Options for Replacing a CA Key?

osteome · 09-05-2012, 02:35 PM

I cannot find one of the keys to the car (looked everywhere). I was initially provided 2 Comfort Access equipped keys when the car was purchased.

From doing a search, it would appear that only 2 CA keys can be assigned to the car at any given time, meaning that the missing key would have to be "deleted" and a new key "assigned". I am presuming that the dealer would the source for this programming? No one seems to own a M3 in Kansas, let alone have coding knowledge.

What is not clear is that if the dealer must supply the key? Like most other parts, I am presuming one of the on-line vendors could provide a new "virgin" key that could be programmed locally. As an alternative, wouuld a previously coded key, say from a wrecked M3, work?

808@702 · 09-05-2012, 02:40 PM

I would be worried about the missing key. Anyone finds that key and your car could disappear. I misplaced one of mine several months ago and I went nuts looking for it.

THE TECH · 09-05-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osteome

I cannot find one of the keys to the car (looked everywhere). I was initially provided 2 Comfort Access equipped keys when the car was purchased.

From doing a search, it would appear that only 2 CA keys can be assigned to the car at any given time, meaning that the missing key would have to be "deleted" and a new key "assigned". I am presuming that the dealer would the source for this programming? No one seems to own a M3 in Kansas, let alone have coding knowledge.

What is not clear is that if the dealer must supply the key? Like most other parts, I am presuming one of the on-line vendors could provide a new "virgin" key that could be programmed locally. As an alternative, wouuld a previously coded key, say from a wrecked M3, work?

I would stick to the dealer on this one. I haven't heard of people being able to code their own keys.

I will be living near you soon.

///Montreal3 · 09-05-2012, 04:17 PM

Unless you feel like dropping 8000 Euros on the OBD tool that thieves use to rip-off our cars, I'd let the dealer handle it.

M3NSCH · 09-05-2012, 04:47 PM

I read the title and thought "California cars have different keys?".

jphughan · 09-05-2012, 06:33 PM

I'm pretty sure in the manual it says you can have up to 4, maybe even 6, keys registered at the same time? Not sure if that includes the CA function or just the immobilized and driver profile settings, but I'd be surprised if it was just 2.

tlp · 09-05-2012, 07:01 PM

I have seen 2 & 3 keyed placeholders for the key memory settings in some of the module coding trace files. I would say that the max is 2 or 3 as far as CA is concerned.

skins333 · 09-05-2012, 07:48 PM

I have had issues with comfort access spare keys on 3 bmw's in the past and haven't found any doable options rather than the dealer so agree wholeheartedly to stick with them on this issue. Although I have been able to online order transponder keys for other cars and get them programmed by locksmiths in the past, I was never able to find anyone in the DC area other than the dealer willing/able to tackle the newer bmw keys, esp w/ CA.

What I would do is try to shop around and call various dealer SA's, explain your situation and get some price qoutes. Also if you have bmw CCA membership, see if you can get some discount (?10%).

osteome · 09-05-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808@702

I would be worried about the missing key. Anyone finds that key and your car could disappear. I misplaced one of mine several months ago and I went nuts looking for it.

I lost the other key in Germany. If someone found it, they'll have to cross the pond to get the car. It would be a pain in the ass to drive it back too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I would stick to the dealer on this one. I haven't heard of people being able to code their own keys.

I will be living near you soon.

It appears that I can source a replacement key on E-bay for a fraction of the cost of new, but would likely need the dealer to code it. I will give a call to the dealer and see what they can do.

I do look forward to the coding possibilities that come with proximity.....

///Madhatter · 09-06-2012, 01:46 AM

I would definitely find out ,from the dealer, how much they will charge for coding the E-bay key before purchasing it. They might try to charge you the full replacement amount anyway. Just a thought.

Will@P · 09-06-2012, 10:13 AM

I can get you a key from BMW for less than what your dealer may charge. All they would have to do is program the new fob to the vehicle when you take it in. They should charger you no more than 1hr of labor, it is a 15min process once the car is in the shop.

kwike92 · 09-06-2012, 10:58 AM

I have the a spare to my old car that I traded in? Should I just throw the key away??

jphughan · 09-06-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwike92

I have the a spare to my old car that I traded in? Should I just throw the key away??

If the place you sold it to still has it on the lot and you feel like karma points, I'd bring it there. I know that if I were buying that car I'd appreciate having the extra key.

kwike92 · 09-06-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphughan

If the place you sold it to still has it on the lot and you feel like karma points, I'd bring it there. I know that if I were buying that car I'd appreciate having the extra key.

yeah, they no longer have it, they auctioned it off... it was a 09 m3 with 82k miles completely trashed...it seen better days..lol

swamp2 · 09-07-2012, 01:12 AM

1. Go to dealer
2. Bend over
3. Scream

I got a price quote when I thought one of mine disappeared. The price was simply outrageous. Hundreds of dollars for the key and then hundreds for coding as well. Needless to say I was thrilled when I found the missing fob. It really pisses me off how badly dealers take advantage of folks on the markup on things like this. They key fob itself probably costs about $20 max and the labor is not even 15 minutes, more like 5.

