After then, remove your key from the ignition. While keeping the unlock button depressed, press the BMW logo three times on your BMW key fob. After pressing the BMW logo three times, release the unlock button. Once the ignition is turned on, your new key should be connected to your BMW!
In This Article...
How to Use Your BMW Key Fob Remote
Although pre-programmed for your car, your key still needs to be activated in order to be used.
Hold your new key fob flat on the dim battery indicator next to the steering column to accomplish this. After then, keep pressing the start/stop button until the “no key” warning light goes out. To check that activation was successful, press the start/stop button once more.
If this doesn’t work, you might need to activate your new key while removing your old key fob from the signal range to avoid interference. To accomplish this, first unlock your BMW with the existing key before having someone carry the key a short distance away from your car. After that, you can push the start/stop button while holding your new key against the steering column.
How can I program my BMW key?
Take the BMW key fob you want to configure, hold down the unlock button, and then press and hold the BMW logo three times. The doors should lock and unlock once more. When this occurs, you are ready to go! You’ve set up your BMW key fob.
My BMW key fob can I program it myself?
New BMW Key Fob Programming from Scratch BMW key fob should be taken out of the ignition. Press the lock button (the BMW logo) three times while still holding down the unlock button, and then let go. If you need to program more than one key fob, go back to step 3 within 30 seconds following the first key programming.
How can I program my BMW key fob now that the battery has been changed?
Remove the ignition key from the car. Press the BMW logo three times while holding down the unlock button, and then let go of the button. Repeat step 3 within 30 seconds after the initial key programming if you want to program any more keys. To finish the procedure, start the engine.
How can I sync my BMW remote again?
Tap the unlock button while keeping it depressed, then quickly press the BMW logo three times. Following that, take your finger off the unlock button. Repeat step four with each additional fob within thirty seconds of syncing the original if you need to program more BMW keys.
Can I program my own car key?
There are a few manufacturers who will let you program a single key even if you don’t have a working key. Remember that you’ll still need to have the key cut to suit the ignition, which necessitates presenting the locksmith with evidence of ownership.
Nevertheless, it is far easier to do this than to program a second or third key:
- Turn the ignition to the on position after inserting the key. Just the electronics, leave the engine off.
- After 10 minutes and 30 seconds, switch off the light by turning the key.
- Restart the key, then wait another 10 minutes and 30 seconds before turning it off once more.
- Thirdly, repeat the procedure.
- To program the key, turn it back to the on position.
- In order to test your new key, start the engine.
How can I obtain an additional BMW key?
A recent news story claimed that 30% of car owners lose their keys every week. Even while it may occasionally be a little inconvenience, vehicle owners can avoid having their day ruined by it with a little advance forethought. Obtaining a backup key is the most effective approach to make this happen.
Every year, cars get more technologically advanced, and what was once just a basic metal key keeps evolving into a smart fob with a variety of features. You have three choices for getting a new or replacement key for your BMW:
- You can cooperate with your neighborhood BMW dealer.
- You can work with a neighborhood locksmith business that has the skills necessary to duplicate and program BMW keys and fobs.
- You can obtain a “blank” replacement key and fob online, then take it to your neighborhood dealer or locksmith to have it programmed and cut once it arrives.
You will need to have your own personal identifying information, such as the BMW’s VIN and the year and model, in order to use any of these choices. In addition, you’ll need to have identification from the government and documentation showing your identity as the car’s owner. It may seem obvious, but having the necessary information on hand will speed up the process of procuring a replacement key if you find yourself in need of one after locking yourself out. The situation might become less stressful as a result of this.
The dealership may require you to tow your car there so they may make your replacement key if you opt to use them in an emergency and need the replacement key right away. They can come to you if you choose a trained local locksmith, which will save you time, money, and stress.
Can a locksmith create a BMW key?
Dealerships charge hundreds of dollars to complete the replacement of a BMW key due to the complexity of the operation. The costs of employing a dealership start to really build up in the following ways:
- Your automobile won’t start without a key. Your automobile will need to be towed by the dealership into the service area before any repairs can be made.
