1999 BMW 3 Series central locking fault!

Car: BMW 3 Series
Year: 1999
Variant: 318
Categories: Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
Hi there!
I have a BMW 318 where the remote central locking will not lock or unlock the car! All doors unlock and lock using the button on the centre console but no joy with the key buttons!

The battery to the car has been disconnected for some time now due to a fault but has now been replaced, the problem has only started since it was reconnected! The car starts fine and everything else works as it should, all fuses are ok too!

Would the ecu or remote locking module reset itself after so long without power thus needing re-programming??

Any ideas greatly appreciated!!
Posted: Jun 1, 2011 (12 years ago)
Try this method: 1. Turn key to position 1 five times quickly. 2. Remove key from ignition. 3. On the key, hold down the unlock button and at the same time, press the lock button three times. Then release the unlock button. Hope this is of some help and good luck. Let me know how you get on.
Posted Jun 1, 2011 (12 years ago)
Could try this ,

BMW 3-Series - Key Remote Programming

Three methods to try:

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.



Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.



Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

PLEASE NOTE: This programming procedure programs the remote control part of the key. Any transponder chip for the immobiliser (starting of car) will not be programmed and must be done by a specialist.

Posted Jun 1, 2011 (12 years ago)

This problem is archived

If you're having a similar problem please click below to re-post this problem, you can then customise it to suit your situation.

Join the community
Got a question? Can you answer other questions here? If so please...
More problems with the 1999 model year BMW 3 Series

We have 10 problems and solutions in our database for this model year of the car.

View all BMW 3 Series Problems