Key Question

[mainsoda]

When I purchased my 2006 Z4M Coupe it came with only one working key. It was acting a little wonky and wouldn't always work the first few clicks, but it did generally work.

So I went to the dealership and bought a new one. After the BMW tech programmed the new key it worked perfectly.

However, now my old key doesn't work at all.

Could he have unprogrammed it somehow? Is there a way I can I bring it back?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Sounds like a discharged/low key fob battery. Try using the key in the ignition for a few hours driving. If it doesn't work the battery might need replacing.

[bobhnc]

You need to program both keys at the same time. The dealer "unprogrammed" your old key by programming the new one. These instructions are from another forum and this should work. Important not to start at step one for the second key; start at step 5 for the second key.


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 momentarally 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 preceeding 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.

[mainsoda]

Right on, this is exactly what happened. Thanks for the information.

[elerner61]

Oh those knowledgeable dealerships, bless them all.

Key question: How does that plastic "emergency" key that we have work? Does it have an immobilizer chip in it, or is there no immobilizer on Z4s?

[acer54]

Originally Posted by bobhnc

You need to program both keys at the same time. The dealer "unprogrammed" your old key by programming the new one. These instructions are from another forum and this should work. Important not to start at step one for the second key; start at step 5 for the second key.


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 momentarally 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 preceeding 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.

Can confirm this worked for me.

[Punisher3.0si]

Originally Posted by elerner61

Oh those knowledgeable dealerships, bless them all.

Key question: How does that plastic "emergency" key that we have work? Does it have an immobilizer chip in it, or is there no immobilizer on Z4s?

I don't have one but it's probably to just unlock the door. The Z4 definitely has an immobilizer.