[BrutaL]

can bmw e46 keys be cross-programmed with other e46s?

 

[VpointVick]

can bmw e46 keys be cross-programmed with other e46s ?

The fobs can be paired to whatever car you like.

 

[MrMCar]

Just to add to the above.

Your key has two completely separate functions:

1) A alarm style remote that communicates to the car via an antenna and the GM5 module. For locking/unlocking the car.
2) The key has a chip in it that is locked into your EWS. This is the anti-theft portion of the key. Without such, the car will not start, or even crank over for that matter.
A new chipped key can be married to your car, however this is a much more complicated procedure whereas you use programming style tools to marry the key/EWS.

Insofar as the lock/unlock; Any similar frequency key can be initialized once the key is inserted and the correct sequence of button pushing is done. This enables the key to open/close the car.
This will not/does not complete any "handshake" with the EWS.

 

[BrutaL]

The fobs can be paired to whatever car you like.

So if i get into buddy's e46 I can insert a fob key and programmed it to his car. I can then gain entry into his car and steal his golf clubs when nobody's around☝

 

[VpointVick]

So if i get into buddy's e46 I can insert a fob key and programmed it to his car. I can then gain entry into his car and steal his golf clubs when nobody's around☝

I can't condone this, but yes.

 

[MrMCar]

So if i get into buddy's e46 I can insert a fob key and programmed it to his car. I can then gain entry into his car and steal his golf clubs when nobody's around☝

To exemplify your point:
I have a spare diamond key here. Whenever we suspect a non functioning key (door lock/unlock) we can sync the spare key to the car as a "first step" towards diagnosis.
That key stays sync'ed to that car until we do such again to another car.
Kapish?

 

[VpointVick]

So don't leave your golf clubs in your car for a while after Don works on it.

 

[TobyB]

I thought about cross- programming all our keys so that any one key could open all 3 cars.

but then my head started to hurt, so I didn't.

t
life is too complicated already

 

[VpointVick]

I thought about cross- programming all our keys so that any one key could open all 3 cars.

but then my head started to hurt, so I didn't.

t
life is too complicated already

Unless I'm mistaken pairing it with one car makes it forget that it was paired with whatever car it was previously paired with, so that wouldn't work.

 

[MrMCar]

I thought about cross- programming all our keys so that any one key could open all 3 cars.

but then my head started to hurt, so I didn't.

t
life is too complicated already

Toby walks out of house toward cars to go to work. Hits the button on his key and viola' 3 cars unlock....
Hmmm... which car to drive today.
Now... how do I lock those other two? Manually??

 

[BrutaL]

umm reason why bmw didnt put a damn keyhole on the passenger side?

 

[JPT]

umm reason why bmw didnt put a damn keyhole on the passenger side?

I'm sure it was a combination of saving money and a cleaner look. A lot of cars only have a keyhole for the drivers door and trunk only now. If you vehicle battery isn't powerful enough to unlock all doors, it isn't going to start.

 

[BrutaL]

dont we all wish bmw had thought of this "secret" key hole on the pass side of e46s

 

[JPT]

dont we all wish bmw had thought of this "secret" key hole on the pass side of e46s

I would have liked to see that clean look on the drivers door.

 

[VpointVick]

Can't say that I've ever missed not having a lock cylinder on the driver's side of this car. I've hardly used the one on the driver's side.

 

[TobyB]

Toby walks out of house toward cars to go to work. Hits the button on his key and viola' 3 cars unlock....
Hmmm... which car to drive today.
Now... how do I lock those other two? Manually??

See what I mean??? Brain implodes!

(secret answer- turns key to position 1, then hits lock button on key. Hopes signal is strong like bull)

t