Coding BMW E46 Key Replacement (Pairing Procedure)

How to code a replacement key for all models of the BMW E46 3 Series. To code more than one key carry out the steps after removing the key from the ignition on each key within 30 seconds of the previous key.

[@TheSib]

Thank you sir! This is the 1st video that said to turn the key 5 times in the ignition. I tried 1 turn, like the other three videos I saw said to do, and it didn't work. Yours said to turn it FIVE times. BINGO! It worked perfectly! So grateful!

[@ramiroospino24]

TheSib same here! Great video

[@exstasy6677]

Dzięki kolego. Nareszcie kluczyki działają.... Wymieniony był moduł sprawdzony wzmacniacz i nadal nie działały. Po twoim sposobie włączania zapłonu pięciokrotnie kluczyki ożyły...

[@gogeta7455]

Just tried it on my 2001 325i and it worked like a charm.you have earned yourself a subscriber

[@andyshannahan]

Cheers Gogeta, pleased it worked for ya and you cam get out and enjoy that 325! 😁

[@JesusHernandez-hv2bs]

Did you lose your key before you got the new one?? I lost mine and don’t know if I gotta have the old key to program the new one

[@flyonthewalls]

At first i thought you were trolling when you said to switch it on/off x5 times. But it actually worked. Thank you so much for the great info. Edit : I have a E46 2001 320i which your method programmed like a boss

[@andyshannahan]

Thanks for the feedback and useful model info, glad it worked!

[@michaelkettleson7317]

my battery went in my spare key and I replaced it, I only needed to turn the key to the first position once, but then my main key would not work, you have program the first key and immediately program the second without putting it in the ignition for them both to work. thanks your video is the right length, short and to the point,

[@e46m3csl]

Sorry to dig this up from 3 years ago but basically you program the one following the procedure and then without putting the second one in the ignition you do the button sequence and that's it? Frustrating as hell programming one the doing the same on the second and losing the pairing on the first one 😂

[@peterlegault3322]

Big shout out to you for your video. It saved me a ton of cash and grief. Thank you. Thank you to u-tube as well. What a great time to be alive.

[@CryMoar_]

Just replaced the rechargeable battery in my 2003 e46 coupe diamond key. Only had the 1 key. 1 click to pos1 and out, then the buttons, worked totally fine. Well happy I can actually use it again now

[@timastrom9449]

Short and sweet. Can’t beat it! Love the e46 m3… arguably peak BMW IMO. Perfect balance.

[@andyshannahan]

Yeah I agree, I had a vert which I really missed when I sold it so got the coupe. Literally does it all, commuter, loads of luggage space then absolutely addictive straight 6 performance for twisty roads and track days! Reliable as well for the performance.

[@Parasid2CoD]

Men, this saved me from spending 400€ on a new key at the dealer! Thank you so much!!

[@andyshannahan]

No probs glad it helped you mate!

[@franklinurbina9836]

Worked first time watch 3 saying something different thanks man you went str8 to the point step by step 💯🔥

[@rolypoly92]

Just saved me £200 for a replacement key. Legend.

[@andyshannahan]

Roll Deep Wicked, glad it helped!

[@gego6784]

La meilleure video ! car de toutes ce que j'ai vu c'est la seule façon qui a fonctionné en mettant et couper le contacte 5 fois !

[@davidmoreno4879]

Muchas gracias!!!he mirado muchos vídeos en español para descodificar la llave pero ninguno me servía,el tuyo me a válido a la primera...muchas gracias!

[@renjder]

hi after replacing and coding my GM5 module my key was drunk and did really streange wuhahaha by doing this methode it worked again thank you😁😁😁😁😁

[@andyshannahan]

Glad it worked!

[@aidenp5768]

Did it to my E53 X5 and it works thanks !!

[@gego6784]

The best video ! Turn the key 5 Times ..thanks !

[@Mr7352]

Thank you for video..i tried it and it worked.

