Programming your BMW Z3 key fob

[GazHyde]

Just changed the batteries in both my key fobs using this process and it worked first time on both fobs.

This is only relevant to this style key as far as I know. May work for the diamond key version I'd guess. Instructions found on an E46 forum.

1. Key into the ignition and turn it to the first position where the ignition lights come on and switch off within 5 seconds.
2. Take the key out of the ignition.
3. Press and hold the unlock button, then push the BMW roundel (lock button) 3 times, pausing for about 2 seconds in between each press. Release the unlock button. The door locks should now cycle between lock and unlock.

The key is now programmed!

 

[Wookee]

Very helpful.....when I've saved up enough money to buy a second key from BMW I'll be following this....obviously I'll have to fix my central locking first though

 

[DirtyDog]

I wonder if this would work with a blank key purchased off ebay ??

 

[GazHyde]

I'm not convinced it would work with a blank. My keys were obviously coded to the car initially, so all I'm doing is resynchronising them.

 

[DirtyDog]

Ah ok thx.
I only have one. Looks like it will have to be a trip to bmw one day

 

[Low Rider]

Ah ok thx.
I only have one. Looks like it will have to be a trip to bmw one day

When you do you will need your driving licence and a utility bill plus £140

 

[Low Rider]

I'm told its very difficult to get a blank key cut without a lot of hassle

 

[DirtyDog]

Cheers @Low Rider.
You have made my day....

 

[colb]

Very old post but can answer the question about blank key being programmed to central locking.
There are two systems in these keys, one is the transponder chip that controls the security for allowing the car to be started via the EWS system. The other is the central locking function which takes power from the key battery to operate. A blank uncut key can be set using the method described earlier in this thread, without the transponder chip being programmed that side of it will not work. The blade would also be required to be cut to operate in the doors and ignition switch.
There are different methods for programming the central locking functions as follows, not just the one process posted earlier.

BMW Z - Key Remote Programming

Three methods to try:

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.



Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

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

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.



Method 3:

Alternate 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 finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

 

[Duncodin]

This thread should go into one of those resources areas of the forum where I can find it when I need it.

 

[Rob76]

If you go to BMW they may have the wallet key still for your car. You can then use the pre programmed chip cut it out and fit it into a cheap ebay key which has the RF chip already in the key. There are you tube films on how to do this.

 

[Davros]

Hello Each,

I found this thread following the issue I had t'other day after replacing the batteries on the 'master' key fob and the spare too... Background - All well for a couple of days but after a local trip I alarm/locked the car using the 'master' fob, but on return to the car it wouldn't deactivate the alarm or unlock the doors (of course the key unlocked the doors and I now know the alarm system sounds pretty good). Fortunately my better half rescued me with the spare key fob, which worked perfectly. As a first check I made sure the battery was correctly seated and managed to reprogramme the fob using method 1. Great, I thought, two working fobs - yes but no but, the original working spare key fob no longer worked. So using method 1 again I got this fob working, but guess what, yep the reprogrammed 'master' fob wouldn't work. I repeated the process a few times, on each fob but I could only get one to work but not the second. Odd, I thought; but to this Z3 novice I find some of the systems a tad tricksy.

Okay Colb, any thoughts on this this conundrum, mayhap?

 

[colb]

You must finger sync one key straight after the other for both keys to set no time lapse between the keys.

 

[Davros]

Doilch colb. Just to clarify I have understood; I programme the non functioning key, which will effectively disable the programmed key; then immediately insert the second key and repeat the procedure?

 

[colb]

Yes, thats how to do it, it may help if you hold the key up by your ear when you do the finger dance so the receiver has a strong signal.

 

[Davros]

Yes, thats how to do it, it may help if you hold the key up by your ear when you do the finger dance so the receiver has a strong signal.

Intriguing, but reading the procedure for method 2 again, I guessing left ear; yes?

 

[colb]

Yes

 

[Davros]

Sorted colb - diolch yn fawr iawn.
A slight variation for others who may have a similar issue. As you say, It's the timing that's key (oops); unfortunately the left shoulder/ear trick didn't work for me BUT going through the Method 2 process and leaving the key in the ignition in the off position in for the finger dance was the magical sequence. As they say over here quite a lot - c'est bizarre. But hey, I now have two functional key fobs.