I bought a 95 740i but the key only works in ignition and in the trunk. I can not unlock the car or diarm the alarm using the key.

I called up the dealer and they want about $200+ to reprogram my key.

what is the deal with the key? Why does it work in the ignition but not the door? Why cant I arm or diarm the alram with it?

Can some one explain how the BMW Key works? Is there any way I can program it through third party for less than dealer cost?

Thanks in advance

... I can not unlock the car or diarm the alarm using the key.

I called up the dealer and they want about $200+ to reprogram my key.

Can some one explain how the BMW Key works? Is there any way I can program it through third party for less than dealer cost?

Thanks in advance

Are you saying that when you manually insert the key into the door lock cylinder, it won't lock/unlock the door?

Here's the instructions that were in my owners manual on how to re-initialize a key...make sure you follow the instructions to the tee. If you turn the ignition to POSITION 2...the process WON'T work. Also make sure the door is closed.

Also make sure that the key's battery isn't dead...see the instructions below on how to open the key to replace the battery. You should CHECK the battery size first BEFORE you bu them...the 1995 remote may use two batteries that are a different size than the one battery listed in the instructions below from my 97 e38.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_140_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_139_full.jpg

Are you saying that when you manually insert the key into the door lock cylinder, it won't lock/unlock the door?



yes, when I enter the key in the door lock it turns but the door does not open. The only way to open the door is to use the same key in the truck lock.

yes, when I enter the key in the door lock it turns but the door does not open. The only way to open the door is to use the same key in the truck lock.

When the key turns does the lock button inside pop up and drop back down as soon as you let go of the key? The reason I ask is that it almost sounds like its an issue with the lock mechanism in the door and not the key. Does the keyless entry work at all?

When the key turns does the lock button inside pop up and drop back down as soon as you let go of the key? The reason I ask is that it almost sounds like its an issue with the lock mechanism in the door and not the key. Does the keyless entry work at all?

as I turn the key nothing happens. Nothing pops up or goes down. the Remote functions dont work either.

There are two positions for the key in the door, the first position is for the electronic locking, which you say doesn't work. If you turn the key another 15 degrees in the unlock position it will manually unlock the door. You can do the same for locking it too.

I have followed the instruction to reinitilize the key with no luck. I tried to turn the key another 15 degree to lock or unlock with no success.

What else can I do?

Seems to be a good day today. I finaly got the remote key to work. The trick is to hold the key over your left shoulder.

Now the remote function works but the key still does not work in the door lock. I guess I have to assume the lock is physically damaged.

I don't know about the key for your year car....on later cars, one needs to drive the car to recharge the battery inside the remote. Do you have a battery in your remote, or does it recharge when you drive the car?

The range of these remotes is quite limited. If I just point the remote at the car from 25 feet away, it does nothing, but if I touch the tip of the key to my cheek and press the button, the car will respond as far away as 150 feet or more. Makes your body act like an antenna. Try it....you'll be surprised.

jake