Instructions for programming E46 master key

The point was not to reprogram the key functions; it was to add a new key to
an existing car/key combination. I bought the (used) car with one key and
the selling dealer paid for a new key.

As I said, the BMW dealer will do it for you if you give him your old key,
new key, and car. I happen to live two hours from the dealer and did not
really want to do the 4 hour round trip just to program a new key.

Make sense to you? Made sense to me...and the dealer who supplied the needed
info, for that matter.

- GRL


"330xi" <330xi RemoveThis @ottawa.com> wrote in message
news:XcadnXoF-vdcZ8ffRVn-uQ@rogers.com...
 > these are the steps for initializing a key not changing the program
 > functions, you need a BMW key reader for that.
 > and why do all that when the dealer will do it no charge for you?
 >
 > 330xi RemoveThis @canada.com
 >
 >
 > "GRL" <GLitwinski RemoveThis @CHARTERMI.NET> wrote in message
 > news:eBe6e.3724$xN.866@fe05.lga...
  >> There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new
  >> E46 master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs,
  >> where it comes from, etc.
  >>
  >> This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in
  >> the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had
  >> posted something like this for me to find when I was looking for the
  >> info. That's why I post this.
  >>
  >> You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
  >> registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good
  >> thing. It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come,
  >> cut, but unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The
  >> dealer will program the key for you, but you need to give him your car
  >> and any other master keys you have if you want them all to work (the
  >> remote functions). Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.
  >>
  >> You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at
  >> the same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
  >>
  >> Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of
  >> the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button
  >> (the door close button).
  >>
  >> 1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.
  >>
  >> 2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.
  >>
  >> 3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which
  >> is the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the
  >> accessory position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then
  >> turn the key back to the off position.
  >>
  >> 4. Remove the key.
  >>
  >> 5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release
  >> button 1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.
  >>
  >> 6. release button 2.
  >>
  >> 7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately
  >> unlocking the door locks.
  >>
  >> 8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
  >> step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7
  >> for each key after the first.
  >>
  >> You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.
  >>
  >> Cheers.
  >>
  >>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

Out of curiosity, what functions other than doors open, doors lock, and
trunk open would you program to the three buttons anyway? I would not care
to lose any of those three myself.

- GRL
"330xi" <330xi.RemoveThis@ottawa.com> wrote in message
news:XcadnXoF-vdcZ8ffRVn-uQ@rogers.com...
 > these are the steps for initializing a key not changing the program
 > functions, you need a BMW key reader for that.
 > and why do all that when the dealer will do it no charge for you?
 >
 > 330xi.RemoveThis@canada.com
 >
 >
 > "GRL" <GLitwinski.RemoveThis@CHARTERMI.NET> wrote in message
 > news:eBe6e.3724$xN.866@fe05.lga...
  >> There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new
  >> E46 master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs,
  >> where it comes from, etc.
  >>
  >> This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in
  >> the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had
  >> posted something like this for me to find when I was looking for the
  >> info. That's why I post this.
  >>
  >> You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
  >> registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good
  >> thing. It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come,
  >> cut, but unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The
  >> dealer will program the key for you, but you need to give him your car
  >> and any other master keys you have if you want them all to work (the
  >> remote functions). Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.
  >>
  >> You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at
  >> the same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
  >>
  >> Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of
  >> the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button
  >> (the door close button).
  >>
  >> 1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.
  >>
  >> 2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.
  >>
  >> 3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which
  >> is the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the
  >> accessory position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then
  >> turn the key back to the off position.
  >>
  >> 4. Remove the key.
  >>
  >> 5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release
  >> button 1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.
  >>
  >> 6. release button 2.
  >>
  >> 7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately
  >> unlocking the door locks.
  >>
  >> 8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
  >> step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7
  >> for each key after the first.
  >>
  >> You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.
  >>
  >> Cheers.
  >>
  >>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

In article <eBe6e.3724$xN.866@fe05.lga>, GRL says...
 >
 >You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at the
 >same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
 >

Neat, thanks. I live a ways from the dealer and work in the opposite direction,
so bringing my car in is a big hassle. That might come in handy.

