2003 BMW 325xi buying new key

[CynthiaK]

Hi,

I am buying a new key and wondering if I can initialize it myself or is there something special that BMW has to do?

I know about the initialize from scratch - insert key, turn to ON 5 times, remove, press and hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button 3 times and then starting the car.

Is this all that has to be done?

Thank-you.

[trevorsz508]

Yep. That’s all I did when I’ve replaced mine.


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[All2kool]

I am buying a new key....

Where are you buying the new key? Keys have to be programmed with your VIN so the dealer is always your best option. As for adding it as one of the 10 keys that can be programmed for your car, yes, you can do that part provided that it isn't going to be the 11th key added.

[CynthiaK]

Where are you buying the new key? Keys have to be programmed with your VIN so the dealer is always your best option. As for adding it as one of the 10 keys that can be programmed for your car, yes, you can do that part provided that it isn't going to be the 11th key added.

I ordered one from the dealer.

[CynthiaK]

Thank-you for the replies!

[Critter7r]

Ordering a key by VIN from the dealer will get you a key that starts the car. Programming the remote lock/unlock is the process you're describing. But I don't think you have to turn it on and off 5 times. I think you just have to turn it to position 1, hold for a second, turn back and remove the key and while holding the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times. Then to program a 2nd key (and any further keys), you don't insert it into the ignition, you just press and hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button 3 times.

[CynthiaK]

Ordering a key by VIN from the dealer will get you a key that starts the car. Programming the remote lock/unlock is the process you're describing. But I don't think you have to turn it on and off 5 times. I think you just have to turn it to position 1, hold for a second, turn back and remove the key and while holding the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times. Then to program a 2nd key (and any further keys), you don't insert it into the ignition, you just press and hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button 3 times.

Thank-you for the reply.
This is what I am referring to:

PROGRAMMING A NEW KEY FROM SCRATCH

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to position 1 and back rapidly 5 times.
2. Remove the key
3. Hold the unlock button and press the BMW logo 3 times, then release the unlock button.
4. If you have additional keys you’d like to program at this time, repeat step 3 within 30 seconds from the original key programming.
5. Turn on the ignition to complete the process.

[Critter7r]

This guy only turned it on and then off once. Maybe the 5 times thing is for older E46s? I have seen a lot of people say "5 times", but I do mine with just one turn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XsU-miCtA0

[MIKYZZ4]

Try the procedures in this link:https://store.bimmernav.com/blogs/ho...5-e46-x3-z4-z8