E36 key fob programming

[qube 3570]

Ive got a E36 with the old rubber 2 button fob like this:

Battery was dead so replaced it but couldn’t get it programmed to the car to lock/unlock.

I used this guide (for the 3 button key)

https://bmw-key-replacement.com/bmw-key-programming-free-guide/bmw-remote-key-fob-programming-guide-instructions-for-bmw-rubber-key/

basically what happens after I hold the unlock and press lock 3 times is the red led flashes 10 times then nothing happens. it should lock and unlock the car to signal that it is complete.

Any help appreciated.

 

[NZ00Z3 187]

Been there, done that.  Does not work. Very frustrating.

You need the Infra Red programming instructions.  Attached.

Infra-red key reprogamming instructions.pdf

[qube 3570]

will give it a go tonight!

[Sammo 2544]

@qube You have an E36?

 

Have same IR key on my E46, hate it, looking to upgrade to the RF one...

[qube 3570]

I do now..

[NZ00Z3 187]

The E46 conversion to RF is straight forward and well documented.  https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-e46-retrofit-infrared-to-radio-frequency-remote-control.1047612/

Not sure about the E36 conversion?

[Gaz 1060]

When its flashing, press the lock button again by itself. It should then lock/unlock to confirm 

[Sammo 2544]

28 minutes ago, qube said:

I do now..

Spill the beans haha

You have you RMVT license yet?

[qube 3570]

just a cheap project 318ti compact car for me and my old man to fix up. 

[treone 648]

2 hours ago, Gaz said:

When its flashing, press the lock button again by itself. It should then lock/unlock to confirm 

Having the same issue with initializing a remote too, so will give this a go!

[qube 3570]

On 3/16/2021 at 12:31 PM, Gaz said:

When its flashing, press the lock button again by itself. It should then lock/unlock to confirm 

This worked. 
legend. 
 

just to summarize:

open door, get in and close door

turn key on and off once (second click just before starting the engine)

hold square and press O three times then let go of square

point at rear view mirror and press O once

doors automatically lock then unlock and its complete 

 

thanks guys!

 

[treone 648]

Glad you got it to work @qube!

I gave it a go and no joy - anyone got any other suggestions?

Oh, BTW mine is an E31 with the 3 button remote. I have fresh batteries in the remote but it just wont 'pair' to the car ☹️. Cheers! 

[qube 3570]

^ does your red light flash if u press a button?

i changed the battery twice and it didn’t flash, went and bought another new battery then it finally flashed.

I must have got a bad battery or something.

this is important before doing any of the procedures.

 

[treone 648]

Yup i get the flashing red light post changing batteries. I’ve tried both ways but no luck. Read on other forums that it could be a safety connection in bonnet or boot that may not be engaging when closed, thereby creating an open circuit? But have no idea how to check this

[NZ00Z3 187]

For E36's and E46's I use INPA to fault find the central locking.   You can see door contacts,  bonnet/hood contacts and watch the action of the central locking as it works.  This is all in the General module (ZKE).  Plus you can "activate" the remote locking as if the key button had been pushed.  Think you can even see the key button being pushed.  Helps to check that the key is actually synch-ed to the car and if the problem is in the central locking or not.

 

Not sure if this applies to the E31, haven't had  a play with one yet.

[treone 648]

^thanks!
 

Looks like i will need to dig deeper. I will keep doing it the old school way for now - use the key in the door to lock/unlock haha 😁