BMW remote transmitter programming insctruction

Remote control transmitter programming procedure for BMW "Rubber" key

These instruction are suitable for BMW E46, E38, E39, X3, X5 and other models produced to about 1999. No tools required.

After renewing the transmitter battery, the infrared transmitter must be initialised (unless renewing takes less than one minute and none of the buttons is presed). The same applies if a new transmitter has ben obtained e.g. to replace a faulty one.

This procedure is for the remote keyless entry only and has nothing to do with the ability to start the engine.

Step-by-Step procedure

  1. Enter the vehicle, close all doors and insert the key into the ignition switch.
  2. Switch the ignition lock briefly to ignition lock position 1 and switch OFF again. The switching time must remain under 5 seconds.
  3. Remove the key from ignition switch.
  4. Press button #1 and hold in. Still pressing button #1 - press button #2 three times.
  5. Relase button #1.

LED 3 will flash slowly for a maximum of 10 seconds. The central locking system activates and relases all lock mechanisms in rapid succession to indicate that initialization procedure has been successfully completed.

If the LED does not flash or the central locking system fails to respond, you must repeat the initialization procedure. If you possess additional transmitters for you vehicle (up to a maximum of 4 units) you must now initialize these as well. Be sure that no more than 30 seconds is allowed to elapse between the individual initialization procedures. Do not actuate the steering lock during this time.

Additional notes

PN of remote control transmitters: 51218372844, 51218363432, 51218362276 (and similar)

Remote control transmitter programming guide for BMW "Diamond" key

These instruction are suitable for BMW E60, E61, E63, E70 X5, E71/E72 X6 and other models produced from about 1999/2000. No tools required.

This procedure is for the remote keyless entry only and has nothing to do with the ability to start the engine.

Step-by-Step procedure

  • You must initiate the central locking system first: Insert key into driver’s door lock and open central locking system using the car key.
  • Get into the car, close all doors and insert the key into the Ignition Switch.
  • Using the car key, switch the ignition lock briefly to ignition lock position 1 and switch OFF again. The switching time must remain under 5 seconds, otherwise the system will not ready for initialization. You must turn switch position 1 (not position 2)
  • Remove the key from ignition switch, press button #1 (BMW logo) and hold in. Still pressing button #1 - press button #2 three times.
  • Relase button #1.

The central locking system should activates and relases all lock mechanisms in rapid succession to indicate that initialization procedure has been successfully completed.

If the ZV (Central Locking) does not send a return signal, initialization bust be restarted. Once the first initialization process has been completed, another three radio transmitters can be initialized. For every radio transmitter, the procedure described under 4 above must be repeated within 30 seconds, otherwise initialization stand-by is switched off. During initialization, all other existing radio transmitters must be initialized. The ignition lock must never be reactivated during the initialization process. If this were to hapen, then all radio transmitters would have to be re-initialized.

If you have any additional remote keys - you start their programming on STEP 4. Do not insert any additional remote key into the ignition switch (if you do, the 1st key will lose it's programming)

Additional notes

PN of remote control transmitters: 6933008, 66126933008, 61316931666, 61316920978, 66122296932 (and similar)

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