How BMW car keys and key fobs are programmed, by model year, what you can sometimes do yourself, and when a mobile automotive locksmith is the faster, safer choice. Dealerkeys programs BMW keys on site across East Tennessee.
BMW uses a different key system for older and newer vehicles. Find your vehicle below.
Method: On-Board Ignition Sequence
Note: Must program all remotes in the same session; un-programmed remotes will be erased.
Method: EEPROM / OBD2 CAS Programmer
Requires specialized BMW CAS/FEM/BDC bench programmer or OBD2 tool (VVDI2, Autel IM608, Yanhua ACDP) to read ISN and program smart keys.
Note: Never self-programmable. Battery must be stable (>12.5V) during programming.
This guide is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we will tell you what yours needs.
Some older BMW models (3 Series, 5 Series, Z3, X5 (E36, E46, E39), 1998–2006) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer BMW vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
Dealerkeys is a mobile automotive locksmith with more than 26 years of experience and over 150,000 vehicles serviced across East Tennessee. For an all-keys-lost BMW, we pick the lock if needed, make a new key, and program it at your vehicle. We quote the price first, and we make a key only after you show ID and proof of ownership. See our dead key fob guide if the car just will not start with your fob, or mail-in module repair for BCM, ECU and TIPM trouble.
The year, make and model of the vehicle, the VIN if you can read it through the windshield, and where the vehicle is parked. Tell us how many keys you have left, if any, and what kind of key you want. Plan to be with the vehicle, with your ID and registration, title or other proof of ownership.
Some older BMW models (3 Series, 5 Series, Z3, X5 (E36, E46, E39), 1998–2006) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer BMW vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
We come to you, open the vehicle if it is locked, make a new key for your BMW and program it on site, so there is no tow to a dealer. You need to be with the vehicle, with ID and proof of ownership.
It depends on the model, the year and the type of key. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we quote the price before any work begins.
We dispatch to your vehicle in these areas and the towns around them:
