Unlocking with new key fob, using only ignition key?

[braznuklz]

Hey all,
I bought a new key fob off Amazon, since I only have the ignition key and I don't want to prematurely wear out the unlock mechanism on the door every time I want to get into the car or lock it. I'm currently okay with just having this key fob unlock/lock remotely, and not being able to start the car, but I did buy the ak90 to program it when I get to that point.

I've searched around and only found one set of instructions on how to program only the unlocking functions, but it didn't work for me (put old key in ignition and turn to pos1 five times on and off, then remove key and on new key hold unlock and click lock 3 times).

Central locking works on the car, as whenever I lock from driver side, all locks lock.

98 1.9 z3

Any help and advice greatly appreciated! Would love to avoid the dealer fees and gain some knowledge at the same time.

 

[jaguartvr]

Are you sure that the key has it's "insides"/
A lot of aftermarket keys are bare inside.

 

[NZ00Z3]

This link may help: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?514318-BMW-Remote-Key-Re-Code-Instructions

 

[petecossie]

When I changed the casing on my badly worn OEM key I had to swap the inside components over. Main item was the little chip which “talks” to the ECU. Your new key won’t have a chip so cannot connect to the ECU.
The only way to get a key with a chip is via a dealer and that works out VERY expensive.
I think there have been some owners who have managed overcome this problem but don’t know which companies they have used. Maybe someone will come on here to help you out.

 

[braznuklz]

Are you sure that the key has it's "insides"/
A lot of aftermarket keys are bare inside.

I specifically ordered one off Amazon with the chip inside. Feels decently heavy, I have two e46 key fobs that feel about the same weight. I tried to pry it apart with a flathead but didn't make much progress. Could be there's no chip or battery, or batterys dead. Other than opening it up, I'm not sure how I'd figure that out. I'll keep trying though.

 

[braznuklz]

This link may help: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?514318-BMW-Remote-Key-Re-Code-Instructions

Tried that, couldn't get the doors to unlock and lock. Not sure if my alarm is disarmed either, as the red light on the tape player is still blinking after removing the key.

 

[braznuklz]

When I changed the casing on my badly worn OEM key I had to swap the inside components over. Main item was the little chip which “talks” to the ECU. Your new key won’t have a chip so cannot connect to the ECU.
The only way to get a key with a chip is via a dealer and that works out VERY expensive.
I think there have been some owners who have managed overcome this problem but don’t know which companies they have used. Maybe someone will come on here to help you out.

In one of the reviews on the key I bought, the person took a chip out of the key they bought. Is this a different chip from what's required? It sounds like the key can unlock/lock but not start the car.

For reference, here's the key

https://a.co/d/iEQiS5o

 

[braznuklz]

Was able to use the key I bought to unlock and lock my e46 using the pos2 > remove key > hold arrow and tap bmw logo 3 times. So I know there's a battery and remote in there. Not sure why it isn't working with the z3 though. I feel like the fact it's only an ignition key shouldn't stop the cycle from occuring.

 

[colb]

There are three methods to sync a key(s) to thje car, old post with instructions here

Central locking not working

Hi everyone, I have just bought a 2001 Z3 and the central locking isn’t working. When I put the key in to lock the driver door it’s the only one that locks. The boot and passenger door have to be locked individually too. I have checked the wires in the boot as some posts have suggested but all...

zroadster.org

Take note that each key you have with CL locking has to be synced immediately after each other so they all work.

 

[TriumphZ3]

This is going to seem like a really silly question but: do you have remote central locking? My 1998 1.9 doesn't (along with a whole host of other things, which in some strange way makes me happy!) Apologies if you know you have it, but mine just unlocks all three locks with the key from any lock, no remote function that I've ever been aware of.

 

[Ianmc]

This is going to seem like a really silly question but: do you have remote central locking?

I believe all Z3s had central locking activated by keys. The remote was a dealer fit option on early cars at least.

 

[Duncodin]

This is going to seem like a really silly question but: do you have remote central locking? My 1998 1.9 doesn't (along with a whole host of other things, which in some strange way makes me happy!) Apologies if you know you have it, but mine just unlocks all three locks with the key from any lock, no remote function that I've ever been aware of.

Not sure if this helps.
My car is 1.9 March 1999 i have remote central locking buttons on the ignition keys. Also a couple of keys with no buttons and, for some reason, a black plastic key whatever that's for I don't know.

 

[t-tony]

The black plastic key is the Valet key IIRC and doesn't unlock all the locks?

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

The black plastic key is the Valet key IIRC and doesn't unlock all the locks?

Tony.

OMG. My valet is itching for a jolly good thrashing for not using the correct key. Tsk. Just can't get the staff.

 

[TriumphZ3]

Not sure if this helps.
My car is 1.9 March 1999 i have remote central locking buttons on the ignition keys. Also a couple of keys with no buttons and, for some reason, a black plastic key whatever that's for I don't know.

It was just a thought; if you have the buttons then cancel my last!! When I bought my first Z3 last August it came with three basic keys, and the owner assured me he'd lost the remote fobs. When I enquired about replacements through BMW they checked the computer and told me I didn't have remote locking at all in the first place...