How to Program a BMW Key

If you’ve recently purchased a new BMW vehicle for your Corona commutes, you’re probably eager to start enjoying the convenience of keyless entry with the BMW key fob. If you’re new to BMW vehicles and need to know how to program a BMW key in order to get started, you’ve come to the right place! There are two basic methods for programming the BMW key fob – one to follow when you already have a programmed key but need to set up additional keys, and one to follow when you’re starting fresh without a programmed key. Explore the details of how to program a BMW key with BMW of Murrieta, below!

Programming an Additional BMW Key Fob

If you already have a programmed BMW key fob and need to program additional keys, follow these simple steps:

1. Take the programmed BMW key fob and the additional keys you wish to program into the car with you, ensuring all doors and windows are shut.
2. Put the programmed key into the ignition, and turn it to position 1. Upon doing so, the dash lights and accessories should illuminate and turn on.
3. Turn the key back and remove it from the ignition.
4. On the programmed key, hold down the unlock button while simultaneously pressing the lock button (the BMW logo) three times, then release the unlock button. Your car doors should automatically lock and unlock.
5. On the next BMW key fob you wish to program, press and hold the unlock button while pressing the lock button three times, then release the unlock button. Your doors should lock and unlock on their own again, signaling that the programming was successful.

How to Program a BMW Key From Scratch

If you are starting fresh with a new BMW key fob or if BMW key reprogramming is required for your current key, we can help. Follow along with these simple instructions if you need to program a BMW key fob for the first time at home in Riverside:

1. Insert the key into the ignition, turning it to position 1 and back toward yourself rapidly five times.
2. Fully remove the key from the ignition.
3. Press and hold the unlock button while simultaneously pressing the lock button (the BMW logo) three times, then release the unlock button.
4. If you wish to program more than one BMW key fob while you’re at it, you’ll need to repeat step three with the additional key(s) within 30 seconds of programming the first key.
5. Complete the process by turning the key in the ignition all the way to the on position.

BMW Key Fob Replacement

We’ve covered the steps for BMW key reprogramming and programming an additional key, but what if you’ve lost your key fob altogether? In this case, you’ll need to get a BMW key fob replacement, and the best place to get one is at a BMW parts center like the one at BMW of Murrieta. Here, we will ensure you’re getting a genuine OEM BMW key fob that will work seamlessly with your vehicle.

Do You Need a New BMW Key Battery?

If your BMW key fob isn’t working or only works within a very close range of your vehicle, it’s likely that you need a new BMW key battery. Like most key fobs, the BMW key fob requires a CR2032 battery, which can be purchased online or at most chain retailers around Riverside.

Visit BMW of Murrieta for Additional Help

The step-by-step instructions we covered today will work for the vast majority of new BMW models. However, select models may have slightly different BMW key programmer methods. If you run into any issues with your BMW Smart Key programming, the service experts at BMW of Murrieta are always here to help. We’re conveniently located near Ontario, and we’d be happy to walk you through the BMW key programming process in person. If it turns out you need a BMW key fob replacement or a new BMW key battery, we can help you place an order.

Have lingering questions in the meantime or need information on other BMW topics, like BMW ConnectedDrive, updating BMW software, or the proper BMW tire pressure? Don’t hesitate to contact us!