HU92 keys
Many E series BMWs from the EWS and early CAS years use the HU92 blade, usually in a remote key with the blade fixed in the head. The blade is cut on my machine and the key is coded to the car.
BMW keys · 24 hours, 7 days
BMW Auto Locksmith for Keys and Programming in Hampshire
BMW keys carry a lot of electronics, and losing one can feel like a dealer only problem. For many models it is not. I am Shane, a mobile BMW auto locksmith based in Eastleigh, and I program keys for the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 and more at your car, across Southampton and the rest of Hampshire.
- BMW keys programmed on site
- EWS, CAS, FEM and BDC
- 12 month warranty
5.0 on Google100+ reviews
BMW key codingCAS, FEM and BDC
- CAS1 to CAS4E and F series coding
- FEM and BDCLater BMW body modules
- Comfort Access keysBMW keyless entry
- HU92 and HU100REmergency blades cut
BMW security
How BMW Recognises Its Own Keys
BMW has named each stage of its key security after the module that holds it. Older cars such as the E46 3 Series and E39 5 Series used EWS, an electronic immobiliser that works with the engine management unit, known on petrol cars as the DME. From the 7 Series of the early 2000s, BMW moved to the Car Access System, or CAS, which went through CAS1, CAS2, CAS3, CAS3+ and CAS4 across the E and F series. Later F series cars such as the F20 1 Series and F30 3 Series use the FEM front electronic module, and cars like the F15 X5 and the G series use the BDC body domain controller.
Each generation pairs the key to the car and to the engine unit using secret data, and without a match the engine will not start. Adding a BMW key therefore means reading or using that security data, then writing the new key into the correct module. My van carries the programming equipment, battery support and cutting machine to do this at the roadside, and as an auto locksmith based in Eastleigh I explain each step before I begin.
Honest limits on the newest BMWs
Aftermarket support for the latest BMW body modules is more restricted than for CAS or FEM cars. On some newer G series models, adding a key needs a working key to start from, and when none is left the key may only be available from a BMW dealer. I check your registration and tell you before I travel, never after.
BMW key types
From HU92 Blades to Comfort Access
Over the last twenty five years BMW has moved from a simple blade to a key with a touchscreen. These are the styles I replace.
CAS slot keys
From the E60 5 Series and E90 3 Series onwards, many BMWs use a key that pushes into a slot beside the steering wheel, with a start button next to it and an emergency blade inside.
HU100R emergency blades
F series and G series smart keys hide an HU100R emergency blade for the driver door. I cut this to your lock so the fob can always get you in.
Comfort Access keys
Comfort Access is BMW’s keyless entry. Keep the key in your pocket, touch the handle to unlock and press the start button to drive.
FEM and BDC smart keys
The three button smart key for the F20, F30, F32 and many G series cars is coded to the FEM or BDC module and paired with the engine unit.
Display Key
BMW introduced the Display Key with a small touchscreen on the 7 Series in 2015 and later offered it on other models. It is a costly key, so a spare is worth thinking about.
BMW models
Series by Series: Which Key Your Car Takes
BMW keys change with each chassis generation rather than each model name. This table gives a general guide, and I confirm the exact system from your registration.
I also cover the 6 Series, 7 Series, X2, X4, X6, Z4 and i3. MINI models share BMW key systems, so the same approach applies to many of them.
| Model | Usual key types | What I can do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Series | CAS3 key on the E87 and E81, FEM smart key on the F20, newer body module on the latest cars | Spares, replacement keys, FEM all keys lost |
| 2 Series | FEM smart key on the F22 coupe, BDC on later versions | Replacement keys and spares |
| 3 Series | EWS on the E46, CAS3 or CAS3+ on the E90, FEM on the F30, BDC on the G20 | All keys lost on many, spares, Comfort Access keys |
| 4 Series | FEM smart key on the F32 range, BDC on later cars | Replacement keys, spares and programming |
| 5 Series | EWS on the E39, CAS2 or CAS3 on the E60, CAS4 on the F10, BDC on the G30 | CAS and FEM era keys, spares on newer cars |
| X1 | CAS3+ on the E84, BDC on the F48 | Replacement keys, spares and lockouts |
| X3 | CAS4 on the F25, BDC on the G01 | CAS4 all keys lost, spares on later cars |
| X5 | CAS3 or CAS3+ on the E70, BDC on the F15 and later | Spares, replacement keys and Comfort Access |
BMW services
What I Do for BMW Drivers
Every service happens at your BMW, wherever it has stopped. Each has a page of its own with more detail.
Car Key Replacement
A replacement BMW key cut and coded to CAS, FEM or BDC, from a flip key to a Comfort Access smart key.
Car key replacementLost Car Keys
All BMW keys gone. On FEM cars I read the security data from the engine unit, code a new key and remove the missing ones.
All keys lostCar Lockout
Locked out of your BMW, or a Comfort Access car that will not unlock. Opened with no damage to the door or trim.
Vehicle entrySpare Car Keys
A second BMW key made while you still have one. On newer G series cars that working key can make all the difference.
Spare keysKey Fob Programming
BMW remote not locking, or the car reporting the key is not recognised. Keys and remotes reprogrammed at the car.