Good luck, please let us all know your creative low cost option if you find one.

JUSKIDN · 09-08-2012, 06:41 AM

yes Im curious what the final cost from the dealer would be. Update us and please no pics of you bending over and screaming as swamp2 said.

gocanes · 09-08-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

yes Im curious what the final cost from the dealer would be. Update us and please no pics of you bending over and screaming as swamp2 said.

$500 from global imports BMW in Atlanta. Includes coding, key and sodomy. They said the CA keys have to be made individually for your vin by BMW so the eBay keys will not work. You must show your registration to order one.

NikB316 · 09-08-2012, 11:39 AM

I need a key as well. I have CA but I don't really care if my spare key is CA or not, would rather put the money towards something fun. Anyone know if it's cheaper/possible to get a regular backup key? Please keep on posting prices as I know it will help with any negotiating.

JUSKIDN · 09-08-2012, 09:27 PM

$500 wow, I hope they were kissing you on the neck too

osteome · 10-24-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

1. Go to dealer
2. Bend over
3. Scream

Good luck, please let us all know your creative low cost option if you find one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

yes Im curious what the final cost from the dealer would be. Update us and please no pics of you bending over and screaming as swamp2 said.

So my local dealer did not think that a "Ebay"/used fob would work, but they ordered me a new one for about $250. The car was in for a couple of other electrical concerns, so they did not charge me to program the key fob.

All told, a lot cheaper and less painful that I thought it would be. I did not get bent over by the dealer, but the dealer "hostess" looked like she more miles on her than anything out in the lot.

nbennettksu · 10-25-2012, 09:17 AM

OP, go to the dealer. If someone finds that spare key, they can take the car. If you go to the dealer and purchase a new key, they can deactivate the old key (the key you lost), so that it cant start the car. However, unless you change your lock cylinders, they will still be able to get inside the car and troll around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I would stick to the dealer on this one. I haven't heard of people being able to code their own keys.

I will be living near you soon.

You're moving from So Cal to Kansas??

Lotus99 · 05-23-2014, 01:52 PM

Any updates to this?

I'm in the same boat, and would like to avoid buying a $300 key from dealer (I've got Comfort Access), but if I could buy a virgin key, you'd need to code it to work with my car, knowing the VIN I presume, so it sends the right signal. It's not as simple as finding someone locally with INPA type programming knowledge, is it?

This site sells the keys for $50, plus a $50 flash/erase service, all in comes to $100.

