How to Program a BMW Key Fob

It’s easier than it sounds to learn how to program a BMW key fob! Keyless entry is one of the most convenient features on your BMW X3, but sometimes your BMW key fob will need to be reprogrammed. Any driver in Chula Vista can be a BMW key programmer by following a few simple steps. The service department at BMW of San Diego can show you two ways to reprogram your BMW key fob: one to use when you already have a working key but want to program additional keys, and the other when you’re starting from scratch without a working key. We love giving you BMW service tips to keep you on the road! 

Starting From Scratch with a BMW Key Fob Replacement

Whether you’ve lost your key fob somewhere between El Cajon and Encinitas, or you’ve accidentally damaged it, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to program a BMW key fob replacement. Here’s how: 

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

Programming Additional BMW Key Fobs 

If you have a working key fob and are programming a spare, or one for another driver, here’s how you do it: 

1. Take the programmed key fob and the ones you want to program inside the car with all doors and windows closed.
2. Put the working key into the ignition and turn it to position 1. The dash lights and accessories should turn on. Turn the key back and remove it.
3. On the working key, hold down the unlock button and press the BMW logo button 3 times, then release the unlock button. The doors will then automatically lock and unlock.
4. Take the new key and hold down the unlock button while pressing the BMW logo 3 times, then release the unlock button. You’ll be finished when the doors lock and unlock.

The BMW of San Diego Service Department is Here to Help

These instructions for how to program a BMW key fob should work on most BMW models. Some models have slightly different methods for programming the key though. If these steps don’t work for you, the service technicians at BMW of San Diego can help walk you through the procedure. Should you need a BMW fob, or a new BMW key battery visit our parts department in San Diego.