Coding a new BMW key

Drsauce10 · 09-28-2017, 06:22 PM

I'm just wondering how I can code a New replacement BMW key just in case I lose my main one ? Or do I need to take it to the BMW dealership and how much is it ?

julienjj · 10-04-2017, 09:49 PM

You can't ! (at least, officially).

The CAS module is pre-programmed with 10 secret codes for 10 keys which 8 of them don't exist physically yet.
When you order a replacement key the regional distribution center take a blank key, load the next key code (3,4 ,5 ,6 ...)available for your car and send the key by UPS to you or your dealer.

You can't read these codes in the module either because they are encrypted.
The only alternative is using a specialized tool which will replace a key slot with a newly generated code and burn the key accordingly.

Locksmith do have these software. It is also much easier to create a new key when you have one already. Otherwise the CAS must be taken out of the car to be worked on as without any key it will not let anything from the OBD port access it's internal memory.

Hope that answer your question

vespa · 10-06-2017, 08:19 PM

I don't know about normal keys but if you have the really old fashioned type of key that has to be stuck into some sort of hole in the dashboard like a '49 Buick, programming it is easy. Just shove your old key into the goofy hole followed by the new key and it programs itself. I wouldn't be surprised if the process was the same for regular keys since the weird dashboard hole exists even on normal cars.

Sensible_ · 10-07-2017, 07:26 AM

Depending on what skills / tools you already have it?s possible to do this cheaper than getting a new key from the dealer.

You need to read a CAS dump to get the ISN and then use a key programmer supporting HITAG-2 to program a blank ?virgin? key.

It?s easy to get the CAS dump by removing the module and working on it on the bench.

However, if you aren?t into this sort of thing then something like BMW MultiTool from xhorse is very good but not cheap.

It?s plug and play. You could buy it, use it with a blank virgin key and then sell it on eBay to recoup costs. However, it?s touch and go whether you?d save any money this way over going to the dealer.

09-28-2017, 06:22 PM	#1
Drsauce10 Private 13 Rep 77 Posts Drives: Bmw 335xi Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	Coding a new BMW key I'm just wondering how I can code a New replacement BMW key just in case I lose my main one ? Or do I need to take it to the BMW dealership and how much is it ?
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10-04-2017, 09:49 PM	#2
julienjj Private First Class 135 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 135i 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You can't ! (at least, officially). The CAS module is pre-programmed with 10 secret codes for 10 keys which 8 of them don't exist physically yet. When you order a replacement key the regional distribution center take a blank key, load the next key code (3,4 ,5 ,6 ...)available for your car and send the key by UPS to you or your dealer. You can't read these codes in the module either because they are encrypted. The only alternative is using a specialized tool which will replace a key slot with a newly generated code and burn the key accordingly. Locksmith do have these software. It is also much easier to create a new key when you have one already. Otherwise the CAS must be taken out of the car to be worked on as without any key it will not let anything from the OBD port access it's internal memory. Hope that answer your question __________________ 2016 435i xdrive Gran Coupé 2011 E82 1M Custom Frozen Brilliant White 2006 E60 M5 Alpine white SMG DELETE 6MT swap. Gone : 135i 2008 \| Gone : 2008 535i Touring\|
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10-06-2017, 08:19 PM	#3
vespa First Lieutenant 217 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Thousand Oaks iTrader: (0)	I don't know about normal keys but if you have the really old fashioned type of key that has to be stuck into some sort of hole in the dashboard like a '49 Buick, programming it is easy. Just shove your old key into the goofy hole followed by the new key and it programs itself. I wouldn't be surprised if the process was the same for regular keys since the weird dashboard hole exists even on normal cars.
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10-07-2017, 07:26 AM	#4
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Depending on what skills / tools you already have it?s possible to do this cheaper than getting a new key from the dealer. You need to read a CAS dump to get the ISN and then use a key programmer supporting HITAG-2 to program a blank ?virgin? key. It?s easy to get the CAS dump by removing the module and working on it on the bench. However, if you aren?t into this sort of thing then something like BMW MultiTool from xhorse is very good but not cheap. It?s plug and play. You could buy it, use it with a blank virgin key and then sell it on eBay to recoup costs. However, it?s touch and go whether you?d save any money this way over going to the dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote