BMW E46 99 323i Key FOB Programming??

I own a 1999 323i. Recently the battery on my key remote apparently went completely dead. None of the functions work, however they once did. I proceeded to install a fresh battery in the remote. Currently the indicator light flashes when buttons are pressed, indicating that the battery is fresh, however I can't get any of the controls to work. I have tried the standard programming instructions as listed throughout the web: Turn ignition on (or to position 2), turn off and remove (all within 10 second), press and hold the unlock button, press lock button three times, release the unlock button. After completing this, my remote indicator light begins to flash repeatedly on its own as if it is trying to do something, however the car never lock/unlocks and afterwards the controls still do not work.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm completely stumped on this one. My key on the 99 323i looks a little bit different than some other newer E46 keys, so the programming instructions might be a little different than on some?

Go to the dealer - as good faith they should be able to reprogram your key properly at no charge.

If you have another working key, your new key can learn the codes from it - do a search on the forum for that too...

I only have one key that has the remote functions. The second key that I have is only an ignition key.

When I try to program mine like the manual says it just flashes a total of 10 times.

It lost all functions ever since the guy at the alignment shop fuctup my alarm, when trying to get in.
Every since then my car starts beeping as soon as I open the door and doesn't stop until put the key in and turn it. It never did that before. Also my aftermarket alarm has been super sensitive since.

wow im glad i found this post.... i had been doing it all wrong the stealers told me to press the lock and unlock buttons while it was in the number 2 position and to do it all within 5 seconds

Well, I can program mine, and it will accept the code, and ill lock it up and walk away, but if I drive down the road for 10 minutes and try again, it loses the code again. I've been locking my car manually by turn key lately, because I'm still not sure if my alarm is ok yet, even tho I cleared ALL error codes withing the dash, zkw, and all that with my carsoft.

But the key still won't retain the code/program.

Originally Posted by snikwad

Well, I can program mine, and it will accept the code, and ill lock it up and walk away, but if I drive down the road for 10 minutes and try again, it loses the code again. I've been locking my car manually by turn key lately, because I'm still not sure if my alarm is ok yet, even tho I cleared ALL error codes withing the dash, zkw, and all that with my carsoft.

But the key still won't retain the code/program.

Seriously I would double check the quality of the button cell battery you bought for your key.. I had a very similar problem and it was due to the shop I got my "new" battery from.. it was so old it was as bad as the old battery that I had taken out. Buy a GOOD battery from a GOOD retailer

i see, ill look into that. yesterday it worked almost the whole damn day, and then stopped. im like WTF

my manual says the keys charge themselves off the car

Originally Posted by WRF Captain

my manual says the keys charge themselves off the car

99 doesn't, only the newer style keys do that.

Originally Posted by willsbma

99 doesn't, only the newer style keys do that.

ah, didnt know that, bought a new bettery from the stealership, so far so good.

can someone verify the process for re-programming the key with the older style key (1999 car).

like the OP, I'm trying to do it the same way I do on my 2001, but it's not working. I searched and sifted through over twenty threads but they all reference the newer Diamond style key.

Again, looking for the re-programming process for the older key for my 1999 328.


Thanks.