Another keyfob activation thread. I've tried everything!

Der_Wolf · 02-19-2019, 02:05 PM

Hi everyone,

So I had a replacement fob sent to me from BMW (cut key, used my vin number, etc). I cannot, for the life of me, get this thing to activate in my car.

I've tried the following:

Without the original key fob present in the car
1) unlock the door
2) put the fob perpendicular with the small tip

touching the wheel (as well as laying it flat in both directions)
3) put foot on the brake and hold down the ignition until the message about not having a key fob present disappears

With the original key fob present in the car:
same 2 steps as above
3) put foot on the brake and start the car. The car turns on like normal in this case, but there is no recognition or mention of a new key fob being present in the vehicle. Once I turn the car off and try the new fob, it doesn't work.

What steps could I possibly be missing? What else can I do sans paying BMW the hourly rate to activate it? Which by the way, I was quoted at $50 an hour and it can range anywhere from 1-24 hours by my dealership...

Thank you!

EDIT: SOLVED - Post #8

jailonacs99 · 02-19-2019, 02:59 PM

This thread has the process that worked for a few of us. Try it with the working key far enough away that the car can't sense it. 20+ feet.

Programming a new key? https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1415023

kevolution · 02-19-2019, 04:11 PM

I believe original key fob present in the car won't work. I did this with my car not too long ago, literally took 5 minutes. I just threw the original key fob in the garage far enough that car wouldn't sense it and got into the car with the new fob and held it perpendicular to the steering column where the key sign was (small tip touching). I think there's a YouTube video that shows it being done that I followed.

Dealerships also gave me mixed information about how to program the new keyfob but they wanted to charge me $500+ to get both the key and it installed. Instead I got the spare key for ~$330 through parts department with M Gruppe discount and ended up doing it myself for free.

Good luck!

Jojipoji · 02-19-2019, 08:08 PM

I had to pay for programming at the dealer because I had comfort access for my new key.

trackymbf82 · 02-19-2019, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

I had to pay for programming at the dealer because I had comfort access for my new key.

Me too

jailonacs99 · 02-19-2019, 08:23 PM

Not sure what you guys mean. I have comfort access; my key was dealer ordered and cut, but they never programmed it for my car. Took me a while but it eventually worked.

Jojipoji · 02-19-2019, 08:29 PM

I lost my key, ordered a new one. We tried programming it, every which way. Had my parts guy even try. Finally talked to a tech and he said with comfort access, you have to program the key and had to pay them to program it with a tool. Something about profiles memorized to each key etc. paid $80.

Der_Wolf · 02-20-2019, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the help guys! I got it sorted out. I originally didn't have my working key fob far enough away from the car (even though the engine would not start still). After I put it in my basement and tried the steps again it started right up! Likewise, comfort access works perfectly with this method as well. I see a few of you guys couldn't get it to work but I havent had any issues so far.

Thanks again!

02-19-2019, 02:05 PM	#1
Der_Wolf Lieutenant 888 Rep 574 Posts Drives: 2021 G82 Comp Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	Another keyfob activation thread. I've tried everything! Hi everyone, So I had a replacement fob sent to me from BMW (cut key, used my vin number, etc). I cannot, for the life of me, get this thing to activate in my car. I've tried the following: Without the original key fob present in the car 1) unlock the door 2) put the fob perpendicular with the small tip touching the wheel (as well as laying it flat in both directions) 3) put foot on the brake and hold down the ignition until the message about not having a key fob present disappears With the original key fob present in the car: same 2 steps as above 3) put foot on the brake and start the car. The car turns on like normal in this case, but there is no recognition or mention of a new key fob being present in the vehicle. Once I turn the car off and try the new fob, it doesn't work. What steps could I possibly be missing? What else can I do sans paying BMW the hourly rate to activate it? Which by the way, I was quoted at $50 an hour and it can range anywhere from 1-24 hours by my dealership... Thank you! EDIT: SOLVED - Post #8 Last edited by Der_Wolf; 02-20-2019 at 08:51 AM..
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02-19-2019, 02:59 PM	#2
jailonacs99 Captain 484 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 xDrive Competition Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW M4 MxDrive ... [0.00]	This thread has the process that worked for a few of us. Try it with the working key far enough away that the car can't sense it. 20+ feet. Programming a new key? https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1415023
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02-19-2019, 04:11 PM	#3
kevolution Enlisted Member 14 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 BMW M3 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	I believe original key fob present in the car won't work. I did this with my car not too long ago, literally took 5 minutes. I just threw the original key fob in the garage far enough that car wouldn't sense it and got into the car with the new fob and held it perpendicular to the steering column where the key sign was (small tip touching). I think there's a YouTube video that shows it being done that I followed. Dealerships also gave me mixed information about how to program the new keyfob but they wanted to charge me $500+ to get both the key and it installed. Instead I got the spare key for ~$330 through parts department with M Gruppe discount and ended up doing it myself for free. Good luck!
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02-19-2019, 08:08 PM	#4
Jojipoji First Lieutenant 139 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 16 m3/15 gtr Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Avon CT iTrader: (0)	I had to pay for programming at the dealer because I had comfort access for my new key.
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02-19-2019, 08:23 PM	#6
jailonacs99 Captain 484 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 xDrive Competition Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW M4 MxDrive ... [0.00]	Not sure what you guys mean. I have comfort access; my key was dealer ordered and cut, but they never programmed it for my car. Took me a while but it eventually worked.
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02-19-2019, 08:29 PM	#7
Jojipoji First Lieutenant 139 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 16 m3/15 gtr Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Avon CT iTrader: (0)	I lost my key, ordered a new one. We tried programming it, every which way. Had my parts guy even try. Finally talked to a tech and he said with comfort access, you have to program the key and had to pay them to program it with a tool. Something about profiles memorized to each key etc. paid $80.
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02-20-2019, 08:49 AM	#8
Der_Wolf Lieutenant 888 Rep 574 Posts Drives: 2021 G82 Comp Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the help guys! I got it sorted out. I originally didn't have my working key fob far enough away from the car (even though the engine would not start still). After I put it in my basement and tried the steps again it started right up! Likewise, comfort access works perfectly with this method as well. I see a few of you guys couldn't get it to work but I havent had any issues so far. Thanks again!
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