New Key for 2010 E92 xdrive - does it need to be "programmed"?

[tommypbass]

Hello all,
I'm a newbie and I have done a couple searches but never found a consistent answer. I just bought a 2010 328i xdrive, 39k miles (love it). I do not have the CA FOB. I have the FOB that must be plugged into the dash. I bought the car from a Jaguar dealer. When I bought it they said there was only one key and they would order another from BMW at their cost. I provided my VIN, registration, my license and bill of sale. The Jaguar dealer picked up the key for me and said I would need to take it to the dealer to have it programmed (they offered to pay whatever fees BMW charged). The dealer wanted me to use the same BMW dealer they ordered the key from and told me to set up an appointment with them.

Before making the appointment I first started the car with my old key (this may make a difference as I learned in one post). Then I shut it off and I could start the car with the new key. The new key seems to work fine. I also tried the manual key and it worked fine in the door and glovebox. I have since driven several times with the new key and it appears to work fine.

Question: Do I still need to take the car to the dealer to have the key "programmed" or not?

Tommy

[ndog14]

Does the new key unlock, lock, and open the trunk? Does it start the car without having to use the old one first? You can restart the E9X within 30seconds of turning it off without the key in it, if you don't open the door.

[tommypbass]

ndog14,
I'll check the trunk tomorrow. I have used the new key two times without using the old one first. You are correct I better check everything.

[Pyewacket69]

Hello all,
I'm a newbie and I have done a couple searches but never found a consistent answer. I just bought a 2010 328i xdrive, 39k miles (love it). I do not have the CA FOB. I have the FOB that must be plugged into the dash. I bought the car from a Jaguar dealer. When I bought it they said there was only one key and they would order another from BMW at their cost. I provided my VIN, registration, my license and bill of sale. The Jaguar dealer picked up the key for me and said I would need to take it to the dealer to have it programmed (they offered to pay whatever fees BMW charged). The dealer wanted me to use the same BMW dealer they ordered the key from and told me to set up an appointment with them.

Before making the appointment I first started the car with my old key (this may make a difference as I learned in one post). Then I shut it off and I could start the car with the new key. The new key seems to work fine. I also tried the manual key and it worked fine in the door and glovebox. I have since driven several times with the new key and it appears to work fine.

Question: Do I still need to take the car to the dealer to have the key "programmed" or not?

Tommy

Comfort Access keys require dealer programming.

Non Comfort Access keys do not.

[musashi335]

When I purchased my 335i, it came with three keys. The dealer said the first two keys were programmed and they would need to program the third key before I could use it. However, a couple of days later I stuck the third key in the ignition slot and the car started. I then checked the locks and they worked as well. My car does not have the comfort access feature. I seems the key worked the same as the two "programmed" keys. I'm not sure if this was magic, or the dealer was wrong about the key not being programmed, or on the need to program the key. In any case, I'm happy with three keys.

[gilly]

Comfort Access keys require dealer programming.

Non Comfort Access keys do not.


^ What he said