Keyless Entry Troubles

Rxgs

Newbie
Joined
Jul 14, 2020
Points
2
So I have a 2001 Z3 roadster. When I purchased it, neither keyfob worked. I did the programming process (Insert key, turn, turn off, press unlock while pressing lock 3 times). The red light blinks, then stops.

First problem is, it will only let me program one key at a time. Not huge, but kind of a pain. I tried doing one after another, but no change.

Second problem is, the key that does work, only unlock button works. Neither the lock button nor the trunk button work. If I press the key button, the red light blinks, but nothing happens.

I checked the wiring loom in the trunk, and everything looks good. Also, central locking for both doors, trunk, and gas tank cover, all work properly. Both keys have new batteries as well.

Any input would be much appreciated.
 

Geoff Crispin

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Points
145
Location
Somerset
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & 3.0 sport
Could be a door actuator in the boot, one side of it prob ably not working or the one in passenger door you will need to check the circuts Geoff
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.0i (2007)
Have you tried all three methods of syncing the keys if one methos fails try the other sequences as follows

BMW - Key Remote Programming

Three methods to try:

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.



Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.



Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.
 

Rxgs

Newbie
Joined
Jul 14, 2020
Points
2
So, I’ll get to the programming issue at some point, but the keyless entry all works. It helped to figure out the “trunk button” wasn’t really for the trunk, and once I found the automatic light wasn’t turning off on its, own, was easy.

I tried playing with the light, oddly enough in the automatic mode, it would not turn off.

Did a quick search of the forums, the black tab in the lock mechanism attached to the body of the was jammed/dirty. So sprayed some electrical cleaner, got the tab to move back and forth, not only does the keyless entry work, so does the automatic light
 

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Geoff Crispin

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Points
145
Location
Somerset
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & 3.0 sport
So, I’ll get to the programming issue at some point, but the keyless entry all works. It helped to figure out the “trunk button” wasn’t really for the trunk, and once I found the automatic light wasn’t turning off on its, own, was easy.

I tried playing with the light, oddly enough in the automatic mode, it would not turn off.

Did a quick search of the forums, the black tab in the lock mechanism attached to the body of the was jammed/dirty. So sprayed some electrical cleaner, got the tab to move back and forth, not only does the keyless entry work, so does the automatic light
Glad that you have got it sorted. Geoff
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.0i (2007)
So you sussed that the top button was not the boot opener, its the interior light, should have spotted that in your post but flipping between Z3 and Z4 threads didn't cotton on to that bit as I have both Z3 and Z4 and the Z4 has the boot opening button on its keys. Good spot finding that switch in the door latch was sticking, may well give mine a squirt of contact cleaner next time I am out in the garage.
 
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