Help!!! BMW E36 Key chip problems

[dantheman1432]

Hi there, wondered if anyone could help me with an annoying problem ive come across with my 1995 318is MTEC. Car refused to start on me a while back, so i went thru the usual diagnostic routine, battery, coil pack, leads, even the starter motor solenoid etc etc - Nothing! I ended up getting a tow from the RAC after he spent 3 hours taking out the Thatcham cat 1 alarm/Immobilser (at my request, and already faulty TBH) Re-connected fuel pump, starter etc. Still nothing. Got an auto elec to come and see the car, plugged in his diagnostics = 'BMW Immobliser active'. He checked the chip reader in the ignition barrel, no probs, rolling code active etc. Checked the key. The key was giving out a code but the wrong one. He also said something along the lines of that it should register as a '33' (Model-?) but it was reading as a '4' on the key reader. He said that i would have to contact BMW for a replacement key, as mine was damaged. Gave them a ring - "1995? Nah, aint chipped mate" I told him it was definately chipped, and he said "yeah? well its a bodge job then, we didnt introduce key-chips until the e46." End of call, couldnt get no further. I did some of my own research and have since found out about quite a few '95 e36's running the same FACTORY setup. This problem is starting to get to me now, and i just wondered if anyone had any advice before i end up going postal.

The car is a 1995 E36 318is MTEC, M42 Engine 1796cc 16v DOHC

PS all the other systems on the car have been tested and check out OK

Many thanks in advance, Dan

[Francois0009]

I'm sitting with the exact problem the only thing is do is turn the ignition on to no2 just before start and then I take the positive terminal off the car and put it back... Once I done that the car cranks... Don't ask me why but I'm also frustrated by the fact that I have to constantly do that

[naturalaspiration]

Not sure if this helps... I used to have a '95 518i and it was chipped (the immobiliser ring on the steering stalk around the key barrel) so check if you have it on the E36.

I also had a Sigma factory fitted alarms with a remote keyfob - causing lock/unlock problems whenever I drove to Europe as it kept clashing with radio frequencies over there - it was a custom solution aimed for UK market only. In the end I had it removed.

[BFleming]

I believe they were all chipped from 01/95. In any case, BMW Germany still has the spare key(s) for your car - just order one from your dealer & the correct one will arrive.

[Mr Tidy]

BFleming said:

I believe they were all chipped from 01/95. In any case, BMW Germany still has the spare key(s) for your car - just order one from your dealer & the correct one will arrive.

Assuming you like BMW prices!

There are other people who can code BMW keys much cheaper, depending on where you are.

I got a flip-style key cut and coded for my BMW E86 for £80 from a guy in Cheshire, but I've read some good reviews of "bmkeys" in E. London too.

[BFleming]

Mr Tidy said:

BFleming said:

I believe they were all chipped from 01/95. In any case, BMW Germany still has the spare key(s) for your car - just order one from your dealer & the correct one will arrive.

Assuming you like BMW prices!

There are other people who can code BMW keys much cheaper, depending on where you are.

I got a flip-style key cut and coded for my BMW E86 for £80 from a guy in Cheshire, but I've read some good reviews of "bmkeys" in E. London too.

I don't think the prices are too bad for those keys - I bought one for my E36 back in 2002, and it was £50 or so. OK, that's probably £1000 in today's money!

[Triumph Man]

Mr Tidy said:

BFleming said:

I believe they were all chipped from 01/95. In any case, BMW Germany still has the spare key(s) for your car - just order one from your dealer & the correct one will arrive.

Assuming you like BMW prices!

There are other people who can code BMW keys much cheaper, depending on where you are.

I got a flip-style key cut and coded for my BMW E86 for £80 from a guy in Cheshire, but I've read some good reviews of "bmkeys" in E. London too.

I got a quote for a key from BMW for my 1995 E34 (with EWSII) for £40. Not too bad I thought! Although I don't have remote central locking.