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The E46 key is the name of the keyless entry remote for BMW vehicles manufactured between 1999 and 2005. Every E46 key needs to be programmed before it can be used with the corresponding BMW car. E46 keys can only be purchased from accredited BMW dealerships. You can program your new E46 BMW key yourself after you receive it.
1. Step inside your BMW, close the door, and turn the key. Turn the key five times as quickly as you can between the on and off positions.
2. While holding down the “Unlock” button on your E46 key, press the lock button three times. The door locks on your BMW will now lock and unlock, indicating that the programming procedure was successful.
3. Turn your BMW on and off to complete programming your E46 key remote. Test the key after getting out of the car.
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Adding a remote door lock/unlock function to your BMW key
Follow the steps below to enable or disable the remote function of a replacement BMW key:
- Close and lock all of the doors while using every remote in the vehicle.
- Using the new master key, turn the ignition to the “run” position.
- without opening any doors, remove the key
- On the new master key, hold down the UNLOCK button (the arrow button).
- Press the key LOCK button (the BMW logo) three times quickly while maintaining pressure on the unlock button. Press the buttons swiftly but slowly, pausing for only one second in between each BMW logo press.
- On the final button press, simultaneously release both buttons.
- To verify the initialization of the remote feature, doors will lock and unlock. To enable all keys on the remote door lock system, use the same button press programming method for each key within 30 seconds (up to 4 remote keys).
Follow the steps above with all of your keys except the one you want to remove if you have lost a key or would otherwise like to disable the remote function of one of your keys. This procedure will remove the outdated or lost door remote from the list of door remotes that are currently in use, rendering the lost key useless for remote vehicle unlocking.
Any remote key that isn’t programmed in the same session won’t be able to lock, unlock, or disarm (FZV & DWA) the car, but it will still work to start it (EWS).
How can I program my BMW key from 2004?
Approach 1:
1. Operating inside the car with the doors closed
2. Within five seconds, switch the ignition from position 1 to off.
3. After removing the ignition key, press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds. Then, within a 5-second interval, press the key lock button three times.
4. Let go of the buttons.
5. Doors will lock and unlock to demonstrate that proper programming has taken place.
Approach 2:
One key that is already programmed and one key that needs to be programmed are required for this procedure.
1) Enter and lock every door.
2) Start the ignition and swiftly turn it off. Start the process now (no more than 5 seconds). 30 seconds must pass before the next action is taken.
3. Take out the first key.
4) To put the key closer to the antenna on the remote receiver, hold it up towards your left shoulder.
5) Press the lock button three times while keeping the unlock button depressed. As soon as the unlock button is released, the doors lock to authenticate the procedure.
6) Quickly carry out steps 4 and 5 for key #2 and so forth.
If that doesn’t work, try pressing the keys in reverse. 1 then 2, as opposed to 2 then 1.
Approach 3:
1. Quickly turn the key to position 1 five times. 2. Take out the key. 3. Hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button three times.
4. Within 30 seconds, press the same button if you have another key. 5. Start the engine to complete.
PLEASE NOTE: This programming process modifies the key’s remote control component. Any transponder chip for the immobilizer (vehicle starting) cannot be programmed; a professional must do it. You must use diagnostic tools to have your remote configured to your vehicle at your neighborhood dealer or locksmith.
Want a professional to configure the remote for you since you’re having problems doing it yourself? Find a qualified key fob installer in your neighborhood by typing your city or zip code in the search box below.
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How can I program my BMW key?
Steps for Programming a New BMW Key Fob 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 associated with your BMW.
How can I program the key for my BMW 3 Series?
Turn the ignition of the automobile five times fast to position 1 and back. 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. Within 30 seconds of the initial key programming, repeat step 3 if you want to program any additional keys.
How is a mechanical BMW key started?
Nowadays, keyfobs are used in most vehicles instead of their metal equivalents. But just in case, BMWs come with an emergency key in the keyfob. To start your BMW with a mechanical key, adhere to these steps:
- Push the button on the back of your key fob and pull the emergency key out of the key fob first.
- The driver’s side door can be unlocked with the use of the key. Although the automobile alarm might sound, don’t be alarmed. When you start the automobile, it everything turns off.
- Insert your key if your BMW has an ignition. If it doesn’t, insert the key fob into the slot marked with a key next to the steering wheel.
- Press the Stop/Start button after holding down the brake.
Your automobile ought to start once you’ve completed those instructions! If it still doesn’t work, your key may be broken or the ignition module may be malfunctioning. At that time, you ought to take your car to a mechanic so they can look at it.
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Why won’t my BMW key turn?
You’ll need a CR2032 battery if your key fob is functioning well but your BMW key fob battery has to be changed. Make sure you’re using the appropriate size of these tiny cells, sometimes referred to as “watch batteries.”
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.
Can a locksmith create a 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.
Without the original, how can a key fob be programmed?
After locking every door, turn the ignition off. Set the accessory or “ACC” position on the ignition key. The door locks will cycle once once you turn the ignition key off once more. To program the key fob, press any button three times straight.
A new key fob can you program it yourself?
Yes, a replacement automobile key can be obtained without the original. Since people frequently misplace their car keys, replacing a misplaced car key is an easy operation. Nevertheless, depending on the key type, it could be pricey.
A key fob is a little electronic gadget that you can use to remotely lock and unlock your car. Other capabilities of the fob could include a remote engine starter, a trunk opening, or a proximity system that allows you to open your car without taking the fob out of your pocket.
Depending on how sophisticated the key technology is, replacing car keys can be expensive. An old metal key can be duplicated for less than $10 at a hardware store. On the other hand, the most recent smart keys must be ordered from a dealer and might cost between $200 and $500.
Your car key’s battery can be changed easily by opening it up, identifying the battery type, and going to the store. If you’re unsure of how to open the remote, it pays to consult your owner’s manual because you don’t want to force anything open and break it.
Today’s automobile keys are more secure and capable thanks to technology, but the gain isn’t free. The majority of modern keys feature complex electronic parts that must be configured before usage.
You may be able to buy an after-market key fob via a locksmith or online if your automobile is more than five years old. These sorts of fobs range in quality, but they are less expensive than other options.
You might be able to program a replacement yourself, depending on the make and type of your vehicle. The steps for programming a key fob yourself can differ: Owner’s manuals from certain automakers include instructions. In many circumstances, information can be available online. The catch is that in order to complete the process quickly or at all, you might need two functional key fobs.
It’s wise to acquire and program a backup remote before you require it. Additionally, a lot of used-car buyers (particularly auto dealers) will pay more for a vehicle with at least two functional key fobs or sets of keys.
A misplaced automobile key can indeed be replaced by a locksmith. If you have the option of receiving your replacement key from a locksmith or the dealership, the latter may be less expensive. Before making a choice, be sure to inquire about prices with your nearby vehicle dealership.