[@alshareefabdulhamidhasan9363]

Thank you I try it and it works from first time

[@andyshannahan]

Great to hear it worked thanks for commenting

[@JesusHernandez-hv2bs]

Do you have to have the both the keys to program the new one? I lost my original and don’t kniw if it’ll work without it

[@Davideturner]

Worked like a charm!

[@andyshannahan]

Great stuff, cheers for the feedback fella

[@E46kid]

Thanks so much this worked first go omg 😭

[@andyshannahan]

Great stuff glad you got her working!

[@anthonygautier7515]

Hello, if I understood correctly. I have to start again as many times as I have a key in 30 seconds per keys ? Thank you Sorry for my English

[@andyshannahan]

No worries, it's better than my French! No you don't need to do anything for 30 seconds. 1. Insert the new key 2. Turn the key to the ignition position then back to the original position 5 times. 3. Remove the key. 4. Hold the unlock (front) button and at the same time press the lock (middle) button 3 times. This should pair the key to the unlocking system. Let me know if this is still hard to understand and I'll try to get a friend to translate it for you!

[@anthonygautier7515]

@@andyshannahan Thank you for your answer. I don't risk losing the original key already learned? I'll try in the week I'll let you know if I encounter any difficulties or not Thanks you

[@gblack1993]

Realy work congrudulations

[@bimmerDallasBikersUnitedDBUCan]

So like u mentioned will work on Any E46? I have a 2000 station wagon 323 I'm looking to replace my key remote not working

[@venomsupe]

Thanks man. Worked like a charm

[@emmanueljanuary]

Thank you very much it worked perfectly

[@andyshannahan]

Great stuff glad it worked. I had to watch my own video the other day to do it myself, bought another M3 and the spare key wasn't working!

[@samerboudargham846]

hello i did that and it successfully worked but the old key suddenly wont work and when i do reset the old one the new one doesn't work anymore...what should i do?

[@kierannolan8859]

reprogram the second key within 30 seconds, i only switched to position 1 once then off

[@akmal.bashir]

You're the best man thanks it worked good👍

[@christophevassel6163]

salut j avais le probleme de telecommande la voiture s ouvrée plus .survenue sans raison j ai essayer le systeme de la video de cette personne ça fonctionne nicquel merci "GOOD JOB MY FRIEND"

[@BadrEddineSaber]

Thank you so much!!

[@angxlx6629]

TX do much worked 1st time

[@andyshannahan]

Great stuff thanks ks for letting me know! What model was it on?

[@sutheerawatsilpangamcharoe4323]

It’s well done. Thanks

[@parlonsbienparlonsjeu2981]

Hello, do we need a second key please ?

[@xxxmarasxxx4281]

mine key strata working I mean the lock/unlock pilot but don't want to start engine how to program maybe immobilizer?

[@soulstance]

Excellent! Worked! (Edit) Forgot to say Thank you ^^

[@andyshannahan]

No worries, glad it helped!

[@Seymorebutts909]

Hey say I have the original key but the battery is dead. I bought a key on Amazon but it's not cut how do I pair that key?

[@celasigwebu]

Thank you Sir. You're an Angel. I'm your new follower. 10Stars

[@mixi3644]

Yess its working with this method

[@andyshannahan]

Great glad it helped

[@brucelederman8816]

Is this the same as programming a replacement key for EWS which I see on other utube blogs

[@andyshannahan]

I really don't know enough about the EWS system to advise on this. What's happened, the old key has stopped aligning with the EWS?

[@keithlynpajo1050]

I have 46 and new key is from 39. It's not working :( i dont know, what to do

[@E36andE46vlog]

Your key looks a lot beter then those old key. You have to put it 5 times to position 2?? And if you have 2 keys, same procedure?

[@jan.grigoregrigore181]

It's very like!!!!!! It's very easy!!!!

[@ricoricomn3172]

I have a 2002 BMW 325 xi with one key only I can start the car with it but I can NOT lock unlock the car. If I reprogram the key does the reprogram affect the starting the car???

[@andyshannahan]

No it won't affect it, the locking system and the ignition system to start the car are seperate.

