How Do I Program My BMW Key Fob?

The key fob and keyless entry system in your BMW make life easier and more convenient. So when they break or require reprogramming, it can be a big bummer. Luckily, programming the keyless entry system in your BMW key fob is easy if you know what to do, and we do! What’s more, we’re here to teach you exactly how to program your BMW key fob, step by step. There are 2 basic methods. The first involves programming additional key fobs. The second involves starting from scratch with no working key.

Programming an Extra BMW Key Fob

Whether you’re trying to program an extra key to give to your spouse, or you’ve lost your spare key and you want another one for good measure, here’s how to program that extra BMW key fob you’ve purchased:

1. Get inside your car with all doors and windows closed and the two key fobs with you.
2. Insert the working key fob into the ignition and set it to position 1 (turn on accessory mode but not the engine). Your dash and accessories should all turn on.
3. Turn or push key back and remove it from the ignition.
4. Hold the unlock button on your working key down and then depress the lock button (the BMW logo) 3 times, then release the unlock button. Your BMW’s doors will then automatically lock and unlock.
5. Take the new key and hold down the unlock button while pressing the BMW logo 3 times, then release the unlock button. The doors should lock and unlock, indicating that you’ve successfully programmed the new BMW key fob. Congratulations!

Programming a New BMW Key Fob from Scratch

If you find yourself without a working BMW key fob, you’ll have to obtain one from our parts department. Next, you’ll want to follow these steps:

1. Put your key into your BMW’s ignition and move it to position 1 and back in rapid succession, five times in a row.
2. Remove the BMW key fob from the ignition.
3. Holding down the unlock button, press the lock button (BMW logo) three times, then release the unlock button.
4. If you have than one key fob to program, repeat step 3 within 30 seconds of the original key programming.
5. Turn on the ignition. Congratulations, you’ve successfully programmed a new BMW key fob!

Entrust Pacific BMW with Your BMW Service Needs

For most BMW models the above process should work. If, however, it doesn’t, you may be driving a BMW model that requires slightly different instructions to program a new key fob. In that case, we highly recommend reaching out to the experienced BMW maintenance staff here at Pacific BMW for further service tips related to programming a BMW key fob. Alternatively, get in touch with our parts departmentin Glendale if you need a new BMW key battery or anything else.