How to program / setup a new BMW E46 key fob 330 325

A brief how to on setting up a new BMW key. This was done on a 2001 E46 coupe 330ci.
Steps:
1) Insert new key.
2) Turn to the #1 position and back five times.
3) Remove key
4) Press and hold the unlock button on the key
5) While holding the unlock button, press the lock button three times.
Once these steps are done, the car should lock and unlock the doors a few times to let you know you were successful.
Once this is done, you can start the car and use the key as usual.

[@BabatundeOni-p9o]

In retrospect, the battery on my old key fob was toast. My car came with just 1 key and always wanted a spare…so it was the perfect scenario. Got a new key from BMW and was doing the program wrong from the instructions given…nothing! was in the process of shipping out my GM5 module for refurbishing when I stumbled upon this…and voila!! Much appreciated

[@maxforce]

YOU ARE THE FUCKING MAN....people almost had me dismantle my key, my sweet beautiful precious key. as i write this it is 1:15am and freezing outside but once i stumbled on to this i went outside in slippers and a light jacket and voila the door locks answered. i cant thank you enough and people please follow his directions exactly. you now have a new subscriber.

[@maxforce]

btw my car is a 2000 540i so i am confirming this method works for that car as well.

[@TechnologyAce]

Glad to help!

[@stephanieteves2539]

THANK YOUUUUUUUUU, THIS IS AWESOME!!!! OMGGGG, MY HUSBAND THOUGHT I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO HELP HIM AND I THREW IT RIGHT IN HIS FACE HAHAHAHAH :) YOUR THE BEST THANK YOU !!!!

[@jynxwest]

wracking my brain for ages trying to sort this problem out cheers this also works on new battery keys as well

[@MrFunkadelic10]

YOU ARE A LEGEND!!!!! The key I normally use stopped work as in the buttons and I reprogrammed it following your instructions and it had fixed again!!!! THANK YOU

[@aaronleeyanle2149]

2024 still usefull for my car😍 The key technique said my car problem want to change whole system(epc or somethinglike that) ! Damnnn

[@TheHeretic435]

Dude you still here? I'm a little desperate here, I've screwed up my keys trying to replace what I thought was a dead battery. I did the sync procedure, but you are the only guy to say turn the ignition 5 times. Is that an E46 thing, or applies to e39 too? Gonna try it now. Lets see..

[@jackflowers999]

was the new key pre programmed from your bmw dealer purchase? or just cut?

[@MsMexicanito13]

Just went to bmw dealer and they couldn’t do it and I watch this and it works now

[@FcukFcuk16]

thanks for sharing this video dude. i replaced the batter of the key watching your video and the key is working now. thanks again

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

That's call programming the remote key fob not the key itself to start the car. That is syncing your remotes to be accepted to your car for the locking and unlocking only. That is not programming the transponder to be accepted by your DME to start the car.

[@bmw5forever]

Thank you so much, helped me a lot.I was afraid I had to visit my local BMW-garage to have it programed. Thanks again! =)

[@walkermintz8413]

Honestly I’d give you the best gawk for this tutorial

[@SophieeePieeexD]

Do you press the center LOCK key three times ? The audio is garbled around :45 but can hear it better at 1:11, thank you! Hope it works on 2005 X5

[@TechnologyAce]

As far as I know, the immobilizer is part of the locking systems, so when the car is unlocked with the key, the immobilizer is disabled. I could be wrong though.

[@marcorivera7154]

It was very helpful it did worked in my case... 👍🏼

[@osmanmyrtollari8359]

hello, I have this problem that you show in the video, but it doesn't last more than two days for me and I want to do it again, there are times when it doesn't sync at all because this problem happens to me

[@okamenjeni]

Thank you mate! It works. BMW 330i.

[@SurginersYT]

okamenjeni M3EVO 2002 BMW 330XI

[@joegotyoutuification]

This work good …. But what about starting the car.Can it start the car? mine cannot start the car.

