Keys, single lock and anti-theft system (BMW 3 Series E46)

Keys with remote control

This key does not fit the trunk and glove compartment locks. This is convenient when you leave your car, for example, in a hotel parking lot.

Some symbols on the radio remote control buttons may differ from those shown in the illustrations.

Spare key

You can order it at a BMW service station upon presentation of documents.

Memory of individual settings

Job Opportunities

You can customize individual functions of your car according to your wishes. It is possible to program some functions at the BMW service station according to your needs.



There are options for entering settings into the vehicle's memory unit (Car Memory) and the key (Key Memory). You can select up to four settings for one function for four different drivers. The main thing is that each driver has his own key with remote control. When unlocking the car using the remote radio control, it recognizes the corresponding owner as a result of data exchange with the key and carries out the corresponding settings stored in its memory. The different keys are distinguished externally by the colored stickers that are supplied with the keys.

The Car Memory and Key Memory functions allow, for example, seats with memory function to be automatically set to a position convenient for the user.

# In this Chapter, the description of functions whose settings can be saved in the individual settings memory are marked with this icon.

Electronic anti-theft system (immobilizer)

The electronic anti-theft system increases the level of protection of your car from theft. At the same time, you do not need to turn on or configure anything. The system allows you to start the engine only with the keys to your car. At your request, the electronic circuits of individual keys can be blocked at the BMW service station (for example, if the key is lost). It is impossible to start the engine with a locked key.



The key contains an electronic device. The car's electronics exchange code signals with the key through the ignition switch, which are individual for each car and constantly changing. The ignition, power supply and starter systems are activated only if the key is recognized as "its own".

If the key is handled carelessly, it may be damaged. In this case, starting the engine will be impossible.

Single lock

Operating principle

The single lock only works if both front doors are closed. The single lock ensures simultaneous locking and, accordingly, unlocking:

• doors,
• trunk,
• fuel filler caps.

You can activate it:

• from the outside by inserting the key into the door lock, as well as by means of a remote radio control
• from the cabin by pressing a special button

When the single lock is activated from the outside, the anti-theft system is simultaneously activated, preventing the doors from being unlocked using the fuses or opening handles (or deactivated) security alarm*.

In the event of an accident, the single lock is automatically released, but the doors that are locked with safety catches are not unlocked, please refer to the following materials in this Section. In addition, the hazard warning lights and interior lights are turned on.

Unlocking and locking doors from the outside

When you leave the car, do not lock it if there are people left inside, as it will be impossible to open the doors from the inside.



Some export models can only be controlled by remote radio control. Unlocking the car with the key will trigger the alarm on these models. To turn off the alarm, press button 1 ("Unlock") or start the engine.

You will find other details about the security alarm in the Section Security alarm.

Automatic opening and closing

You can open or close the electric windows and the sliding/tilting sunroof by turning the key in the driver's door lock.

Opening: With the door closed, hold the key in the "Unlock" position.

Closing: with the door closed, hold the key in the "Lock" position.

If you release the key, the movement of the glass and sunroof will stop.

Manual unlocking and locking (in case of electrical equipment defect)

By turning the key to the appropriate position, you can unlock or lock the driver's door.

Remote control of locks

The radio remote control allows you to easily unlock and lock your car. In addition, there are two additional functions that can only be implemented using the radio remote control:

• Turning on the interior light. This function allows you to find your car more easily when parked in an underground garage.
• Opening the trunk. The trunk lid will open slightly, regardless of whether it was locked or not.

Simultaneously with unlocking/locking the vehicle, the anti-theft system and security alarm* are deactivated/activated.

Some export models can only be controlled by remote radio control. Unlocking the car with the key will trigger the alarm on these models. To turn off the alarm, press button 1 ("Unlock") or start the engine.

Keys to a single lock

The key with the transmitter is the key to the single lock, see above.

