Bought car with no keyfob

[FrenchieTacoZ3]

I just picked up a 2000 Z3 2.8 5spd this weekend. It only came with the 2 keys pictured. Is it possible to buy a fob and have it programmed?

[s8ilver]

Welcome. Not all Z3s have keyless entry, but all are pre-wired for it.

You can retrofit for fairly cheap. The hardest part is finding reasonably priced fobs if they're not included in a full kit.

Step 1: look for an alarm LED. If it has one, you probably have a module and just need a fob to program. Usual places to look: either side of steering wheel in the dash, in the center console with the other switches, or in the rear of the center console.

Step 2: remove the glove box to see if you have a module installed.

If you don't, eBay is your friend. It will be enitrely plug and play, but programming is kind of goofy. You'll laugh when you read the procedure that involves opening the trunk, opening door, turning key, closing door, opening door, closing trunk, etc.

This one looks complete to my eyes:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bmw-OEM-E36...wAAOSwhxNbmUrD

There is also a glass breakage sensor you can plug into one of those unused leads, but I don't think it's necessary. You have a convertible. If someone wants in they'll just cut the top open.

You can add the siren/LED or not. I lengthened the wires on a siren and mounted behind the front bumper. There is a taped up OEM plug-in below the brake booster in the engine compartment.

[FrenchieTacoZ3]

I will search under the dash and glovebox this weekend. Thank you for the info.

[magnetchief]

I picked a whole system minus remotes for about $30 in a junk yard.

Remotes were obtained via eBay $40 each. Refurbished Suburu versions reprogrammed to work with BMW z3


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[z3forlife]

Stock fobs are NLA so eBay and ect is your only option. Like Nathan said try to get a matched set controller/fob.

[Dick40]

Yes, but, if you already have two keys, be happy. If you want to learn more go to youtube and search for "AK90".

[s8ilver]

I picked a whole system minus remotes for about $30 in a junk yard.

Remotes were obtained via eBay $40 each. Refurbished Suburu versions reprogrammed to work with BMW z3


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I would love to see a working Subaru fob. I tried this with zero luck. I bought one because it was very cheap and looks exactly like the Z3 fob, but I couldn't get it to work. I still have it somewhere.

[magnetchief]

This is one of mine.
Works perfectly well

Guy on eBay was selling them.
He did have 10 for sale.

Sold by seller

msportparts


Just did a search. Still has them but upped the price to $50.

Still the cheapest option I have found.

This was his instructions to set it up. Worked perfectly.






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[jajou318]

I picked a whole system minus remotes for about $30 in a junk yard.

Remotes were obtained via eBay $40 each. Refurbished Suburu versions reprogrammed to work with BMW z3

I was under the impression the Subaru versions don't work.

[magnetchief]

I was under the impression the Subaru versions don't work.

No idea.
This guy has them set up to work with BMW system straight out of the box.

I purchased 2. They’re as good as new.


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[FrenchieTacoZ3]

Turns out i do not have the keyless module. Would it be cheaper to get an after market alarm?

[CoconutPete]

Cheaper? Yes.

I bought a cheap chinese one off Amazon with 2 (in my opinion better looking) remotes for $16.

Yanked the glove box, did some wiring. Boom, now I have keyless entry...

Mine is also a 2000 2.8.

[s8ilver]

I have that system sitting around NIB somewhere. If I can find it, it's yours for shipping. I wanted entirely OEM and plug and play.