[@Chris-oz7ix]

Some foo was trying to charge me $45 thanks buddy

[@rhkavli]

The EWS system that is the immobilizer, has nothing to do with the entry access system. Pairing the General Module (GM) with the key is just affecting the entry system for the car. You can read more about it at the "bmwgm5" web page. (Not possible to post links here)

[@engineer1692]

My trunk loom is damaged and it thinks the trunk is open. Will this prevent me from syncing? I know all doors are supposed to be open.

[@Goliath2012Thai]

Verry thanks, this is work for all sure.

[@chrisismail]

Far out my key re syncs but wont start the car by my orher key wil , and it can unlock and lock with the buttons

[@googleuser8891]

My new key fob isn't working what could be the issue? my old key would have moments that it start the car and then didn't start the car?

[@TechnologyAce]

I haven't experienced that issue myself. There are some threads I saw on e46fanatics with people who have had that issue. I'd recommend checking those out and see if they have a solution for you.

[@Bemorephotos]

Thanks works like a charm

[@way2muchgoodstuff]

I bought 2 aftermarket uncut keys for a 2001 BMW 330CI, a locksmith was able to program the chip inside and cut the keys. The work on all the locks and they start the car, but we can't seem to get them programmed to unlock or lock the car remotely. Please help.

[@rozwell69]

Where did you take step 2 from? In my 2001 E46 320d Sedan turning key to position #1 for 3 seconds is enough, so I wonder if it's actually important to do it 5 times or a bit silly and outcome would be the same...

[@jurokovac9952]

Thank you man now its working😋

[@Shurdeflurgen]

THANK YOU! 🤘😀

[@jperezbb3]

You’re the man 🙌🏽

[@bjbstewart]

worked perfect, thanks!!

[@JoeTurnbullAngler]

Mate, please help. I stupidly just did this with a key that was working fine now it's not. Can I undo that

[@ivicadoric1232]

i got a question for ya everything works fine but it doesnt lock/unlock you can hear it try to but its faint

[@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???

[@youtub203]

but it locked before he finished the sequence. it was already synced

[@morarz87]

I have a BMW e46 320d year 2000 and I it's not working for me. In my bmw is the same procedure ? Thx for reply.

[@yonyhernandez3527]

Damn this 7 years ago you still live?

[@sureshshazna]

Thank you very much mate.

[@jerrymccoy1919]

After linking the new key, the other one stopped working

[@Subzzz786]

Will this procedure make sure the car starts with that key too?

[@moganb1]

+Subhan Razaq that the question i want to ask exactly , cause i know that you need to code(transponder chip in the key) the key into the ews as a spare key for the car ignition system to recognise the key and start the car , but i know this way will help when you get the key off BMW dealership where they have coded your key to the news with your vin number , so i think if you buy the key online and cut it to your old key , the remote system will work with this method but it wont start the car , until you code it to ews of the car, i think.

[@fox1110]

This procedure doesn't work unless key was from dealership with a chip already programmed to match VIN. this was a sync procedure

[@bcbpvb]

Someone may have already said this, but I had to close my door before it worked for my 325ci.

[@yonyhernandez3527]

You think a m3 key would work on a 330ci 04 same key as yours

[@TheCajunAsian]

Will this work for a keyless FOB alone? Found some on eBay, don't feel like cutting a new key when I already have two, just need the remote control FOB to open the door.

[@ruisilva6906]

Very good information. T.Y.

[@ozisharks2443]

my key wont pull out in position 1

[@mannyzuni5521]

i love you bro,, thanks very much, you save me 110 bucks..

[@marcopineda1981]

Does this program key blade portion too or just remote? I'm a key tech in CA just ordered a key on transponder island

[@nightrunner1286]

Bonjour. Le soucis c'est que quand je programme la clé 2 L'autre clé 1 se déprogramme. Et vice versa

[@nightrunner1286]

Bonjour. Le soucis c'est que quand je programme la clé 2 L'autre clé 1 se déprogramme. Et vice versa

[@diegosainz5496]

hi!! Thanks for the video!! one question: Where have yoy bought the key? I´m looking a key for my 330ci, and I would like learning to program it.