Peeve: why the hell are dealer repair shops only open M-F? I WORK during the
week, a hundred miles from my dealer, so I don't really havethe luxury of taking
time off work when I need something done. Most people work M-F, why don't the
dealers work Saturday and Sunday, when people can easily be there? Sheesh.


--
Jason G
"There's nothing like a wall-sized beaver shot to wake up the courtroom."
--Seth Stevenson, "Dispatches from the Michael Jackson Trial"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

this post is not archived.
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

Not sure if all models have this feature - but my mates 2003 325 ci se did -
if you hold down the door unlock button after the doors are unlocked - front
windows will open until you release the button at the desired height (also
opens rear 'vent' windows on coupe if electric)

or am i just statin the obveous?

Rick

"GRL" <GLitwinski DeleteThis @CHARTERMI.NET> wrote in message
news:3fH6e.4272$_C1.899@fe07.lga...
 > Out of curiosity, what functions othe -r than doors open, doors lock, and
 > trunk open would you program to the three buttons anyway? I would not care
 > to lose any of those three myself.
 >
 > - GRL
 > "330xi" <330xi DeleteThis @ottawa.com> wrote in message
 > news:XcadnXoF-vdcZ8ffRVn-uQ@rogers.com...
  >> these are the steps for initializing a key not changing the program
  >> functions, you need a BMW key reader for that.
  >> and why do all that when the dealer will do it no charge for you?
  >>
  >> 330xi DeleteThis @canada.com
  >>
  >>
  >> "GRL" <GLitwinski DeleteThis @CHARTERMI.NET> wrote in message
  >> news:eBe6e.3724$xN.866@fe05.lga...
   >>> There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new
   >>> E46 master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it
   >>> costs, where it comes from, etc.
   >>>
   >>> This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done
   >>> in the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had
   >>> posted something like this for me to find when I was looking for the
   >>> info. That's why I post this.
   >>>
   >>> You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
   >>> registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good
   >>> thing. It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys
   >>> come, cut, but unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers.
   >>> The dealer will program the key for you, but you need to give him your
   >>> car and any other master keys you have if you want them all to work (the
   >>> remote functions). Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.
   >>>
   >>> You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at
   >>> the same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
   >>>
   >>> Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part
   >>> of the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button
   >>> (the door close button).
   >>>
   >>> 1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.
   >>>
   >>> 2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.
   >>>
   >>> 3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1
   >>> which is the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the
   >>> accessory position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then
   >>> turn the key back to the off position.
   >>>
   >>> 4. Remove the key.
   >>>
   >>> 5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release
   >>> button 1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.
   >>>
   >>> 6. release button 2.
   >>>
   >>> 7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately
   >>> unlocking the door locks.
   >>>
   >>> 8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
   >>> step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7
   >>> for each key after the first.
   >>>
   >>> You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.
   >>>
   >>> Cheers.
   >>>
   >>>
  >>
  >>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

On Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:18:58 -0000, "RickH"
<rick.DeleteThis@rickholden.wanadoo.co.uk> wrote:

 >Not sure if all models have this feature - but my mates 2003 325 ci se did -
 >if you hold down the door unlock button after the doors are unlocked - front
 >windows will open until you release the button at the desired height (also
 >opens rear 'vent' windows on coupe if electric)
 >
 >or am i just statin the obveous?
 >
  Well, bear in mind Europe and Canada get functions the USA doesn't
get. For example, while the windows down option works here, our
remotes won't raise the windows. I think there are other functions we
don't get.
  You can also have the key programmed so that using it changes the
seat and mirror settings.
  Emanuel
--
1983 Porsche 944 Guards Red/Black
2003 BMW 325i Black/Black<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

Note: the instructions below contain an error. You're supposed to
hold down the UNLOCK button and press the BMW logo/LOCK button three
times, not the reverse as stated below. I tried using this post
minutes ago and after it failed several times, did a web search that
showed the mistake.
  Emanuel

