How to Program Key Fob in a BMW 3 Series

Eliminate the hassle of an unprogrammed key fob with our expert tips. From basic programming to more advanced features, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive article. Try out the steps below on your BMW 3 Series fob. 

2011 – 2023 Models

1. Close all car doors.
2. Insert the working key fob into the ignition slot and turn it to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the key fob back to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.
4. Within 30 seconds of turning off the ignition and removing the working key fob, press and hold the “Unlock” button on the working key fob.
5. While holding the “Unlock” button, press the “Lock” button three times in quick succession, then release both buttons simultaneously. The doors should now lock and unlock, indicating that the car is in programming mode.
6. Quickly press the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously on the new key fob you want to program. Hold these buttons for about 2-3 seconds until you hear the doors lock and unlock again, confirming successful programming. 
7. If you have more key fobs to program, repeat the steps within 30 seconds after completing the programming for the previous key fob.
8. Once you have programmed all the key fobs, insert the working key fob into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position again.
9. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn the key fob back to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition.

2004 – 2010 Models

1. Sit in the driver’s seat and close all doors and windows.
2. Insert the working key fob into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Don’t start the engine.
3. Press and hold the “Lock” button on the working key fob for about 5 seconds.
4. While holding the “Lock” button, remove the working key fob from the ignition, but don’t release the “Lock” button.
5. Press and hold the “Unlock” button on the same working key fob while holding the “Lock” button.
6. After a few seconds, release both the “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons simultaneously. This should put the car into programming mode. You might hear a sound or see a visual indication on the dashboard.
7. Take the new key fob you want to program and press any button on it (e.g., “Lock” or “Unlock”). This should sync the new key fob with the car.
8. If you have multiple key fobs to program, repeat the above steps for each additional key fob.
9. To exit the programming mode, either insert the working key fob into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position or wait for about 30 seconds. The car should exit the programming mode automatically.

1997 – 2003 Models

1. Enter your BMW and close all doors and windows.
2. Insert the original key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. Wait for about 5 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position.
4. Quickly remove the original key from the ignition.
5. Within 30 seconds, hold down the “Unlock” button on the original key fob while pressing the “Lock” button three times.
6. Release both buttons simultaneously. This should put the car into programming mode.
7. Take the new key fob and press any button within 10 seconds of entering programming mode.
8. You should hear a confirmation sound indicating that the programming was successful.
9. Turn the ignition back to the “ON” position to end the programming mode.

Can a BMW dealership program a key fob for me?

Yes, a BMW dealership can program a key fob for you. In fact, a dealership is one of the best options for programming a key fob for a BMW 3 Series. They have the expertise and equipment to program key fobs for BMW vehicles. You can find a local dealership by visiting the BMW website or searching online.