[shadowcoder]

Surely the key doesn't get programmed like that. At least I hope it doesn't...

[emjei]

I just trade in my 335 for an M3 and kept one of the 335 keys...

I guess I can program that extra key then...

[bsp8181]

Markcc,

Did you ever figure this out? I'm in the same situation. I need to have a key programmed and do not want to spend the $260 that the stealer is asking for...

Originally Posted by markcc01

So if I have any key fob from any car I can just insert for 20 seconds and it will program to the new car? I bought a used fob on eBay to try this before spending $200+ at the dealer and didn't think that was possible...are you sure you didn't get a key made for the car by the dealer? I'll try this later though, now im interested!

[rock8899]

i also have interest i lost one fob and looking NOT to spend 200-400 at the steelers what have people figured out? can i get a used fob ebay get a new key and then program a new one in the slot in the car?

any help would be great!

[bsp8181]

Originally Posted by rock8899

i also have interest i lost one fob and looking NOT to spend 200-400 at the steelers what have people figured out? can i get a used fob ebay get a new key and then program a new one in the slot in the car?

any help would be great!

Don't waste your $ on one from eBay. I did and have still not found a way to have it programmed...

[46bmw]

I was under the impression the keys were ordered VIN specific?

[jpsum]

Originally Posted by VENTO

I had to get a new key and all i had to do is push the key into the slot, hold it for 20 seconds and thats it. You are done!

That's just ridiculous.

[rock8899]

okay i called the dealer ship and they told me that it is VIN specific, can anyone confirm this.

I asked the dealer can an existing FOB from another car get reprammed he said no. comes as two pieces key and the fob and no programming charge.

there are FOB;s on ebay with a blank key dealer is saying 275CDN for the Fob and 55 or so for the key. and i have to show ownership.

why cant they just Flash or reprgram an existing.

anyone get an existing FOB reprogrammed?

[citrixscu]

Originally Posted by shadowcoder

Surely the key doesn't get programmed like that. At least I hope it doesn't...

I have a blank, VIN-specific key that was ordered through the dealer to replace a stolen one. I can confirm that just placing the key in the slot does not program it. That, or I am doing something incorrectly.

[crazed792]

I picked up a key I got from my dealer as a replacement. They needed my VIN, but it might or might not just be for the laser cut part. Anyway, I picked it up and they told me to insert it for a few seconds and it would sync up.

Before inserting, I hit the lock button. Nothing. I held it in, and after a moment it read, and all was happy. My guess is that it does need to be factory linked to your VIN, or perhaps the readers the dealers have could do it, but I doubt it for security sake.

[Guam128i]

Here is my key fob story. I used to have an 05 E90, sold it but forgot to give back 1 key. A few months later I bought a used 128i which only had 1 key fob. I take the car to the dealer and ask them to program the fob and order me a manual key that sticks into the fob. They said my extra fob cannot be programmed into the 128i and the cost of getting a replacement key fob is $395 + $175 for the key + $65 for programming. Shit that is $635 for a spare key. Any suggestions?

[rich123321]

Just a heads up guys, iirc key fobs cannot be reprogrammed twice. You'd need to buy a unprogrammed key fob with the chips inside of if (a lot of money) and then the programmer for 1000$. But hey you can spend 200$ at the dealer! The only upside to the programming method is that you can...er...reprogram any car to the key you want...Not even if its your car...within 20 seconds...

You can use a programmer to break in a car and clone the key then drive off in a BMW that isn't yours (:

[lucho1970]

I purchase a used 2009 E92 from a dealership. The car only had one key so they supplied me with a new key the day I picked it up that I would have to bring back to get programmed.

No problem.

I found that I could program the key myself by inserting it into the slot with the car on. But this ONLY allowed the key to unlock the doors using the buttons and start the car by inserting it into the slot. It did not give me Comfort Access.

When I took the car back to have it programmed, they told me that they had to completely program the car to accept the new key. Once they did this, everything works fine.

So it's really not something that can be done without the dealership, although you can program the key to start the car and unlock the doors on your own.

[Blackhawk36]

Originally Posted by methodtim

You have to get into the car and activate it first. And for that, you need a good key in proximity of your blank key.

So I guess this procedure would only work on cars with "comfort access." Am I correct?

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

So I guess this procedure would only work on cars with "comfort access." Am I correct?

Would anyone else have any insight on this?

[allotherareused]

As I understand, and I haven't done this anytime, so, get it with reserve :

Car can have limited number of keys, for example mine can have up to 4 keys (you can find this in the file if you are coding something, some options are coded for each key).

Also, key acceptance method depends of model, maybe new models with key proximity sensor allow to add blank key without additional coding, but normal procedure would be to :

1. put original key and ignition on
2. change key
3. tell car to accept new key

As I haven't done this anytime I am not sure which software can do it, but dealers are used to have DIS and SSS normally, so, my guessing is that SSS would allow you to add new key.

Once new key is added you need to code any customization you want for that key, this is probably added as factory default.

[cbad335]

My preowned '09 came with only one key. I purchased a spare from the dealership but the CA functions did not automatically pair with the car. The new remote locks/unlocks the doors, and starts the vehicle if inserted into the ignition slot. However, the CA functions do not work. It seems I will have to have it coded to the car to enable the CA functions, as the dealership informed me. This function cannot be performed by an independent coder. At this point I'm keeping the new remote as a spare and not spending the money to have the CA functions enabled.

[mrw84]

My car also only came with one key and a fob thats haggard looking. Could I buy this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-6986583-...3D291021919318

And just take the key from my existing fob and and be set?

This is a non-ca car as well

[Wilt]

For a non-CA key, the fob may only be programmed to a car ONCE, it cannot be reprogrammed to a second car. This initial pairing does not require special equipment.

For both a non-CA and a CA key, the new key is easy to program to Start your car (when in the dash slot -- a la non-CA), and also open doors via the radio remote (but not by touch, a la CA).

For a CA key, it MUST also be separately programmed to the car to open via CA (by your touch) and to start without key in dash slot. A car will ONLY permit TWO CA keys to be active at any one time. If you buy a CA replacement, BMW NA must give you the next key coded in a list of 10 keys already programmed into your CAS module, the 'lost' key is deprogrammed from the CAS and the replacement key is activated in the CAS. This programming does require special equipment to accomplish.

When you buy a key for your car, the hard key needs to match the physical locks in the car, too, in addition to the electronic function.

[Matte90330]

If your key still functions, but is in bad shape like the badge is missing or something, you can buy an empty shell of a key on eBay for like $20. Then crack your key open and swap the internals you will have to glue the key back together but with good plastic glue you can never tell.

[ctuna]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=903551
Read mashmans responses this not suppose to be easy for security reasons.

[mrw84]

Originally Posted by Matte90330

If your key still functions, but is in bad shape like the badge is missing or something, you can buy an empty shell of a key on eBay for like $20. Then crack your key open and swap the internals you will have to glue the key back together but with good plastic glue you can never tell.

Thats what I want to do, but I only seem to find the fobs with the battery door on the back. Mine does not have this