Evanmac30 wrote

I recently lost one set of keys for my 2023 X3.

I am looking to order a new fob and the dealer is asking for ~$600cad for the key and $300 for labour of programing the key to the car.

Is it possible to program the key myself and save the 300$? Any instructions how to do so?

Qsilver7 wrote

This situation is often misunderstood/misconstrued.

If you order a key for your BMW from your local or any BMW dealership…and you used your VIN to order the new key (remote fob/etc)…it comes already with the correct encryption to start your car, and the metal keyblade inside the fob should match your existing lock cylinders (in the drivers door and the interior lock cylinder for the glove box or center console…or whatever interior lock situation your BMW has).

Programming. This is what usually confuses owners. Programming entails REMOVING/BLOCKING the lost/stolen/missing/damaged key from being able to start your car and on newer BMWs with Comfort Access…blocks it from being able to unlock the car remotely. If you feel that the key was lost and no one who could find it would know which or to whose BMW it belonged…well, you could forgo this programming and save some $$$.

To get the new remote fob to communicate with your car…simply remove the existing (OLD) remote from the presence of the car (so that it can’t communicate with the vehicle)…then proceed to start the car by pressing on the brake and the START button…except you need to hold the new remote next to the icon on the steering wheel.

Doing the above is the same procedure used for emergency starting when the fob has lost communication with the CAS/BDC/FEM/DME control modules (based on which of those modules your car has).

So basically use the emergency start procedure as outlined in your OWNERS MANUAL to get a new remote fob to communicate with your BMW. There’s also a built in owners [...]

Well Done !
You Definitely deserves an appreciation.
This is exactly what I did with the replacement fob I bought from BimmerTech last year. The fob should already be programmed to your Vin # and all you should have to do is what Qsilver7 has explained. The only extra that would have been charged by them for the fob I bought would have been to cut the blade in it to fit the lock cylinders on the car . I used mine for the remote start kit and didn’t need for the blade to be cut.

X3rd Time Is a Charm wrote

You Definitely deserves an appreciation.
This is exactly what I did with the replacement fob I bought from BimmerTech last year. The fob should already be programmed to your Vin # and all you should have to do is what Qsilver7 has explained. The only extra that would have been charged by them for the fob I bought would have been to cut the blade in it to fit the lock cylinders on the car . I used mine for the remote start kit and didn’t need for the blade to be cut.

SpencerPJ wrote  

I would call a local locksmith, and ask. Some are much better than others.

Qsilver7 wrote

Just curious...if you call a locksmith...how do they retrieve the 128-bit encryption from a 2023 X3's modules that are VIN specific in order to rewrite that info to a new transponder chip for your new remote?

Even if a locksmith can cut a mechanical key blade to open the driver's door...it won't be able to start the vehicle without the 128-bit encryption key that will communicate with the modules that start your car.

Qsilver7 wrote

This situation is often misunderstood/misconstrued.

If you order a key for your BMW from your local or any BMW dealership…and you used your VIN to order the new key (remote fob/etc)…it comes already with the correct encryption to start your car, and the metal keyblade inside the fob should match your existing lock cylinders (in the drivers door and the interior lock cylinder for the glove box or center console…or whatever interior lock situation your BMW has).

Programming. This is what usually confuses owners. Programming entails REMOVING/BLOCKING the lost/stolen/missing/damaged key from being able to start your car and on newer BMWs with Comfort Access…blocks it from being able to unlock the car remotely. If you feel that the key was lost and no one who could find it would know which or to whose BMW it belonged…well, you could forgo this programming and save some $$$.

To get the new remote fob to communicate with your car…simply remove the existing (OLD) remote from the presence of the car (so that it can’t communicate with the vehicle)…then proceed to start the car by pressing on the brake and the START button…except you need to hold the new remote next to the icon on the steering wheel.

Doing the above is the same procedure used for emergency starting when the fob has lost communication with the CAS/BDC/FEM/DME control modules (based on which of those modules your car has).

So basically use the emergency start procedure as outlined in your OWNERS MANUAL to get a new remote fob to communicate with your BMW. There’s also a built in owners manual in iDrive…so if you don’t feel like pulling out the paperback version…use the digital one that has a big screen sitting in the middle of your dash.

See the info below in the paragraphs about the RING AERIAL…and do the same thing for a NEW remote that’s been ordered from BMW because it will have the correct 128-bit encryption that matches the modules already in your car. THIS WILL NOT WORK for a used remote or blank remote purchased off the internet or some other used BMW remote that has the encryption from its original BMW that rolled off the assembly line.

Evanmac30 wrote

Thank you, this makes so much sense. Essentially they key will come working for my car and the only programing needed is to remove the other key. I lost the key over a month ago so probably okay without it being removed, but might just get it done for peace of mind


And yes same dealership I purchased from. I'm very dissatisfied with the service and likely wouldn't return.