- Key fobs are not stocked in excess or as new ones at BMW shops. It will take about 10 days to receive your customized key once you place a custom purchase. Your automobile is unable to be driven at this time.
- Your new key needs to be programmed to the vehicle when it arrives, and the immobilizer system as a whole needs to be reprogrammed to recognize the new key fob. Dealerships bill for their time at a premium hourly rate, just like any of their other services.
This process not only takes a lot longer, but it also costs at least twice as much. You’ll wind up paying the dealership at least $500 to replace your BMW key when everything is said and done. There must be a better approach!
There is, in fact, a much better way! You can save yourself hundreds of dollars and a lot of hassle by working with a reputable locksmith like Cheap Lock & Key! You can have an immediate replacement performed at your location for roughly $250 to $350, which includes a new key fob and the reprogramming of your immobilizer system. The keys that locksmiths use and stock up on are identical to those from the dealership.
After the locksmith has finished replacing the key, make sure to test locking, unlocking, and starting the car completely. Therefore, the next time you need a new BMW auto key, make sure to check with your local locksmiths first before going to the shop!
Can a key fob be programmed without visiting the dealership?
According to John Ibbotson, CR’s head technician, “If you have a car that was constructed within the previous five years, a new-car dealer will typically be your best chance when you need a replacement key fob.” This is because expensive programming equipment is needed.
We discovered from Audi and Subaru dealers that some key fobs won’t function with aftermarket key fobs, despite the temptation to go for a less expensive one online.
A service advisor at Hoffman Audi in East Hartford, Connecticut remarked, “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us.” The key fob has a built-in security chip that cannot be modified to work with another Audi. A new aftermarket Audi key fob cannot be purchased online because of the requirement for this chip. He claimed that “the fob has evolved into a crucial component of the security of the car.” We were informed that the typical cost of replacing an Audi key fob, including programming, is $500.
This applies to all European vehicles, not just Audi. Because the manufacturer can only program the digital key encryption in a small number of exclusive stores in North America, they nearly always require the customer to see a dealer, said Yu of CR.
Other merchants we contacted, such a Lexus dealership and a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership, stated they don’t mind attempting to program aftermarket fobs if the buyer requests it as long as the customer is aware of the dangers.
We were advised by a service advisor at a Lexus dealer that they were reluctant to work with aftermarket key fobs. If we try to program it and it doesn’t function, we still have to bill them for our efforts, we can’t warranty parts or labor.
Fortunately, even if you have to visit a dealer, the procedure is quick. Key-fob programming, according to the majority of the dealers we spoke with, usually only requires 15 to 30 minutes, and the entire process, including creating the mechanical replacement key, rarely lasts longer than an hour.
Even if they handle everything for you, going to the dealer doesn’t have to be expensive. Even with European brands, this held true. A replacement fob with a laser-cut key and programming for CR’s 2015 VW Jetta would cost roughly $225, according to a local Volkswagen dealer with whom we spoke.
Customers can save money on programming with some companies, like Chevrolet. For instance, a Chevrolet official informed us that the key-fob programming does not need to be done at the dealership and that General Motors key fobs are on the more affordable side ($147.98 for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start).
The car must be present, he added. “The programming technique is explained in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Be advised that most customer-programmable key fobs, regardless of brand, require two active, functional keys in order to program a third new key without visiting the dealer, according to Yu.
What should I do if my BMW key is lost?
If you still have one key, you must bring your car, one piece of personal identification, one form of address identification, and the V5C logbook to your selected BMW Center*. You will need to make arrangements for your automobile to be delivered to your preferred Center along with the necessary documentation if you have lost both keys and are unable to access the vehicle.
* A photocard driver’s license cannot be used for both address identification and personal identification.
To keep you safe, our Centers are required to adhere to these security precautions. Additionally, you’ll have to sign for your new key upon picking it up.
How is a key fob reprogrammed?
Turn the key back to the “Off” position while holding down the lock button on the fob. At least three times, go through this process, finishing with the key in the “On” position.
This notifies the electronic control modules in your automobile that the signal is coming from your key in the ignition, and it then saves the information.
