Need to replace non-CA key

M0J0 · 02-21-2013, 04:26 PM

I don't care if the key is cut. Can I just buy the fob off ebay and have the dealer program it? Is there a way to program a non-CA key yourself. I searched through the forums on this subject and had a hard time finding out if this can be done with a non-CA. Most replace to comfort access.

nbennettksu · 02-21-2013, 04:46 PM

nope, you have to take your drivers license and current registration (names have to match) to the parts department, for them to order that bad boy... which comes from New Jersey. Usually within 24 hours.

boom

M0J0 · 02-21-2013, 07:16 PM

That was not the answer I was hoping for. Thanks. Just curious. Why do they sell these uncut keys online then? I have googled and read that it seems possible to program a key without comfort access.

MDyDinanM · 02-21-2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0J0

That was not the answer I was hoping for. Thanks. Just curious. Why do they sell these uncut keys online then? I have googled and read that it seems possible to program a key without comfort access.

I'm confused. I thought e9x M3s didn't have a traditional key. I thought they have FOBs.

If BMW unprogrammed FOBs can be found online, especially ebay, I find that disturbing. With the thefts in the UK, and elsewhere in Europe where thieves are able to access the OBD port and program cloned keys, I would certainly hope BMW keeps strict control over spare keys.

Edjay · 02-21-2013, 08:22 PM

I dont know if a dealer will just program any key fob for you. But to answer your question yes you can program the fob to work on your car.

M0J0 · 02-21-2013, 08:35 PM

So, I should go ahead and buy a new fob from ebay for 80 bucks instead of spending hundreds at a dealer? This is good news. I read in another thread that this was possible. It seemed you put in an unprogrammed fob into the slot on the car. It then can be programmed. I need to figure out exactly how this is done though. I am having trouble finding out this part of it.

M0J0 · 02-21-2013, 08:41 PM

One more silly question. I bought my car used and it just came with one remote. I always found it odd how the car was basically loaded with no comfort access. If there are like 3 little ridges above the keyhole does that mean I have CA? If so I am going to BMW tomorrow to get bent over for 500 bucks or whatever that little remote costs.

Edjay · 02-21-2013, 08:46 PM

yes, ridges above the front door handles means CA. But possible someone replaced the door handle for some reason.

M0J0 · 02-21-2013, 08:52 PM

I guess I will swing by BMW tomorrow and find out.

jphughan · 02-22-2013, 10:37 AM

From what I've read, if you can find a fob elsewhere that has NEVER been paired to a car before, then you can use it yourself. Programming a non-CA key is easy, you just put it into the ignition slot and push the Start button, which permanently pairs that fob to the car and starts the engine. After that, you can use it to lock and unlock that car. I believe this process works on CA keys as well as long as you're ok with the CA portion not working, otherwise the programming process is more involved.

I have to admit that the simplicity of this system unsettles me a little bit. It means that more sophisticated car thieves could go around with blank BMW fobs, smash a window, and create a legitimate key for that stolen car on the spot....

nbennettksu · 02-22-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphughan

From what I've read, if you can find a fob elsewhere that has NEVER been paired to a car before, then you can use it yourself. Programming a non-CA key is easy, you just put it into the ignition slot and push the Start button, which permanently pairs that fob to the car and starts the engine. After that, you can use it to lock and unlock that car. I believe this process works on CA keys as well as long as you're ok with the CA portion not working, otherwise the programming process is more involved.

I have to admit that the simplicity of this system unsettles me a little bit. It means that more sophisticated car thieves could go around with blank BMW fobs, smash a window, and create a legitimate key for that stolen car on the spot....

ok so then I can just buy a blank key, program it to your car, and steal your car? Think about what you're saying, man.

You cant just buy a blank key and program it to any car. That thought is insane.

02-21-2013, 04:26 PM	#1
M0J0 Private Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	Need to replace non-CA key I don't care if the key is cut. Can I just buy the fob off ebay and have the dealer program it? Is there a way to program a non-CA key yourself. I searched through the forums on this subject and had a hard time finding out if this can be done with a non-CA. Most replace to comfort access.
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02-21-2013, 07:16 PM	#3
M0J0 Private Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	That was not the answer I was hoping for. Thanks. Just curious. Why do they sell these uncut keys online then? I have googled and read that it seems possible to program a key without comfort access. Last edited by M0J0; 02-21-2013 at 07:22 PM.

02-22-2013, 10:37 AM	#10
jphughan Colonel Drives: 2011.75 M3 E92 6MT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,152 iTrader: (0)	From what I've read, if you can find a fob elsewhere that has NEVER been paired to a car before, then you can use it yourself. Programming a non-CA key is easy, you just put it into the ignition slot and push the Start button, which permanently pairs that fob to the car and starts the engine. After that, you can use it to lock and unlock that car. I believe this process works on CA keys as well as long as you're ok with the CA portion not working, otherwise the programming process is more involved. I have to admit that the simplicity of this system unsettles me a little bit. It means that more sophisticated car thieves could go around with blank BMW fobs, smash a window, and create a legitimate key for that stolen car on the spot.... __________________ 11 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT \| Premium 2 \| Convenience \| 19" \| EDC \| Prem Audio \| Moonroof \| BMW Apps \| Vorshlag Adjustable Camber Plates \| StopTech Street Perf Pads \| Castrol SRF Fluid \| ModMyNav.com rear camera

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02-21-2013, 08:22 PM	#5
Edjay Second Lieutenant Drives: 08 E90 AW, 76 2002 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sacoftomatoes Ca Posts: 294 iTrader: (0)	I dont know if a dealer will just program any key fob for you. But to answer your question yes you can program the fob to work on your car.

02-21-2013, 08:35 PM	#6
M0J0 Private Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	So, I should go ahead and buy a new fob from ebay for 80 bucks instead of spending hundreds at a dealer? This is good news. I read in another thread that this was possible. It seemed you put in an unprogrammed fob into the slot on the car. It then can be programmed. I need to figure out exactly how this is done though. I am having trouble finding out this part of it.

02-21-2013, 08:41 PM	#7
M0J0 Private Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	One more silly question. I bought my car used and it just came with one remote. I always found it odd how the car was basically loaded with no comfort access. If there are like 3 little ridges above the keyhole does that mean I have CA? If so I am going to BMW tomorrow to get bent over for 500 bucks or whatever that little remote costs.

02-21-2013, 08:46 PM	#8
Edjay Second Lieutenant Drives: 08 E90 AW, 76 2002 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sacoftomatoes Ca Posts: 294 iTrader: (0)	yes, ridges above the front door handles means CA. But possible someone replaced the door handle for some reason.

02-21-2013, 08:52 PM	#9
M0J0 Private Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	I guess I will swing by BMW tomorrow and find out.