[@jenseninterceptor3416]

Hi mate my E46 has gone a bit haywire and locked me out whilst l was replacing my wiper blades with the key in the ignition. So can you answer my Q pleaese. When lve looked on Ebay to buy my replacement key it says l need a transponder to program it. Are you saying they are wrong and l dont need this extra device thank you please

[@zidewayz]

??

[@tonycuadros5297]

Thanks bro..

[@mervinminnody8173]

Where I can get a new key for 2001 bmw 325xi

[@michaelparker-smith8773]

So i just done this because my car wasnt unlocking.. now my key wont work at all!!??

[@markstringfellow9358]

does this start the car as well or just enables lock and unlock ?

[@andyshannahan]

mark stringfellow This enables the remote lock/unlock. If the key is cut right it will fit in the ignition then turn to the ignition position. If it doesn't do that you'll have to get the key cut or order a replacement from BMW

[@crisfher]

I've seen a lot of videos like thise my it didn't work on my car

[@josema1369]

It works but once i activated the new key the old key stop working i did this back in forward and the same result only one key at the time work any ideas why?

[@andyshannahan]

No sorry, that's really strange it should be able to learn about 5 keys.

[@attyusa]

josema1369 you have to put one key in the ignition and do the procedure take out and push the buttons as he shows and immediately after push the buttons on the other/second key as well (there s a vid on KZbin), this way both gets sync at the same time

[@zixinlai1459]

same here.

[@mixi3644]

I think u must do it in 30sec...

[@macmiah5747]

Good video 👍

[@Doctor_88]

Can you and start the engine when you code new key....

[@tonycuadros5297]

If it was program..if not the remote control will work but the key won't but what i did im using my old key to start the car and i never cut or programmed the new key i only use it as a remote control..i cut the metal part out...

[@thelastdon247]

Can you start the engine with that too?

[@tarik100tarik5]

How do I get key code for my e46 m3 I lost my keys

[@mickeyhealth794]

The remote control now works after replace baterry, but now I canot unlock the car with the phisycal key in the lock! Can you give me some instructions? tnx

[@andyshannahan]

Sorry it didn't work and for not replying, did you manage to get it sorted and if so how? This has me stumped as the remote system shouldn't be interfering with the key system which functions mechanically. The onpy thing i can think is that the elecrrical actuator that locks it renotepy is fetting stuck. If yiu solved it please do post how to help others.

[@paulloper8333]

So if I buy a key from AliExpress with the correct MHz and I get it cut and I follow your procedure it will work?

[@andyshannahan]

I've just had a look there are keys on there that look like they should work. For the few £s/$s on there it might be worth giving it a go of you're not too bothered about it being genuine BMW as they're about 40x more 😂 Let me know if it works and I'll add it to the description opefully save a few people some cash.

[@andyshannahan]

There are also videos on KZbin that show how to take the fob apart and swap the circuit. I you have your genuine BMW key still but it's not working you may be able to swap the circuit with one from there depending on how well they've copied the genuine ones.

[@paulloper8333]

@@andyshannahan I have the genuine one as well, I also found out that I will need a ews coder to get the immobilizer to work. I bought the coder from AliExpress as well, 11 bucks for a ak90+ hahah. Love that website. It reads the ews, then you put the virgin key in the coil, write the ews code to the virgin key and voilà. Will keep you updated if it works out!

[@Koorczuu]

Imo is working?

[@duluantidoo25]

Hi,i changed my batery,and i do this as you exolained.And iz was working by first day. Now it wont lock,unlock buy the key.I tried again as you do on the video,but it dont work? Any suggestion? Pls help :(

[@andyshannahan]

Dusan Petrovic you changed the car battery or the battery in the key? Are you sure the battery in the key is charged? Try driving the car with this key in the ignition for half an hour or so to charge it.

[@duluantidoo25]

andyshannahan I change the batery i the key,i tried everithing but nothing is happining

[@andyshannahan]

Dusan Petrovic If it worked initially then the key must have been paired successfully. There must be a problem with the power in the key? Maybe try taking the key apart and put it back together again

[@yeeluvspizza]

Does programming a new key deactivate the old key?