http://www.keylessentryremotefob.com...9268486-02.htm

And

http://www.keylessentryremotefob.com...p/bmwflash.htm

09-05-2012, 02:35 PM	#1
osteome Major 195 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (4)	Options for Replacing a CA Key? I cannot find one of the keys to the car (looked everywhere). I was initially provided 2 Comfort Access equipped keys when the car was purchased. From doing a search, it would appear that only 2 CA keys can be assigned to the car at any given time, meaning that the missing key would have to be "deleted" and a new key "assigned". I am presuming that the dealer would the source for this programming? No one seems to own a M3 in Kansas, let alone have coding knowledge. What is not clear is that if the dealer must supply the key? Like most other parts, I am presuming one of the on-line vendors could provide a new "virgin" key that could be programmed locally. As an alternative, wouuld a previously coded key, say from a wrecked M3, work? __________________ 2022 M4 Competition ConvertibleDravit / Tartufo Full / Carbon Fiber Exterior...loaded 2020 X5:MW/Coffee Extended Merino, M Sport, B&W....loaded 2007 X3: Sapphire Black / Black loaded 6 speed Gone: M3 E93 Silverstone II over Bamboo
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09-05-2012, 02:40 PM	#2
808@702 8th BMW, 520th Surfboard 494 Rep 1,215 Posts Drives: My girlfriends crazy! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nv. and Honolulu, Hi. and Seattle Wa. iTrader: (0)	I would be worried about the missing key. Anyone finds that key and your car could disappear. I misplaced one of mine several months ago and I went nuts looking for it.
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09-05-2012, 04:17 PM	#4
///Montreal3 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: ///Montreal iTrader: (0)	Unless you feel like dropping 8000 Euros on the OBD tool that thieves use to rip-off our cars, I'd let the dealer handle it.
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09-05-2012, 04:47 PM	#5
M3NSCH Private 0 Rep 71 Posts Drives: Tuuuurbo Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I read the title and thought "California cars have different keys?".
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09-05-2012, 06:33 PM	#6
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty sure in the manual it says you can have up to 4, maybe even 6, keys registered at the same time? Not sure if that includes the CA function or just the immobilized and driver profile settings, but I'd be surprised if it was just 2. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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09-05-2012, 07:01 PM	#7
tlp Colonel 276 Rep 2,216 Posts Drives: 991 GT3, Sold:'11 e92 M3 SG/FR Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Las Vegas/SoCal iTrader: (6) Garage List SOLD 2011 BMW e92 M3 [9.10]	I have seen 2 & 3 keyed placeholders for the key memory settings in some of the module coding trace files. I would say that the max is 2 or 3 as far as CA is concerned. __________________ 991 GT3, Sold: '11 e92 M3 SG/FR ZCP\|ZCV\|ZP2\|2MK\|494\|415\|6NR\|752
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09-05-2012, 07:48 PM	#8
skins333 Major 48 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: 08 E93 BMW M3 MR/21 X7 40i AW Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (2)	I have had issues with comfort access spare keys on 3 bmw's in the past and haven't found any doable options rather than the dealer so agree wholeheartedly to stick with them on this issue. Although I have been able to online order transponder keys for other cars and get them programmed by locksmiths in the past, I was never able to find anyone in the DC area other than the dealer willing/able to tackle the newer bmw keys, esp w/ CA. What I would do is try to shop around and call various dealer SA's, explain your situation and get some price qoutes. Also if you have bmw CCA membership, see if you can get some discount (?10%).
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09-06-2012, 01:46 AM	#10
///Madhatter Enlisted Member 0 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 AW ZCP Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I would definitely find out ,from the dealer, how much they will charge for coding the E-bay key before purchasing it. They might try to charge you the full replacement amount anyway. Just a thought. __________________ ///M3 e92 AW DCP DCT
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09-06-2012, 10:13 AM	#11
Will@P Lieutenant 26 Rep 454 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sanford, FL. iTrader: (0)	I can get you a key from BMW for less than what your dealer may charge. All they would have to do is program the new fob to the vehicle when you take it in. They should charger you no more than 1hr of labor, it is a 15min process once the car is in the shop.
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09-06-2012, 10:58 AM	#12
kwike92 Lieutenant Colonel 121 Rep 1,775 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 CP Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Costa Mesa, Ca iTrader: (9)	I have the a spare to my old car that I traded in? Should I just throw the key away?? __________________ 2014 M5 Comp Package.
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09-07-2012, 01:12 AM	#15
swamp2 Lieutenant General 611 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	1. Go to dealer 2. Bend over 3. Scream I got a price quote when I thought one of mine disappeared. The price was simply outrageous. Hundreds of dollars for the key and then hundreds for coding as well. Needless to say I was thrilled when I found the missing fob. It really pisses me off how badly dealers take advantage of folks on the markup on things like this. They key fob itself probably costs about $20 max and the labor is not even 15 minutes, more like 5. Good luck, please let us all know your creative low cost option if you find one. __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
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09-08-2012, 06:41 AM	#16
JUSKIDN Captain 67 Rep 601 Posts Drives: 2013 EBII 328i M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, LA iTrader: (0)	yes Im curious what the final cost from the dealer would be. Update us and please no pics of you bending over and screaming as swamp2 said. __________________ It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.
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09-08-2012, 11:39 AM	#18
NikB316 Captain 58 Rep 605 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Competition, F83 M4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Miami, Florida iTrader: (4)	I need a key as well. I have CA but I don't really care if my spare key is CA or not, would rather put the money towards something fun. Anyone know if it's cheaper/possible to get a regular backup key? Please keep on posting prices as I know it will help with any negotiating. __________________ 2014 M5 Competition Alpine/Sakhir BMS Tune. Undercover Performance Custom Downpipes & Connector. H&R 10mm Spacers. BMW CF Rear Spoiler. IND Cosmetics. ALP & BEL Radar & Laser. 2011 Space Grey E92 M3 AA Gen 2 Lvl 3 586whp 398wtq SAE (sold)
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09-08-2012, 09:27 PM	#19
JUSKIDN Captain 67 Rep 601 Posts Drives: 2013 EBII 328i M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, LA iTrader: (0)	$500 wow, I hope they were kissing you on the neck too __________________ It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.
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05-23-2014, 01:52 PM	#22
Lotus99 Colonel 628 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: 19 M2C & 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Any updates to this? I'm in the same boat, and would like to avoid buying a $300 key from dealer (I've got Comfort Access), but if I could buy a virgin key, you'd need to code it to work with my car, knowing the VIN I presume, so it sends the right signal. It's not as simple as finding someone locally with INPA type programming knowledge, is it? This site sells the keys for $50, plus a $50 flash/erase service, all in comes to $100. http://www.keylessentryremotefob.com...9268486-02.htm And http://www.keylessentryremotefob.com...p/bmwflash.htm
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