[@PaSaRyuMrPhoenix]

Is an original key needed for this procedure to work?

[@TechnologyAce]

Sorry, I don't have a valet key to try it on. hopefully someone else here can give you an answer.

[@pistoreroloco]

Where did you get the doble-din kit. I have a 330ci and wish to put a dd on the car I have already change the position of the ac controls

[@TechnologyAce]

I had it done at a shop. I did get a replacement piece for relocating the climate control from ECS Tuning, but it sounds like you already did that part.

[@joaquinvalencia3076]

Hello I bought a new key fob for my 2001 325i and came with chip. Then cut the blade, but when i did the procedure to active the central lock, it worked but the car didnt start. What can i do

[@SydeshowMO]

Joaquin Valencia there’s a different type of programming for that chip. Needs to use software and a reader. Dealer or DIY with eBay parts.

[@marko4574]

After changing the battery on my key, the center button that is supposed to lock the car, unlocks the trunk instead. This happened before and after the reprograming. I went through the reprograming cycle a few times, but same results. Any idea of the cause of this? Thanks!

[@philsnerpollick5841]

Same thing happened to me Mark, no door lock using the center button only trunk opening , did you ever solve this mystery?

[@marko4574]

Philsner Pollick No, but two different mechanics offered two different possibilities: 1) The contacts were soiled or bent/misaligned when the battery was changed. He suggested that I open the fob again, clean the contacts and make sure they are all aligned. I have not done this (I used epoxy to seal the fob so hard to reopen) so don't know if that would work. 2) There is something wrong with the module (the control center in the dashboard). Highly unlikely because my second fob/key works. Sorry I couldn't offer a solution.

[@philsnerpollick5841]

Philsner Pollick Nevermind, the center button was missing on the circuit board, I manufactured a new one and all is good now

[@motochiptuning]

but its just for central locking,not imobiliser

[@Spiinken]

Thanks alot!

[@RammyRotica]

where did you get the double din adapter for your e46?

[@folynoutepe7255]

mine is not working im so sad

[@alinaveed1793]

hey, every time i pair a key, the other one gets removed, but i need both to be paired. any way i can get this to work so both keys lock and unlock?

[@markyboy531]

Great question this as i have the same problem. So leaving one at home as emergency that i can then programme should i need once i have unlocked the car manually to get in. But i figure i can then do that anyway with the key i have on me. Its a back up "call the wife" emergency key if not ☺👍

[@alinaveed1793]

@@markyboy531 Hey Marky, I actually figured this out. So Once you twist it five times, its in pairing mode, and this is when you want to pair both keys. After you pair the first key (hold unlock and press lock 3 times), then move on to the next key and repeat the same thing (hold unlock and press lock 3 times). DO NOT twist key five times again as that will reset it. Please let me know if you have any questions and if it worked!

[@juliocesarrodriguezperez4688]

Very good

[@HollandHere123]

What radio was here?

[@truthful0971]

You're super. Thanks.

[@deius01]

I initialize keys Works closing doors but not start the engine why not start?

[@moganb1]

+Andrei D Persecan hi, i think its cause you need to code(transponder chip in the key) the key into the ews as a spare key for the car ignition system to recognise the key and start the car , but i know this way will help when you get the key off BMW dealership where they have coded your key to the news with your vin number , so i think if you buy the key online and cut it to your old key , the remote system will work with this method but it wont start the car , until you code it to ews of the car, i think.

[@831sholo]

so I have a BMW z4 2005 and I have 2 keys one is broken and no longer works. I bought I new key at a dealer but I'm not able to program it. is there a limit on keys you can program?

[@hayabusa5306]

Aaron Zamora I heard two

[@831sholo]

Hayabusa 530 well yes i use to have 2 but one broke. then I bought a 3rd one so I dont know If I need to uninstall the broken one in order to install the new one

[@hayabusa5306]

Aaron Zamora you would think the information would be easy to find but that's not the case. Good luck. I just took apart my only key to change the battery and accidentally broke a piece so now the key only turns the lights on but not start the car...

