[Hernan]

I have an LCI e90 with CA and seem to have lost my FOB 2.

I am pretty sure I can purchase a used 3 series FOB and have it re-programmed. Can I get the nicer looking 7 series FOB and have it work?

It looks to be the same size on the plug end to re-charge, and I can't imagine BMW spent the money to engineer 2 different alarm system radios.

[superjay]

No. Different frequencies, different shape, different size. Won't fit in the key hole

[Hernan]

Darn. Thanks for saving me $50.

[Hernan]

Can a used e90 CA transmitter be re-programmed for my car?

[GenePoole]

Originally Posted by Hernan

Can a used e90 CA transmitter be re-programmed for my car?

As far as I know (for E9x), no FOB that has ever been programmed to a car can ever be used again in a different car. It is possible to code a brand new FOB with some expensive tools out there, or, (I've heard) replacing a chip on the FOB with a new (never programmed chip). Of course, there are rumors that it is possible if you have read/write access to the CAS EEPROM, but I still don't know of anyone who has done this.

There is apparently a tool that can plug into the OBD port and program a blank FOB without even having any other access to the vehicle. You can break a window, plug in the tool, program a blank FOB, and drive the car away with the new FOB. Scary stuff:

[Hernan]

There are so many used FOBs for sale on eBay, and many of them reference re-programming. So either they are ignorant or thieves.

Either way, eBay should require a disclaimer for something like this.

[superjay]

Originally Posted by GenePoole

As far as I know (for E9x), no FOB that has ever been programmed to a car can ever be used again in a different car. It is possible to code a brand new FOB with some expensive tools out there, or, (I've heard) replacing a chip on the FOB with a new (never programmed chip). Of course, there are rumors that it is possible if you have read/write access to the CAS EEPROM, but I still don't know of anyone who has done this.

There is apparently a tool that can plug into the OBD port and program a blank FOB without even having any other access to the vehicle. You can break a window, plug in the tool, program a blank FOB, and drive the car away with the new FOB. Scary stuff:

can't do this in the US. Only the dealers can program new keys here