On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 14:51:53 -0400, "GRL" <GLitwinski.RemoveThis@CHARTERMI.NET>
wrote:

 >There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new E46
 >master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs, where
 >it comes from, etc.
 >
 >This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in
 >the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had posted
 >something like this for me to find when I was looking for the info. That's
 >why I post this.
 >
 >You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
 >registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good thing.
 >It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come, cut, but
 >unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The dealer will
 >program the key for you, but you need to give him your car and any other
 >master keys you have if you want them all to work (the remote functions).
 >Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.
 >
 >You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at the
 >same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
 >
 >Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of
 >the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button (the
 >door close button).
 >
 >1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.
 >
 >2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.
 >
 >3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which is
 >the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the accessory
 >position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then turn the key
 >back to the off position.
 >
 >4. Remove the key.
 >
 >5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release button
 >1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.
 >
 >6. release button 2.
 >
 >7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately unlocking
 >the door locks.
 >
 >8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
 >step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7 for
 >each key after the first.
 >
 >You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.
 >
 >Cheers.
 >

--
1983 Porsche 944 Guards Red/Black
2003 BMW 325i Black/Black<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

I have tried this procedure, both the way you are instructing, and also by reversing the 1 and 2 button as suggested by another author. Neither way is setting my master key. I get no reply from the vehicle. (I.E. the doors locking and unlocking).

I only bought my 325i a few days ago, and somehow de-activated the master key when trying to set the 2nd key provided. The dealership made it sound so simple over the phone to fix. Have I somehow deactivated the entire system?
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

"dithel" <UseLinkToEmail.TakeThisOut@AutoForumz.com> wrote in message
news:1_595224_e09f051baa7f4a2e4c9f2ecaee06cdca@autoforumz.com...
 > "GRL2" wrote:
  > > There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about
  > > programming a new E46
  > > master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it
  > > costs, where
  > > it comes from, etc.
  > >
  > > This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I
  > > have done in
  > > the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish
  > > someone had posted
  > > something like this for me to find when I was looking for the
  > > info. That's
  > > why I post this.
  > >
  > > You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to
  > > see your
  > > registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key.
  > > A good thing.
  > > It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys
  > > come, cut, but
  > > unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The
  > > dealer will
  > > program the key for you, but you need to give him your car and
  > > any other
  > > master keys you have if you want them all to work (the remote
  > > functions).
  > > Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.
  > >
  > > You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get
  > > reprogrammed at the
  > > same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).
  > >
  > > Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the
  > > metal part of
  > > the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle
  > > button (the
  > > door close button).
  > >
  > > 1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your
  > > working key.
  > >
  > > 2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.
  > >
  > > 3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to
  > > position 1 which is
  > > the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is
  > > the accessory
  > > position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then
  > > turn the key
  > > back to the off position.
  > >
  > > 4. Remove the key.
  > >
  > > 5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and
  > > release button
  > > 1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.
  > >
  > > 6. release button 2.
  > >
  > > 7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and
  > > immediately unlocking
  > > the door locks.
  > >
  > > 8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30
  > > seconds of
  > > step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5
  > > through 7 for
  > > each key after the first.
  > >
  > > You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.
  > >
  > > Cheers.
 >
 > I have tried this procedure, both the way you are instructing, and
 > also by reversing the 1 and 2 button as suggested by another author.
 > Neither way is setting my master key. I get no reply from the
 > vehicle. (I.E. the doors locking and unlocking).
 >
 > I only bought my 325i a few days ago, and somehow de-activated the
 > master key when trying to set the 2nd key provided. The dealership
 > made it sound so simple over the phone to fix. Have I somehow
 > deactivated the entire system?
 >
 > --
 > Posted using the <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.autoforumz.com" target="_blank">http://www.autoforumz.com</a> interface, at author's request
 > Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
 > Topic URL:
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 > Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse:
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HI everyone,
I recently bought a 2001 e46 but the previous owner had the other 3 stolen
during a house robbery. I found a couple of keys on ebay. They look like the
master keys but some are from previous years. What I was wondering about is,
if they can be reprogrammed by ME to use in my bmw ie make them exactly like
the one that I have or would I have to go to BMW to get this done? Thanks
for your help.
Regards,
Raphael<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

[quote="GRL"]There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new E46
master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs, where
it comes from, etc.