[@gatojurko1]

1 time to position 1 in the begining

[@silvialara825]

mi llave no funciona.. k podra ser la bateria o nesesitare nuevo.. control..

[@marquisscott6380]

thank u

[@eduardomunoz3154]

The title ad its false, ota dor remote programming, not for key

[@vaidotasz1]

Why my old key stop working after programming new one ?

[@philipgrobler7253]

You have to do this procedure with all the keys.

[@lindarawlins8080]

After 9 years, this is still useful. Thank you! It fixed my issue (2004 330i 4 door) after 5 years of no longer having a remote spare key that opened the doors. (Hint, Use the spare key for a week every few months to drive the car to keep the key charged.)

[@hoodiedrifts3994]

Dealership said it was 230 to replace my key and program it luckily I watched this I just brought a e90 key fob for 20 getting it cut matched for $5 and programming it myself

[@rvrskng]

This works! my car came with the original key with a dead battery, and a new key which was already cut but not programmed. this method works for the locking system of the car, but doesnt include programming the anti theft part of the key. What i did to program the new key to start the car was start the car with original key (new key inside car), then take out original and start with new key, the car should start. I let mine run for a few minutes to ensure the key had enough battery to not lock me out and so its fully programmed. Side note, my doors were all unlocked and closed when i did this, not sure if it affects anything.

[@jurridoras4001]

Hey man i hope you see this since im in the same situation, did this permanently program the second key? Thank you!

[@rvrskng]

@@jurridoras4001 did not permanently work, sorry for the late response, look into a ak90 key programmer and go on some forums to learn to read your module in the car and program the data onto the second key. I'd give you mine if we were close, I don't have my e46 anymore

[@jurridoras4001]

@@rvrskng ill be looking into that thank you.

[@michaelshuey9670]

Can you tell me if the key has to be cut at Bmw? Is the reprogramming just for the lock/unlock function or will it actually start the car with a new key as well after programming

[@veg1run]

Today, I received my brand new key & fob from thebmwminipartstore.com (Cinncinnati, OH), $170 + $14 (sales tax) + $3 (First Class Mail). Any dealer places an order on behalf of the customer * Dealerships do not cut a blank key; cutting of keys takes place at the distibutor. The programming that you witnessed via this video, enables a new fob signal to be accepted by the on-board computer.

[@karltg9084]

@@veg1run I have a bmw 325i and I went to bmw to make a key for it, and now I can unlock and lock it but the car doesn’t even crank when I turn the keys

[@kimberlypartida9819]

Such a great quick easy video! Side note: make sure all the doors are CLOSED while doing this or else won’t work. Thanks for the video!!

[@PrzemysawCioch]

it's not working with some models. Different combination is: Position one, press and hold upper key button, and 3 times press center button, then release both. Done!

[@iluvgoodmusic75]

The video looked easy but unfortunately it did not work for a 2001 BMW 330CI not sure how long the car has been without a workable key fob but this didn't work

[@jchiasson89]

Does the trunk button work as well right away or do you have to hold the unlock button and hit the trunk button on the key 3 times as well to make sure its programmed with the key?

[@veg1run]

No need to "press & hold" the trunk button. My new key fob works perfectly !

[@mzloom77]

i used to spend 40$ every year to solve this problem , thanks a lot for the gold advice .

[@michaelscott356]

You actually only have to turn the key ON and OFF ......ONCE before press/holding the UNLOCK button and pressing the LOCK button three times.

[@TheHeretic435]

Yeah everywhere I've read said once, but I'm all out of ideas, so gonna try the 5. Failing that, could be GM3 module gone bad. 2001 E39.