Children in the car can lock the doors from the inside. Therefore, when leaving the car, always remove the key from the ignition and take it with you so that you can reopen the car from the outside at any time.

Each time you press the transmitter button, the LED flashes. If the LED does not light when you press the button, locking with the remote control is no longer possible. The battery must be replaced. Unlocking and automatic opening



Unlocking: Press button 1.

On some export models, the first press of the button unlocks only the driver's door, and the second press unlocks all other locks.

# If you wish, each individual key can be programmed for this function.



Automatic opening: keep button 1 pressed. The power windows and sunroof will open.

Locking, alarming and automatic closing

Locking and arming the alarm: press button 2.

When you leave your car, do not lock it if there are people inside, as it will be impossible to open the doors from the inside.

Automatic closing*: keep button 2 pressed. The power windows and sunroof will close.

During the closing process, make sure that no one is pinched by the glass or the hatch cover. If you release the button, the closing process will stop immediately.

If the vehicle is equipped with a security alarm (refer to Section Security alarm), the automatic closing process of the windows and sunroof is interrupted, you must unlock the car again by pressing button 1 before continuing the automatic closing process. Otherwise, the tilt sensor and the microwave interior protection sensor will be switched off.

Turning on the interior light and disabling the tilt sensor*

To turn on the light: Without unlocking the vehicle, press button 2.

To disable the tilt sensor and microwave interior protection sensor: After locking the vehicle, press button 2 again.

For more detailed information, please refer to Section Security alarm.

Opening the trunk lid

Press button 3.

Before starting your journey, make sure that the trunk lid is not accidentally left open.

Same frequencies

In some areas, the operation of the radio remote control may be disrupted because other systems or devices may be using the same frequency.

Unlocking and locking doors from the inside

This button allows you to activate the single lock when the front doors are closed. This unlocks or locks all doors, the trunk and the fuel filler flap, but does not activate the anti-theft system.

# At your request, it is possible to set up a configuration option where the single lock will lock immediately after the start of movement. You can program each individual key for this function.

Unlocking and opening

There are two options for this:

1. Unlock all doors by pressing the single lock button and then pull the handle located above the armrest of the desired door.

2. Pull the handle of the desired door twice: the first movement will unlock the door, and the second will open it.

Locking

There are two options for this:

1. Lock all doors by pressing the master lock button.

2. Press the door safety catches in. To prevent accidental locking, it is impossible to lock the open driver's door by pressing its safety catch in.

In the event of an accident, doors that are locked with safety catches do not unlock automatically. Therefore, when the vehicle is moving, do not lock the doors with safety catches.

Children in the car can lock the doors from the inside. Therefore, when leaving the car, always remove the key from the ignition and take it with you so that you can reopen the car from the outside at any time.

Opening and closing the trunk lid

Lock

Only keys for a single lock fit into the trunk.

Separate trunk locking

Apply some force, turn the key to the right and remove it in a horizontal position.

This locks the trunk and disconnects its lock from the main lock. As a result, a person, such as a hotel employee, who has received the key to the door and ignition from you will not be able to open the trunk.

Opening from the outside

Press the button on the handle (shown by arrow). The trunk lid will open slightly.

When the trunk is opened, its lighting turns on.

Manual unlocking and locking (in case of electrical equipment defect)

Insert the key from the main lock into the trunk lock and turn it to the left until it stops - the trunk lid will open slightly.

The trunk is locked again as soon as the lid is slammed shut.

Closing the trunk lid

Handles (shown by arrows) in the inner lining of the lid makes it easier to close.

To avoid injury, make sure that you do not crush anyone when closing the trunk lid.

To prevent exhaust gases from entering the passenger compartment, the trunk lid must be closed when the car is moving. However, if one day you still have to drive with the lid up, then:

• close all windows and the sunroof,
• heating and ventilation systems or automatic air conditioner set to the enhanced air supply mode, refer to Section Heater, ventilation and air conditioning of the passenger compartment.