BMW E46 3 Series Key Does Not Start Vehicle No Crank No Start (Subscriber Question) 

Hello Andy, I would be happy to help you. The reason why the new key would start after using the original is that the vehicle still is identifying the first key used. The system will hold the key signal for about 30 seconds to a minute so if you use one that works then swap to the other without waiting a minute it will allow the start. To get the new key to work you will need to either swap the transponder or call RPM motor sports. I think they can program the key for you so it will work. :)

Your new key off ebay does not contain a transponder or the transponder is not programmed to your vehicle's EWS unit. When you use the other working key to start the car and then try the new key within 10 seconds, it will crank and start because the unit remembers the old key 10 seconds after getting it out of your ignition lock. This way you would start the car even with a screwdriver.

Excellent. Once the VIN is ordered it still needs to be coded to your vehicle from the dealer. Then what is called an EWS calibration needs to be performed. This matches the rolling code so the vehicle will start. The uncoded module and uncalibrated module is the most likely reason it will not start. :)

Hello James, Trying to catch up on my responses :) The best way to check the EWS is to see if you have voltage to the starter solenoid with the key held in the start position. If you have power to the solenoid it is a bad starter. No power then it may be a key or EWS problem.

Hello Mike, If you have another key so you can test if this is a bad key it would be a good step. In most cases the problem will get worse over time. This could be a problem with the key, EWS module, or starter motor in most cases.

After watching your video, my new ews is not having any errors showing up on pa soft 1.4 after scanning it. This made me think that it might not be the key or the ews but the battery. Battery isn't the problem, hmmmmm.....

Hello, That is an odd scenario. The dealer should be part warrantying the key for you. One thing the dealer needs to check is if the keys have been disabled. The BMW tester can be used to disable the keys so they will not allow the vehicle to start. So when you get a new key it will not work. The dealer needs to run a test plan and make sure all the keys are enabled. Also make sure you cycle the key in the ignition a few times wait about 10 seconds between each cycle.

Thank you! My 04' 325i started intermittently, did not seem to be related to power. Jumping took a long time. Tried to start repeatedly, it finally caught and started right up. Alternator working at 14.1 - mechanic said it was battery. Replaced battery, now it doesn't start at all. Local mechanic (not BMW dealer) thinks it could be starter. But, it turned over and sounded fine when it was starting. It seems more electrical to me. How do I check the EWS module?

i just want to let you know that your knowledge is ben key in order to save money on multiple repairs on my 2006 bmw 330i. If you can make a video on how to test a starter itself that would be great thank you very much

We did the EWS calibration and everything looks good from my pa soft scan. No errors.

Hello Rick, Is this your only key? It would be worth trying to jump the vehicle. If the battery is weak it could prevent the starter from turning. When a key is bad it does not set any fault codes so this still may be the problem. Or the starter motor has failed. Often the starter will click when it fails or click when the voltage is low but I have seen some fail and not make any noise. You would have to check voltage at the starter solenoid wire while the key is held in the run position.

Correct. The system holds the old signal for about 10 seconds. Thanks for the comment :)

The keys need to be ordered VIN specific as they cannot be swapped between vehicles to allow for starting. BMW uses a rolling code sent by the key to the EWS module. You will only be able to use keys from ebay for door locks.

Great video but I think the car will crank with rolling code not matching but it will not start. I'm talking about DME - EWS code here. RPM Motorsports is very expensive and cannot do many things, like computer cloning for example (without EWS / CAS). There is a guy on eBay. He does everything RPM Motorsports does and more for 1/2-1/3 the price. I used him a couple of times, very fast inexpensive service. Take care

ordered specifically by my VIN from dealer. It came with four new keys as well.

Hello, Breaking into the trunk should not have disabled the key. If the vehicle will not crank first try another key and then check for power to the starter. If you have power then it is the starter. If not then it could be the key or the EWS module. Try to start the vehicle at least 23 times with the key.

You tube will not let me post a link so I will try to make a video that will help when I can. Hopefully later tonight :)

I would start with one key first just to make sure this is the issue. Then see my video for programming the remote key to initialize the new key. If everything works then go ahead and order the second key :)

Hi, Thanks for the reply. What exactly do I need to ask RPM to do? What service do I need them to perform? I am in the UK so was hoping to find a specialist here who could do the same thing but I need to have a description of the service im looking for. Thanks again (tbh, if i knew it was gonna be so much hassle I would have just ordered a key from dealer)

I'll check the others I got with the EWS, but the reason I ordered the new one was because I had no keys left.

Was the EWS from another vehicle or was it ordered by VIN specifically for your vehicle?

After watching your video, my new ews is not having any errors showing up on pa soft 1.4 after scanning it. This made me think that it might not be the key or the ews but the battery. Maybe it has enough power to turn everything on but it's just got a dead cell not allowing it to crank the engine. What do you think?

No familiar with that machine. Can you see the key status and see if the starter is enabled and that the vehicle correctly can identify park position?

hi , my key was broken just the plastic bmw part with the buttons broke off i taped it and it starts the car no problem but the metal key piece falls out, the problem is wen i bought a new key it locks and unlocks and opens the windows but it will not start the car this is the second key ive got from bmw and both times they said it was faulty but im not sure and after my old key still works but the new keys dont?? i have a 2005 bmw325i please help me

Thank you! My 03 325xi cannot start, it can sometimes remote open the door and sometime cannot. already check the starter and it is ok. used my other key and it can start the car but can not remote open the door. then after one day, both key can not start my car and also cannot lock and unlock the door. Do i need to replace both keys?

Hi, Was hoping you could comment on my problem...I have ordered a replacement E46 key from ebay which i have had cut and programmed to open/close doors. However it does not start the car. Strange thing is, if I use my original key to start the car and then turn off ignition. The copy then works and starts the car! However it will not do so again. (ie, if I turn off the ignition with it.) Original key works fine. Any comments which could help? Thanks!

Hi, did you ever get this fixed? i've got exactly same problem. my two original keys died so bought a second hand one off ebay. reprogrammed it to open doors etc easy but then i put it in ignition and power on but no crank!!! frustrating having two keys on my keyring!!! please let me know if you found a solution??

my E90 dont start, there is no light, as if he had removed the battery, the key does not close or open the doors remotely

Rick, Do you only have one key?

This is often a failed ELV steering lock in which the column needs replacement. The dealer would be best for this problem to diagnose.