Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: 2000 318CI Key Lost

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    318CI 2000

    2000 318CI Key Lost

    hi all ,
    I was wondering if i can get some guidance.
    I have lost the only key for my car . The car is unlocked right now.
    Can i get the door handle taken off and get a key cut and start the car ?
    i called auto locksmiths and cheapest i found is 480$ .. i am in NZ .
    really cant afford that much right now.

    i have been looking online on aliexpress for programmable keys and was thinking of ordering one , have it cut with the door lock and then try programming via youtube instructions.
    would that work ? just wanted to get some guidance before spending time/money on this.
    Thank you all and hope someone can give me some advice.

    cheers

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    5,775
    My Cars
    99 M3
    My experience is that the Dealer is the place for key replacement. Requires a copy of registration and drivers license to order the key here in USA.
    I have not tried the “program at home” key.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Harbor City, CA
    Posts
    4,242
    My Cars
    '02 E39 Touring
    Quote Originally Posted by Iarro View Post
    hi all ,
    I was wondering if i can get some guidance.
    I have lost the only key for my car . The car is unlocked right now.
    Can i get the door handle taken off and get a key cut and start the car ?
    i called auto locksmiths and cheapest i found is 480$ .. i am in NZ .
    really cant afford that much right now.

    i have been looking online on aliexpress for programmable keys and was thinking of ordering one , have it cut with the door lock and then try programming via youtube instructions.
    would that work ? just wanted to get some guidance before spending time/money on this.
    Thank you all and hope someone can give me some advice.

    cheers

    Hello and welcome to the forum! From what I've read, you would need to have 2 keys to 'program at home' - 1 working key and 1 key that you're programming. Take a look at the link below for the procedure. Other members who have done this themselves should chime in as well. Best of luck!

    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-reprogramming
    Your Trusted Source For DIY and Parts
    FREE SHIPPING over $99 click here
    BMW Parts | DIY Tech Articles | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Promos
    888.280.7799 | 6am - 5pm PST



  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    Dont confuse programming the FOB and coding the EWS chip. They are 2 totally separate things.

    The Fob is easily programmed at home following youtube videos or the link Pelican Parts shared. This will make the buttons on the key work to lock and unlock the car and open the trunk. You will need to do this no matter where you purchase the key from, some dealerships if you ask nicely will do it free of charge when you buy a new key, but i have also heard of them charging up to $100 for this 30 second procedure.

    The second part that needs to be done in order for the key to start the car is coding the RFID chip in the key which communicates with the EWS module. When you order a key from the dealer this is already done for you and the key comes ready to start the car. If you buy from other places (like ebay) this will not be done, and requires special computer tools and removing and extracting data from the EWS module inside your car. Dealerships are not able to do this as they are sent the keys from the factory coded based on your vin number. Most locksmiths will also not have the capability to do this sort of coding, as its BMW specific.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Harrisburg PA 17104
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    E46 330xi
    So best option is find the cheapest dealer in another city nearby

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    If you dont care for having the FOB you can buy a basic key from the dealership. Here in Canada they are about $50. Will manually unlock the doors and start the car. Dont confuse the basic key with the valet or wallet key, they are not the same. The basic key is a metal key blade with a plastic head.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    The door locks on the E46 are pretty flimsy so I highly recommend that you buy a complete key at the dealer.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Harrisburg PA 17104
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    E46 330xi
    I just don't believe that it's worth 200$

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    5,775
    My Cars
    99 M3
    You can mail order from ECS and eEuropean parts, probably others. They will ask for a copy of Registration and DL with matching name.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Similar Threads

  1. turned key....lost power
    By sandiego750il in forum 1988 - 1994 (E32)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 08-20-2008, 03:00 AM
  2. 2000 323CI key question
    By LoStrings in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 06-08-2007, 11:50 AM
  3. Illuminated Key lost
    By Bmw323!s in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-11-2007, 12:18 AM
  4. key lost? possibly...please help
    By BeMyWitness in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 11-09-2006, 08:23 AM
  5. 2000 528I - Key Won't Unlock Door
    By rsacho in forum 1988 - 1996 (E34)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-28-2004, 03:42 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •