Hi all, Hoping someone can give me a quick 'how-to' fix on this. Got a 2004 Z4 and recently bought a second proper key off BMW dealer. Anyone know how I can code it to unlock the car? Tried following various youtube guides. Problem is, if I code the new key to work, then the old one in my other pocket seems to stop working. Solution I'm looking for is how to code both keys to work, rather than one negating the other. Hope that makes sense. Obvious answers (Don't let anyone else drive it, throw away the other key. Take it back to dealer, look like total idiot) both discounted already unfortunately due to life and stubborness. Cheers!
Key Coding - help!
- Thread starter DanG
- Start date
Get in the car and close the door.
Ignition on then off and key out. Hold down lock button then press unlock button 3 times before releasing lock button.
After you have paired all of the keys you have, and you need all of them at the time as any that aren't paired, will no longer work - THEN you MUST turn the ignition on for less than 4 seconds and then off, to tell the car that the procedure is finished. This needs to be done within 60 seconds of pairing the last key and BEFORE opening the door.
Ignition on then off and key out. Hold down lock button then press unlock button 3 times before releasing lock button.
After you have paired all of the keys you have, and you need all of them at the time as any that aren't paired, will no longer work - THEN you MUST turn the ignition on for less than 4 seconds and then off, to tell the car that the procedure is finished. This needs to be done within 60 seconds of pairing the last key and BEFORE opening the door.
AFAIK you need to do one key, then do the second (straight away)... otherwise one will drop off the coding 
BMW Z4 - 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.
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.