[@danielrudilille]

Programming Additional BMW Key Fobs If you have a working key fob, but wish to program additional keys, follow these steps: Take the working key fob along with the ones you want to program inside the car with all doors and windows closed. Put the working key into the ignition and turn to position 1. At this point, the dash lights and accessories should turn on. Turn the key back and remove. On the working key, hold down the unlock button and press the lock button (the BMW logo) 3 times, then release the unlock button. The doors will then automatically lock and unlock. Take the new key and hold down the unlock button while pressing the BMW logo 3 times, then release the unlock button. Again the doors should lock and unlock, and you’re done. Programming a New Key from Scratch These instructions are for programming a new key when you do not have a working key fob. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to position 1 and back rapidly 5 times. Remove the key Hold the unlock button and press the BMW logo 3 times, then release the unlock button. If you have additional keys you’d like to program at this time, repeat step 3 within 30 seconds from the original key programming. Turn on the ignition to complete the process.

[@PWalshNYC]

This is the only technique that worked for me. Thank you! I tried the instructions in this KZbin and it did not work. Searched the comments to look for other suggestions. Was beginning to despair! Thank you.

[@Mart33Nat0r]

@@danielrudilille Saved me money, cheers

[@classiccarsgarage]

This movie save my money , perfect , thank you

[@trevorchikowore539]

thanks for being short and precise it really works.

[@roberttullos9334]

Hope you get this tech Ace. Do you need the previous key to do this, There was attempted break-in and theft of my e46 and i have to replace the entire steering columm. I assume this is what they would chg you do do at bmw anyway. GM transponder keys have a similar sequence.

[@10dtrupe]

are all key patterns the same? I need a second key. I dont wanna pay 300 euro for a new one from bmw

[@richardharp8912]

My problem with my Bmw is one key works but when i program the 2nd key ,the 1st key stop working visa versa so what am i doing wrong..

[@crookedreality]

Richard Harp Do both keys simultaneously. You don’t have to put the second key in the ignition though. Just put the first one in the ignition like the video shows, then push the buttons to program it. Then push the buttons on the second key to program it. The reason is because programming one key will deactivate all other keys. So all keys must be done simultaneously.

[@jwing7117]

After several tries, I was able to get my old key reprogrammed and my new one working on lock and unlock. It will not start the car, however. The steering wheel lowers and all the accessories light up but the ignition will not trigger. If I start it with the old one, and turn it off, the new one will work. But if I wait several seconds before trying it, it will not fire. Any thoughts on how to correct this?

[@dragonny4master]

+Jwing I am having exactly same issue. Did you solve it?

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

That is a special feature call security override that BMW has that allows you to start the car with any keys that fit as long as it was inserted with a good working programmed key within less than 90 seconds ago. I was like you confused why it worked sometimes. Then I read up more on it and found that security override feature of 90 seconds. You need to have the new key programmed by a locksmith or do it yourself if you can comfortable by removing the ews or cas module located usually right above the key pedals and by using a ak90 programmer. I am not sure if the ak90 will do cas systems as I have seen it says it will do it but not sure on that. I know it will do my ews system nicely. If you have cas system it is way easier to do and you have more options than ews systems that I have. It is not that hard but not that easy either. You need to run a special software that comes with the device but it works Windows XP only. However people have run it successfully in Windows 7 if run in XP mode or virtual mode. Always good to have at least two working keys. If all you need is one key program it should be that much if it is already cut. Should be no more than $60 for programming if you bring it to locksmith shop that does it and you don't have to mess with anything. You can always just put a good working transponder chip on the steering column next to where you insert your car. However make sure it is on good as you don't want to lose it by it falling off and you accidentally vacuuming it away. If you do this your car is less secure as any key that fits and turn the ignition can now start it. Of course they would have to get inside your vehicle and have the same cut that fits so not that risky. If you go this route you don't ever have to program any key again. All you would have to do is cut the keys and your car will start every time with unlimited keys not the 10 limit max BMW imposes unless you edit or clone those keys. Saving a buttload of money cause you never need to pay for programming again just the cost of cutting the keys. For most people I would suggest going this route. You have to test place where to put the transponder as it is very picky. If off by a little it won't start. So test a location where it will start the car and tape or glue it there securely. I went the removing the ews module and programming it myself as I confident in my skills and like messing with gadgets and programmer but it isn't for everybody. You can seriously messed up your car if you don't know what you're doing. It is hard but you can't be an idiot either only you can decide what you're comfortable with.