[@andyshannahan]

yeeluvspizza No it doesn't, I believe it can remember a set number although I'm not sure how many that is.

[@Rares.Gabriel]

Good It Ok

[@thecreepexx]

How to activate moree keys ?

[@veritasvincit4178]

How can you programs the key to start the car

[@andyshannahan]

For the key to start the car you need to get the correct key from BMW to fit the ignition barrel or get a blank key cut. It's bit possible to program the key electronically it has to physically be cut to the right shape.

[@barryspicer7949]

Doesn’t actually code the transponder so you can start the car tho

[@andyshannahan]

You need to get the key from BMW or take the transponder from an old key fob and put it in the new key fob so the immobiliser is disarmed. An immobiliser wouldn't be much good if someone could just get in with a copied key and do something this simple to get past it.

[@barryspicer7949]

@@andyshannahan yes of course but I’m looking for a way to code the transponder so the key’s usable. Thanks anyway.

[@andyshannahan]

@@barryspicer7949 Have you lost all of the old key fobs?

[@barryspicer7949]

@@andyshannahan I only have one with a working transponder

[@tonykwok5420]

Why to program two keys.?

[@andyshannahan]

It's to pair any key. If you lose a key BMW supply the replacement so it is cut to go into the ignition/lock barrels but it won't control the lock system remotely until you pair it.

[@phideauxiii]

did anyone else get rly fkn anxious with that hand tremor?

[@demik1553]

so with a new key replacing the ignition would be a waste of time????

[@andyshannahan]

The ignitions and keys must match in order for the key to turn the barrel. So an old ignition would need the key cut to match and likewise with a new ignition. As long as you have an old ignition and a key cut to match then the above process will work. If you can't get a key cut to match the old barrel (bmw can do this with the VIN number) then that's the only situation I can see your want a new ignition.

[@demik1553]

andyshannahan Thanks🍻😎

[@xrgcosmo2914]

Does not work for me at all

[@andyshannahan]

What model is it? Trying to work out reasons it wouldn't, is it a new key and are the battery in the key and car charged (I know it sounds obvious but it's easy to overlook things).

[@eduardo2439]

andyshannahan would it work for a bmw 323 i 2000?

[@andyshannahan]

@@eduardo2439 Yes, it should do. Good luck

[@andyshannahan5879]

@@eduardo2439 It should do yes, any BMW 3 series from 1999-2006 E46 Model as well as some 5 series and X models, possibly others as well.

[@user-jt4fu9xw6k]

BMW..318موديل 2000

[@djuliafadlieva8052]

Ghh

[@ajeshram2875]

Absulote bulshit

[@andyshannahan]

You're doing it wrong you tool.

[@ricoricomn3172]

I have a 2002 BMW 325 xi with one key only I can start the car with it but I can NOT lock unlock the car. If I reprogram the I key does the reprogram affect the starting the car???

[@andyshannahan]

Rico RicoMN No the process just adds the key to the remote lock/unlock function of the car. It doesn't affect the ability of the key to start the car.

[@manpreetkukreja490]

Hey I tried the process you showed but my key still not working any help. I got BMW 2000 318i

[@andyshannahan]

Manpreet kukreja The process should still work on that model have you tried it again? You need to do the 5 turns quite quickly

[@manpreetkukreja490]

andyshannahan Hi thanks for replying but i have tried every possible aspects earlier it worked sometimes but then i thought it might be batteries so I changed batteries but now it just not working anymore One more thing my key is 2 button one

[@andyshannahan]

Manpreet kukreja I really don't know then in that case, sorry you may have to get a new key or take it to a specialist. Have you tried asking in BMW forums?

[@andyshannahan]

Manpreet kukreja Are you turning the key all the way from the off position to the one before the ignition fires then back 5 times?

[@manpreetkukreja490]

andyshannahan yes sir I am...