Fob programmingIgnition Barrel Repair
Older BMWs with a turning key can develop a stiff or worn ignition lock. Checked and repaired on site.
Ignition repairsBroken Key Extraction
A snapped BMW blade stuck in a door lock or ignition. Extracted without damage, then a new key made.
Key extractionFleet Auto Locksmith
Spare keys and repairs for businesses running BMW company cars, arranged around your working day.
Fleet workWarning signs
When a BMW Key Starts to Let You Down
A BMW key usually gives some sign before it stops altogether. Here are the ones worth taking seriously.
Key not recognised message
The dash shows a key not detected or similar message, and the start button does nothing until you hold the key against the marked spot on the column.
Remote working only up close
The lock and unlock buttons only work a few steps from the car. A new battery may help; if not, the key may be failing.
Slot key not accepted
On CAS cars with a key slot, the key goes in but the dash stays dark, or it has to be pushed in several times before anything happens.
Comfort Access not unlocking
Touching the handle no longer opens the door and you need the button on the key instead, which can point to a weak key or a key losing its pairing.
Blade stiff in an older lock
On an E series car with a turning key, the HU92 blade catches or will not turn fully, which can mean wear in the key or the lock.
The steps
Four Steps at the Roadside
From the first message to driving away, this is how it goes.
Send the registration
The reg tells me the chassis and so the likely CAS, FEM or BDC system. You can check the details on the free vehicle check on GOV.UK.
Show proof you own it
I need to see the V5C and photo ID before making a key. A lost V5C can be replaced, and you can apply for a replacement V5C online.
Read and program
With battery support connected, I read the security data the car needs, write the new key into the correct module and cut the blade.
Test and tidy up
I check locking, Comfort Access if fitted and engine start, then remove missing keys from the car where it allows.
Pricing
Why One Key Costs More Than Another
I do not publish a set BMW key price, because an E46 key and a G series smart key are different jobs entirely. Tell me the car and I will fix the price before I come out.
Get a fixed quoteSecurity generation
EWS, CAS, FEM and BDC each need their own method, and some require data from the engine unit.
Standard, Comfort Access or Display Key
A Comfort Access key costs more than a standard remote, and a Display Key more again.
All keys lost or spare
A spare from a working key is quicker. All keys lost on an FEM car means reading the engine unit first.
Chassis series
An E series car, an F series car and a G series car use different keys and modules, which changes both time and parts.
Recent work
A Recent BMW Job
A real BMW job, completed at the car.
BMW With FEM, No Keys Left
This BMW used the FEM body module and every key had gone. I read the security data, called the ISN, from the engine management unit, the DME, programmed a new key to the car and removed the missing keys so they can no longer start it.
There are more on my recent jobs page, all from around Hampshire.
Where I work
Southampton, Winchester and Beyond
I work from Eastleigh and cover BMW owners in Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest, Salisbury and the towns in between, at home, at work or at the roadside.
- Southampton
- Eastleigh
- Chandler’s Ford
- Hedge End
- Winchester
- Portsmouth
- Fareham
- Gosport
- New Forest
- Salisbury
Other makes
Other Premium Makes I Cover
BMW is one of 30 makes I work on. These are other premium makes I cover, or you can see the whole list.
Customer reviews
Reviews From Local Drivers
What customers across Hampshire have said on Google. You can read the full set of reviews here.
5.0
From 100+ Google reviews
Questions
BMW Key Questions
Anything else about your BMW? Call or message me with the registration and I will help.
Can you make a BMW key if I have lost them all?
On many BMWs, yes. On CAS and FEM cars I can usually program a new key with none left; on FEM cars that means reading the ISN from the engine unit first. On some of the newest G series cars, all keys lost is restricted and may need a BMW dealer, which I will tell you before booking.
What is the difference between CAS, FEM and BDC?
They are the modules that hold BMW key security in different generations. CAS covers many E series and some F series cars, FEM covers cars like the F20 1 Series and F30 3 Series, and BDC is used on later cars including the G series.
Can you program a Comfort Access key?
Yes. I replace and program Comfort Access keys on many BMWs, so the handles unlock and the start button works without taking the key out.
Do you replace the BMW Display Key?
The Display Key is a specialist item. Send me your registration and I will tell you whether I can supply and program one for your car, or whether a standard or Comfort Access key is the practical choice.
Do you work on MINI keys too?
Yes. MINI is part of BMW and uses closely related key systems, so I program keys for many MINI models in the same way.
Is it worth going to the BMW dealer instead?
A dealer will normally ask you to bring the car in and wait for a key to arrive. I come to you and program the key on site for most cars. For the newest cars with no key left, the dealer may be the only route, and I will say so.
Will the lost BMW key still open or start my car?
Once the new key is programmed, I can remove missing keys from the car on most models, so they will not start it.
Is my new BMW key guaranteed?
Yes, every key I supply carries a 12 month warranty. Payment is by card, bank transfer or cash.
BMW Key Lost or Failing?
Send your BMW’s registration and, if you have one, a photo of the key, or give me a call. I will tell you what is possible, a fixed price and when I can be there, day or night.