on and off within 5 seconds, with all doors closed.

2. Take key out of ignition and press unlock button. Hold unlock button whilst pressing the lock button 3 times, all within 10 seconds.

3. Release unlock button.

4. The system recognises re-programming by locking and immediately unlocking the doors.

5. You have to do your other keys within 30 seconds after reprogramming your first key by following steps 2,3 & 4 only.

Alternate procedure if above doesn't work or if you do not have a working remote:

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly

2. Remove key

3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds

5. Turn on ignition to finalize

Older 3 Button Key (E36, E38, E39)

Remote Key Re-Initialise - If a key fails to operate remotely, it will have to be re-initialised (all keys in sequence at the same time)

1. Get in and close all doors

2. Turn the ignition on & off quickly (no more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds

3. First key - hold down button #2 (unlock - on the bottom left with the key blade pointing up) while striking button #1 (lock - the BMW logo) three times. Release button #2. This should be confirmed by door lock operation.

4. If you have more than 1 key then you need to repeat for the other keys within 30 seconds of first or they will be rendered inactive.

5. After last key then cycle the ignition on/off to finalise the process (it is not necessary to start the engine).

Hi, I'm new and have a T reg 328ci. The keys(does not work obviuosly) I have are with only two buttons unlike the ones in the thread. Would you have any advice for this type of key?

thanks.

[mhangol]

Hi,

I'm a newbie!!

Just brought a 2004 face lift 318ci convertible!!

Only to find out, that the keys wont unlock the doors via the button. I've been to my local bmw dealer today, who was unable to reprogramme the keys, using the method detailed in this topic!!

I'm getting a bit worried now!!

Any ideas what this could be, or what I could try??

It looks manually!! & buy the central locking button inside the car!!

HELP!!

[DAVEP]

HI I have only just joined this forum sorry. I have recently purchased a 318ci coupe. It has 2 keys - 1 remote (non working) and 1 manual non-remote key. I have had the remote key reprogrammed which now works fine. The manual key sets off the alarm if the car has been locked using the remote key & it does not unlock the boot. Both keys start the car & the alarm is silenced by the manual key once put in the ignition & turned.

My question is this - is there any way to get the manual key to unlock the boot & how if possible would it be to change the manual key into a remote key?

Thanks for any advice. Dave.

[Beemer330i]

Hi all,

I have just had a new battery fitted and now the remote central locking is not working. I only have one diamond shaped key that worked fine before the battery was cahnged.

I have tried the suggested methods and none have worked.

Any advice?

[mit]

Hi all,

I have just had a new battery fitted and now the remote central locking is not working. I only have one diamond shaped key that worked fine before the battery was cahnged.

I have tried the suggested methods and none have worked.

Any advice?

When you turned the ignition on then off, did you put the key in and turn it to position 1 or 2? It should be in the position where all the dash lights come on.

[Beemer330i]

When you turned the ignition on then off, did you put the key in and turn it to position 1 or 2? It should be in the position where all the dash lights come on.

I tried both however did these in quick succession so not sure if I should have left it longer?

[mit]

Are you doing the 3 unlock button presses at the same time as keeping the lock button pressed?

Might be worth leaving it a bit longer, or try the first encoding with your spare key.