Reprogamming key on e86

[3002 tii]

Anyone have definitie instructions on how to reprogram the key fob on a z4 coupe (probably same as the roadster) but anything I've read and tried does not work. I've seen instructions for e46 and e39 but none worked on my car.

[DocRiSK]

1. Get in the car
2. Close the doors
3. Turn the key to position one. Wait 3 seconds.
4. Take it out.
5. Hold the unlock button and press the lock button three times. Let go of unlock button.
6. Doors should lock and unlock letting you know the reset is complete.

Had to do this just a few days ago. It works.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by DocRiSK

1. Get in the car
2. Close the doors
3. Turn the key to position one. Wait 3 seconds.
4. Take it out.
5. Hold the unlock button and press the lock button three times. Let go of unlock button.
6. Doors should lock and unlock letting you know the reset is complete.

Had to do this just a few days ago. It works.

thanks, i'll try this after work!

[inTgr8r]

I have to do this as well.
If you have one good key, I read somewhere that it's best to start with it then continue to the second key.

Here is the complete procedure

BMW Z4 - Key Remote Programming
Three methods to try:

Method 1:
1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut
2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.
3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.
4. Release both buttons.
5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.

Method 2: one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.
To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.
1) Get in and close all doors.
2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.
3) Remove the 1st key.
4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.
5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.
6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.
If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.

Method 3:- Alternate if you do not have a working remote
1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly
2. Remove key
3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.
4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds
5. Turn on ignition to finalize.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobilizer (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

[skim]

what does this program?

[inTgr8r]

It synchs the remote to the car

[RBull]

Thanks. I'm going to try this to see if I can get both of keys to work better with the unlocking and locking. I've never had a car remote key so fussy and work so poorly. 3/4 of the time it takes multiple times to unlock the car and even the range for locking is like 20 feet with either key.

[inTgr8r]

Range is definitely minimal with BMW remotes.
Also, the trunk release fooled me at first. (old car)
You need to hold it down for a second or two, then it pops when you release the button.

[Skelekitty]

As with everything on this car, you really need to be "in the club" don't ya? One of these days I'm going to gather every single one of these "secret handshakes" together in one list of links.

[dekaliber]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Range is definitely minimal with BMW remotes.
Also, the trunk release fooled me at first. (old car)
You need to hold it down for a second or two, then it pops when you release the button.

The trick I got in the habit of using was touching the metal tip of the key to my chin when I needed to operate the remote from farther than a few feet away. It greatly boosts the range (I guess your head somehow amplifies the signal). Sounds hokey, but it really works like a charm every time.

[RBull]

Originally Posted by Skelekitty

As with everything on this car, you really need to be "in the club" don't ya? One of these days I'm going to gather every single one of these "secret handshakes" together in one list of links.

haha, good one. So true.

[RBull]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Range is definitely minimal with BMW remotes.
Also, the trunk release fooled me at first. (old car)
You need to hold it down for a second or two, then it pops when you release the button.

I've got to have another look at the manual too. Maybe there's something I'm doing wrong.