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BMW M3 Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 1995–2005 11 model years

The BMW M3 key fob has to be programmed by an automotive locksmith or dealer — there is no at-home procedure. Below is the exact replacement fob you need for each model year (FCC ID and part number), the battery it takes, and what programming costs.

Shop BMW M3 key fobs on Amazon Match the FCC ID for your year (table below) before you buy.

Every BMW M3 model year

Key fob programming method, fob type and battery for each BMW M3 model year
Year Programming Key fob Battery
2005
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 3-button CR2025 battery on Amazon
2004
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 3-button CR2025 battery on Amazon
2003
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 3-button CR2025 battery on Amazon
2002
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 3-button CR2025 battery on Amazon
2001
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Transponder Key · 3-button CR2025 battery on Amazon
2000
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Transponder Key None (chip key)
1999
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote · 2-button CR2032 battery on Amazon
1998
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Remote · 2/3-button CR2032 battery on Amazon
1997
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Remote · 2/3-button CR2032 battery on Amazon
1996
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
Remote Head Key, Remote · 2/3-button CR2032 battery on Amazon
1995
  • Locksmith or dealer
  • Locksmith or dealer
— CR2032 battery on Amazon

2001–2005 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

2001–2005 BMW M3 3-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID LX8FZV
3-button Remote Head Key
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
LX8FZV
OE part #
6955750, 8377809, NONOTCH
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS 44

Transponder Key

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

2001–2005 BMW M3 Transponder Key, key blank HU92-PT
Transponder Key
Find on Amazon
Key blank
HU92-PT, HU92PT
OE part #
HU92-PT, HU92PT
Chip
PHILIPS ID 44

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2000 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fob

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Transponder Key

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

2000 BMW M3 Transponder Key
Transponder Key
Find on Amazon
OE part #
BM6P, HU92, HU92RP

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1999 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fob

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

1999 BMW M3 2-button Remote, FCC ID A269ZUA111
2-button Remote
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
A269ZUA111
OE part #
700101672, 82-11-1-469-448, 82111469448, 88035-AC230, 88035-AC231, 88036-AE060 +1 more
Frequency
433 MHz

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1998 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

1998 BMW M3 3-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID LX8FZV
3-button Remote Head Key
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
LX8FZV
OE part #
NONOTCH
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
CHIP: 44

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

1998 BMW M3 2-button Remote, FCC ID A269ZUA111
2-button Remote
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
A269ZUA111
OE part #
700101672, 82-11-1-469-448, 82111469448, 88035-AC230, 88035-AC231, 88036-AE060 +1 more
Frequency
433 MHz

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1997 BMW M3

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

1997 BMW M3 3-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID LX8FZV
3-button Remote Head Key
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
LX8FZV
OE part #
NONOTCH
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
CHIP: 44

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

1997 BMW M3 2-button Remote, FCC ID A269ZUA111
2-button Remote
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
A269ZUA111
OE part #
700101672, 82-11-1-469-448, 82111469448, 88035-AC230, 88035-AC231, 88036-AE060 +1 more
Frequency
433 MHz

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1996 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

1996 BMW M3 3-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID LX8FZV
3-button Remote Head Key
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
LX8FZV
OE part #
NONOTCH
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
CHIP: 44

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

1996 BMW M3 2-button Remote, FCC ID A269ZUA111
2-button Remote
Find on Amazon
FCC ID
A269ZUA111
OE part #
700101672, 82-11-1-469-448, 82111469448, 88035-AC230, 88035-AC231, 88036-AE060 +1 more
Frequency
433 MHz

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1995 BMW M3

Remote / key fob programming

This remote can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new remote, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement remote below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
CR2032 battery on Amazon
2000
No battery

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 BMW M3 key fob battery

Most M3 fobs use a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Buy Energizer CR2032 Lithium Coin Batteries (4-pack) on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Find the seam or small slot on the edge of the fob.
  2. 2 Twist a coin or small flathead screwdriver in the slot to split the case open.
  3. 3 Lift out the old coin cell and note which side faces up.
  4. 4 Fit the new battery the same way (printed + side usually faces the cover), then close the case until it clicks.
  5. 5 Press a button or test lock/unlock at the car to confirm it works.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Try not to touch both faces of the new battery with your fingers; skin oils shorten its life.
  • If the buttons still don't respond after a new battery, the fob may need re-syncing or programming.

2000 BMW M3 key fob battery

A plain transponder (chip) key has no battery. The immobilizer chip inside is powered by the car's ignition ring whenever you turn the key, so there's nothing to replace. If your key also has lock/unlock buttons, that remote portion uses a 3V coin cell — see the remote battery steps for that.

Battery tips

  • If your engine won't start but the key turns, the issue is usually a worn key or the immobilizer reading the chip — not a battery.
  • A spare chip key must be cut and programmed to your car before it will start the engine.

2001–2005 BMW M3 key fob battery

Your 2001–2005 BMW M3 key fob uses a CR2025 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Buy Energizer CR2025 Lithium Coin Batteries (4-pack) on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Look for a small notch or screw on the side of the fob where the key blade meets the buttons.
  2. 2 Pry the housing apart with a coin or small flathead (or remove the screw).
  3. 3 Pop out the old coin cell, noting its orientation.
  4. 4 Insert the new battery the same way up, then snap the case shut.
  5. 5 Test the buttons — if they work, you're done.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Try not to touch both faces of the new battery; skin oils shorten its life.
  • If the buttons still don't respond after a new battery, the remote may need re-syncing or programming.

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