E36 keyless entry

[chimera 0]

hey,

anyone got any info on how the keyless entry works - as in, i've put new batteries in the remote but it doesnt unlock the doors (i assume its supposed too!!!) i've tried both sets of keys. where is the sensor on the car located? anywhere i can check? anything obvious to look for?

cheers

[bmw.maniac 1]

hey,

anyone got any info on how the keyless entry works - as in, i've put new batteries in the remote but it doesnt unlock the doors (i assume its supposed too!!!) i've tried both sets of keys. where is the sensor on the car located? anywhere i can check? anything obvious to look for?

cheers

In my parents Ford you had to replace the battery is under 3 seconds or else you had to take it to the Ford dealer to reset it. I'm sure the dealer will be able to help you out (at a cost of course!).

[greenday-rulz21 4]

As far as I know, the keyless entry sensor is in the rear view mirror.

[Mark 178]

Your car may not actually have keyless entry... Is the button on the key itself? If so it may just operate a light so you can see the keyhole at night.

[chimera 0]

key has 2 buttons on it, pressing either the red LED on the key flashes. looks like there is a light for it too, although hitting either button does not illuminate it - whether the bulb has gone i don't know? the fact that the red LED flashes indicates to me it should be keyless!

[Mark 178]

key has 2 buttons on it, pressing either the red LED on the key flashes. looks like there is a light for it too, although hitting either button does not illuminate it - whether the bulb has gone i don't know? the fact that the red LED flashes indicates to me it should be keyless!

Did a search on Bimmerforums..... found this:

"Check the little switch under the hood on the passenger’s side. (edit: might be on drivers side as this is American site) There should be a little metal arm sticking up that closes the switch when you close the hood. I have found that when I'm cleaning or working under the hood sometime I bend this little arm at it doesn't activate the switch and the locks don't work except manually."

Apparently the keyless entry system is housed behind the glovebox.... do a search on Bimmerforums.com, there's heaps of info on the subject.

Edited September 25, 2007 by gannetboy

[jjs 60]

This happened to me. You will need to go to a BMW dealer and get them to reprogramme it, as sometimes the keys fall out of synchro with the car. Costs bugger all too

[Queen of Beemas 0]

This happened to me. You will need to go to a BMW dealer and get them to reprogramme it, as sometimes the keys fall out of synchro with the car. Costs bugger all too

This is true, when you put new batteries in the key it needs to be 'coded' to the vehicle again, it takes 5 secs by a BMW expert or BMW mechanic (not necessarily a Dealer)...

If your lucky they may not charge you - its too much hassle doing an invoice that will take longer than the actual job does!

Again, this is if the key and car have keyless entry...

[greenday-rulz21 4]

Cheers programyourkeys.com,

BMW 3-Series - Key Remote Programming

Three methods to try:

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.

Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.

Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

[chimera 0]

I tried all 3 methods and none worked... SOOOooo... I rang Jerry Clayton and asked them. Basically you got it right Nick - it's method 1 BUT with one small addition - point the key at the f@#$ing rear vision mirror!!! Because its infrared it doesn't pick it up by pointing in random directions One downer though, only 3 of the doors lock/unlock. The drivers door does not work Not sure why. Anyways, thanks heaps Nick its a start. I'll take into BMW dealer and see what they say about the drivers door. Its door motor is probably f@#$ed Conveniently though I have a mechanical warranty....

[greenday-rulz21 4]

I tried all 3 methods and none worked... SOOOooo... I rang Jerry Clayton and asked them. Basically you got it right Nick - it's method 1 BUT with one small addition - point the key at the f@#$ing rear vision mirror!!! Because its infrared it doesn't pick it up by pointing in random directions One downer though, only 3 of the doors lock/unlock. The drivers door does not work Not sure why. Anyways, thanks heaps Nick its a start. I'll take into BMW dealer and see what they say about the drivers door. Its door motor is probably f@#$ed Conveniently though I have a mechanical warranty....

Yea, As you said in post #5 the other light looking thing should be the infrared sender. They look the same as far as I remember. But I'm surprised that it didn't work without pointing it right at the rear vision mirror, usually it has some leniency.

I can be facing away from my dads 540 and press the button and it works, so that surprises me but I guess all cars are different.

Glad that info helped, good luck with that door.

Nick