Key problem

[Low Rider]

Hi All
I'm new to this site and to owning a Z3 and hoping you are able to help with a problem I have with my remote key.
I have reprogrammed the key which has allowed me to unlock the car remotely but I can't lock the car remotely. I purchased a new remote key programmed and again I can unlock but not lock the car.
Both keys will lock the car manually.

As a group I'm sure you will be able to help

 

[tartufo]

Does the central locking work? By this I mean, when you put the key in the lock and turn it to lock, do all of the locks get locked? Similarly, when you push down the lock button inside, does that lock the other door and the hatch?

Have you checked all the fuses in the fuse box in the engine compartment, all fuses labeled in the descriptions as related to central locking and to remote/keyless entry?

One last issue is that there was more than one OEM keyless entry system installed in Z3s during the car's run. Most or all of them had extremely complicated and arcane instructions for programming the remote fobs and keys. If I am recalling correctly, on at least one of these systems you have to program EACH button you want to use, not just one button on each remote. It could be that you have programmed unlocking on the remotes, but not locking.

You can search the internet and various forums for instructions on programming Z3/E36 remote fobs. There are multiple instructions and a lot of them are incorrect, unfortunately. Being as I never succeeded in programming any fobs, in fact I am in the process with my M coupe of replacing the old OEM Alpine system with an aftermarket one, I can't tell you which set of instructions for which systems actually work

Good luck!

ken

 

[GazHyde]

I purchased a new remote key programmed and again I can unlock but not lock the car.

Was they key coded to the car by BMW?

 

[Low Rider]

Thanks guys for your reply. Puting the key in the door lock will lock the doors and boot as it will open all. but it will only unlock remotely and NOT lock remotely. After purchasing the new key from the BMW dealer I programmed both the new and old key at the same time.
regards
steve

 

[Low Rider]

I meant to say my brother purchased a new key for his Z3 which I programmed both new and old keys and theyboth worked fine. So I'm guessing the problem is with car. !

 

[tartufo]

From what you are saying it is most probably either a programming problem with the remotes (in the case of at least one of the OEM systems needing each button of the fobs programmed) or there is a problem with the remote keyless entry module that is plugged into the prewired BMW security system/keyless entry port behind the dash. I'd imagine it could much less likely be a problem with the wiring from the keyless/alarm port, however this wire does not get flexed repeatedly so there is little reason for it to break.

If the central locking system itself works, and the problem is only with the remote entry, then the problem is "upstream" of the wiring passing into the doors and hatch, and presumably also of the GM IV module/brainboard in your car that controls central locking.

If you had access to either a spare OEM or aftermarket keyless entry system module, you could test this, which would entail removing the glovebox to get at the remote keyless/alarm module.

Good luck, from someone also struggling with these issues but in my case central locking is not working.