BMW 3 Series 4th (E46) (1999–2006) — Key Programming Reference
- Difficulty
- medium
- Lishi / lockout
- HU92
Key fobs & transponder keys (2 variants)
| Key | Years | FCC ID | P/N | Chip | Freq | Battery | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315 MHz · LX8FZV | 1999–2006 (NA all trims) | LX8FZV | 6955750 | PCF7935 (ID44, Hitag2) | 315 MHz | VL2020 | HU92 (2-track) |
| 433 MHz · 66126955747 | Revert to '1999–2006 (Europe / Asia-Pacific import / RoW all trims)'. If a caveat is wanted, the sourceable one is that the diamond-style master key entered E46 production around Sept 1999 — not that PN 66126955747 begins in 2002. | n/a | 66126955747 | PCF7935 (ID44, Hitag2) | 433 MHz | VL2020 rechargeable | HU92 (2-track) |
Programming procedures
What the job needs
- Add a key: 1 existing working key required.
- All keys lost: no existing working key needed.
- PIN / security code: required — NASTF + VVDI BMW + dealer.
- Online / server access: not required (offline programming).
- On-board (no tool) sequence: not available — BMW 3 Series BMW EWS/CAS2 requires professional tool + bench EEPROM — no self-programming.
- On site: engine off · 100A+ battery support · Clear CAS/FEM DTCs.
- Bring: Photo ID + vehicle registration. VIN cross-check before start.
Tool coverage
Documented for this case on: Autel IM608 Pro II · Autel IM508S · Autel KM100 · Xhorse Key Tool Plus · Xhorse Key Tool Max Pro · Lonsdor K518 Pro / K519 · OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus · AutoProPad G2/G3 · Advanced Diagnostics Smart Pro · Launch X431 IMMO Elite / IMMO Plus. Step-by-step menu paths for each tool are in the app.
Notes & cautions
- This chassis BMW 3 Series uses BMW EWS-3 / CAS-2 (1999-2006). PCF7942 era — Xhorse VVDI BMW Tool + EWS module + bench EEPROM via VVDI Prog dominates. Autel IM608 Pro II + IMKPA BMW also supported. ISN extraction typically requires bench dump on EWS (no OBD read for pre-CAS3 chassis).
- BMW smart proximity or remote head key: ensure existing key fob battery is functional before starting.
- Verify chip before booking (this chassis facelift): BMW EWS/CAS-2 (pre-2007) → CAS3/CAS3+ (2007-2013) → FEM/BDC (2014-2018 F-chassis) → BDC2 (2018+ G/U/I-chassis). Some 2007-2009 facelifts shipped with mid-cycle CAS swap; confirm transponder ID and ECU code from a working key with Xhorse VVDI BMW Tool reader before quoting.
- Tool kit context: Autel G-Box (G-Box3 specifically) is MANDATORY for FEM/BDC EEPROM bench dump — no OBD-only path. Xhorse VVDI BMW Tool + CAS3/FEM/BDC module is the dominant aftermarket. APB112 simulator, IMKPA Toyota module NOT applicable. LKE Smart Key Emulator unused on BMW. XP400 PRO for IPC/ECM bench fallback.
- All existing keys erased. Bring ALL replacement keys before starting — minimum 2.
- No manual AKL for BMW 3 Series BMW EWS/CAS2 — professional tool mandatory.
- BMW EWS/CAS2 AKL needs ISN extraction + bench EEPROM dump (Autel G-Box / VVDI Prog / XPROG3) on most chassis.
- Keep all existing/lost key fobs at least 10 metres from vehicle during AKL.
- AKL accessory needs: Autel G-Box bench EEPROM (G-Box3 for FEM/BDC) is CRITICAL on F/G chassis. Xhorse VVDI Prog for bench dump fallback. IMKPA + cloud token for newest BDC2. APB112 simulator NOT applicable. LKE Smart Key Emulator unused on BMW. XP400 PRO for IPC bench fallback.
Lockout
Door pick / decode: Lishi HU92 (CCW).
32 verified sources · Last verified: 2026-08-08
Open full case in KeyAssist →Step-by-step tool menu paths, verified source links and video guides for this case are in the KeyAssist app — free to start, works offline.