Comfort Access, does my spare key need to be programmed?

[Jonzny]

So i have Comfort Access. One of my keys can start the car w the key in my pocket, the other key can only start the car if it's in the slot.
How can I make the spare so it's like Key #1?

The spare is a Comfort Access key, it has the battery slot in the back. It does have a fresh battery in the key fob as well.

[Flying Ace]

yes, dealer programming is needed. Pay $$$ and you can get comfort access to work.


Basically, what you have on hand is that Key #2 is a comfort access capable key, likely purchased as a spare.

The last owner did the basic DIY learning process to get the key to work for the purpose of a backup key, but never bothered to fully get comfort access to work on the key, which requires you to go to dealer, bend over and grab your ankles.

[bkdore]

My dealer told me they would charge half an hour of labor to code my spare key for comfort access if that was the only thing I wanted, but if the car was in for some other maintenance they could probably do it for no additional charge. I haven't had it done yet.

[Jonzny]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

yes, dealer programming is needed. Pay $$$ and you can get comfort access to work.


Basically, what you have on hand is that Key #2 is a comfort access capable key, likely purchased as a spare.

The last owner did the basic DIY learning process to get the key to work for the purpose of a backup key, but never bothered to fully get comfort access to work on the key, which requires you to go to dealer, bend over and grab your ankles.

Interesting, are there any programs that a person can use at home to do this? Coming from the E46 M3, damn near everything could be done at home with the right software.

[svinfinity]

I believe i can code your key for comfort access. Pm'd

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

Interesting, are there any programs that a person can use at home to do this? Coming from the E46 M3, damn near everything could be done at home with the right software.

I don't believe so, as you would need the special key reader devices they have.

Half an hour of labor is pretty cheap -- I'd just let the dealer do it.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by dparm

I don't believe so, as you would need the special key reader devices they have.

Half an hour of labor is pretty cheap -- I'd just let the dealer do it.

this, half hour labor is cheap, will come out to about $100 or even less, if they're generous.

Heck they even said they'll do it for free if you lump it with other servicing...

[QuadCam]

MY 2nd key isn't working either for comfort access. The bottons work to lock/unlock and to start the car, I have to put the key in the slot. I never use that key but I know it used to work with Comfort access. Frustrating.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by QuadCam

MY 2nd key isn't working either for comfort access. The bottons work to lock/unlock and to start the car, I have to put the key in the slot. I never use that key but I know it used to work with Comfort access. Frustrating.

Are you sure the battery isn't low?

[Digitalwok]

I have the same problem with a twist. That is, my car already has 2 keys coded (lost the other one) so in order to code the 3rd key they need to remove the lost one first (max is 2 keys). What kills me is that they want around $300 to do the reprogramming b/c they need to remove all the keys first...WTF. I work in IT and the thought of paying $300 for basically running and clicking a program is nuts!

[QuadCam]

Originally Posted by dparm

Are you sure the battery isn't low?

Yes, that was the first thing i checked. I tried some if the online tips to get it to work, but they didn't work. My closest 2 dealers are an hour away... In different directions. No matter which way i go, it's out if the way. Maybe i shouldn't worry about it initio i need that 2nd key. It's just annoying, though.

My wife's x5 had the same issue with the 2nd CA key not working. We had it taken care of with some other warranty items, though.