[@senzigr]

@@youaregoingtolovethis I found that if I held my plastic emergency key near to the new key when turning on the ignition the car will start. If the Chip that came with the new key is installed it can't be programmed to start only to unlock. If the new chip is not installed but I hold the plastic emergency key next to the new key when starting it will start. It is like the new chip is interfering with the old chip. Even without the new chip installed the door will unlock.

[@曾威-n1c]

but it can not start engine!! anybody know how to fix?

[@StarSedzAuto]

A fair warning, this will not program the key to start the vehicle. This will only program the keyless chip.

[@kompuiheartsu]

How do you program it to start the car?

[@miguelangelgiraldonogues9323]

@@kompuiheartsu you need the AK90 tool and unmount the EWS3 system. You can find the tool in aliexpress

[@mcsheag7001]

Worked perfectly on my 2003 350i. Thanks man, been trying to get that thing working for days.

[@derbisenda1330]

MC Shea G 350?

[@Fearzzy]

350i does not exist lol

[@JesusHernandez-hv2bs]

Did you need your old key with you??

[@cyvox7433]

Hi everyone just to say.. you can buy the cheap ones on eBay. I did that I just got it today and this method works. (2001 bmw 318i e46) I’m 18 and I got this car cheap because the master key was broken.. I only had 1 key which had no lock and unlock buttons. Now I can finally lock and unlock it now 😃

[@iTxip]

No need to to anything to the key?? programming transponder?? just this??

[@JaBBerSmack]

Did you buy your key from the dealership?

[@TechnologyAce]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure. Hopefully someone else has the answer to your question. Sorry to hear about the break in. That really sucks.

[@Laleyendadk]

you only need to turn the key 1 click over and then take the key out, and then hold unlock in and press lock 3 times. :)

[@rohandsmith]

That random guy Denmark omfg i really hope you read this. You saved me 399. I appreciate you man. The vid didnt worked for me. Love you bro

[@ACE-cx2zx]

Lmao no way watched multiple vids and this comment just helped me lmao appreciate u

[@ava9oh1282000]

Thanks for the quick and perfect video. No BS or wasted time.

[@bodyofhealth3351]

I make same key in video . I make car keys in atlanta and surrounding areas. Im a mobile Locksmith. If need a automobile key call. 770-899-3687

[@MrDutchentre]

Body OfHealth, I thought you had to purchase the BMW keys at the dealer? Heard you almost had to give them your first born to prove that you were the owner of the car.

[@chrismechanic2000]

you dont need to turn the ignition on 5 times, just turn to postion 1 once. then do the button presses

[@kichaa13]

chrismechanic B Apparently if none of your keys are synced you need to do it 5 times.

[@chrismechanic2000]

kichaa13 interesting, but I can't see how no keys would be synchronised, unless you are fitting a new ews module.

[@jasonycheng]

+kichaa13 That's exactly I need to do it 5 times on my 03 E39, somehow 1 time wouldn't do it.

[@DietPepsieRs]

+chrismechanic B i crashed my 2002 330i, and bought a 2003 330i that was also crashed to put on some of my other cars parts. the 2003 that i bought only came with 1 key and the unlock button does not work on it. I am wondering if since i have 3 keys for my 2002.. would it be possible to take one of my 2002 keys and program it to my 2003 car?

[@chrismechanic2000]

you could program the key to open the doors but it wont work in the ignition and the imobilizer

[@secretagentmandanV2]

It worked. Quick and easy! Thank you

[@TechnologyAce]

Awesome info. Thanks for posting it.

[@CarlJohnson-yg8bg]

Lmao.

[@iyadnasser7976]

if u have 2 keys u need to programing them same time mean u make the 1st and in same time do 2nd one without open swich 5 times for 2nd key