This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in
the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had posted
something like this for me to find when I was looking for the info. That's
why I post this.

You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good thing.
It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come, cut, but
unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The dealer will
program the key for you, but you need to give him your car and any other
master keys you have if you want them all to work (the remote functions).
Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.

You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at the
same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).

Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of
the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button (the
door close button).

1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.

2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.

3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which is
the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the accessory
position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then turn the key
back to the off position.

4. Remove the key.

5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release button
1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.

6. release button 2.

7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately unlocking
the door locks.

8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7 for
each key after the first.

You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.

Cheers.


What can I say? this worked for me Great, took a few goes but it made me HAPPY and for the last 5 months I have not had time to get too Dealer, keep up the good info ppl.
Thanks again for sharing.
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

[quote="GRL"]There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new E46
master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs, where
it comes from, etc.

This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in
the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had posted
something like this for me to find when I was looking for the info. That's
why I post this.

You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your
registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good thing.
It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come, cut, but
unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The dealer will
program the key for you, but you need to give him your car and any other
master keys you have if you want them all to work (the remote functions).
Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work.

You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at the
same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning).

Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of
the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button (the
door close button).

1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key.

2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors.

3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which is
the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the accessory
position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then turn the key
back to the off position.

4. Remove the key.

5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release button
1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2.

6. release button 2.

7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately unlocking
the door locks.

8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of
step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7 for
each key after the first.

You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes.

Cheers.


What can I say? this worked for me Great, took a few goes but it made me HAPPY and for the last 5 months I have not had time to get too Dealer, keep up the good info ppl.
Thanks again for sharing.
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key 

[quote="xXx"]

GRL wrote:

There is a lot of baloney and speculation posted about programming a new E46 master key, whether you can even get a master key, how much it costs, where it comes from, etc. This message is reality check time. Everything I write her I have done in the last month. No BS, no speculation, just facts. I wish someone had posted something like this for me to find when I was looking for the info. That's why I post this. You can get a new E46 key from a BMW dealer. They will want to see your registration or title. Only a proven owner can get a new key. A good thing. It costs about $125 and you can have it over-night. The keys come, cut, but unprogrammed, from a U.S. location for U.s. customers. The dealer will program the key for you, but you need to give him your car and any other master keys you have if you want them all to work (the remote functions). Reprogram just one key, and the others will not work. You can also program the key yourself. All your keys get reprogrammed at the same time. Here is how it is done (I did it this morning). Definitions: button 1 on the keys is the one closest to the metal part of the key (this is the door open button); button 2 is the middle button (the door close button). 1. Open the car doors using the remote function of your working key. 2. Get in and close (don't lock) all the doors. 3. Put the key in the ignition and switch momentarily to position 1 which is the first position when you turn the key clockwise. This is the accessory position. Don't stay in position 1 longer than 5 seconds; then turn the key back to the off position. 4. Remove the key. 5. On the key transmitter, press and hold button 2. Press and release button 1 three times within 10 seconds while still pressing button 2. 6. release button 2. 7. The system indicates re-programming by locking and immediately unlocking the door locks. 8. If you want to do more remotes, you must do each within 30 seconds of step 7 for the preceding key. You just need to repeat steps 5 through 7 for each key after the first. You can knock off a dozen keys if you want in a few minutes. Cheers. What can I say? this worked for me Great, took a few goes but it made me HAPPY and for the last 5 months I have not had time to get too Dealer, keep up the good info ppl. Thanks again for sharing.

By the way I got no responce "locking unlocking" but it did work I just kept trying the way it said above, then after each time I tried to open and lock the car and it worked i think it took me 5 goes,
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By the way I got no responce "locking unlocking" but it did work I just kept trying the way it said above, then after each time I tried to open and lock the car and it worked i think it took me 5 goes,
 >> Stay informed about: Instructions for programming E46 master key