New Key and remote start problem

[Builder2961]

I posted this over in the electronics forum as well, but thought maybe someone here could help also:

I recently purchased a 1996 328ic the car has an aftermarket remote entry/auto start system installed. The system is an AviStart 4000 by Avital. When I purchased the car the seller only had one key. So I went to the local dealer and had him order a key for car. I even sprung for a lighted key. I picked up the new key today and while at the dealer I checked it to make sure the key fit all the doors and the trunk. It fit fine. I checked it in the ignition and it also fit. When I turned the key to start the car it turned in the ignition fine but the starter didn't crank. I know my car has the BMW EWS system installed so now I'm sure the key wasn’t programmed for the correct VIN. I tried to start the car with the original key and nothing. I go in and get few mechanics and the service manger. We all go out, it’s been a long enough time for the EWS to cycle, but neither key will start the car. The BMW guys blame it on the aftermarket system. They say to install a remote start on a car equipped with a EWS system they must have disconnected the ring receiver in the ignition and used the wallet key mounted under the dash with after market remote start unit. I say then if that is the case why would the new key not work if the EWS is using the wallet key. They couldn’t explain that and pretty much left me standing there. I went back into parts and we confirmed the correct VIN was used to program and cut the key at least that’s what the key packet confirmed and the parts guy.. Now I'm completely confused…..I go out to the car start it remotely get in the car stick the old key in the ignition and head back to work. I shut the car off and now try to start it with the old key and it cranks right up. I'm clueless with the workings of this remote start unit and was wondering if anyone here has any clues as to what the issue is.

[Builder2961]

Well I have just talked with an installer who does these systems and he confirmed the remote start system is still in place and that a spare key is mounted under the dash in a box to allow the auto start to function without bi-passing or butchering the EWS. So I called the BMW dealer back and got a service adviser and he told me to simply bring the two keys back and they can initialize the new one. So I told him I was just there with two mechanics and a service guy. He asked..... Didn’t the parts guy tell you the key has to be initialized? I said no...He was apologetic and said bring the key in an I’ll take car of it. To answer your question and as stated in the first post the auto start works and now the old key works as well. I assume the EWS recycled on the ride back to work. So now I'm wondering if I need to fish the key out from under the dash as well, and bring them all three keys? Doesn’t the EWS use the same code for all the keys used on a particular car based on the cars VIN???

[Builder2961]

I started the car remotely. Then inserted the new key and turned it to the last position before start. This initialized key or the EWS so it now starts the car. I'm really not sure how or why but it works. So anyone with a remote start unit that uses the wallet key in conjunction with the remote start unit so remote start will work with the EWS and purchases a new key from the dealer this will initialize key so it works. I'm not sure it if its the key that gets intialized or if the EWS learns the key but anyway it works. A strange day for sure. First time dealing with my local BMW dealer and I wasen't impressed. I guess they don't care much for someone with an older car.