Keyless Entry Clues

[sgreenatlaw]

I was just reading a post by fcotanis where he said he had the dealer program his car so the headlights would blink, giving him a visual clue when the car was locked/unlocked using keyless entry. Does anyone know how I can have this done on my car (due to arrive in August)?

I didn't order the BMW alarm (got Lo-Jack instead) and the dealer said there would be no honk or anything to let me know when I've locked the doors using the remote. This sounded kind of ridiculous - I'm sure no one would want to trust a keychain with their $39,000 car without getting some sort of feedback from the car itself.

So if anyone knows how to program the car to honk or blink the headlights when I lock/unlock it, and how to get the dealer to do it for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

Steve

[fcotanis]

Steve,

Check out the e46fanatics web site.
Go to the FAQ page.
It's in there.

It'll do you good to read all that. I found THOUSANDS of pieces of info in there that I found utterly useful.

I just jutted down what it needs to be done and on the sheet the dealer handed me to choose what I wanted for my car to be programmed I wrote down in the alarm pickings what I wanted them to do (since no alarm was installed on the car)
Then I said please - they mumbled but did it.

Best of luck - ad do gives an update on what happends with your car as you drive it if you have the time.
God Bless,
Filip

[ieatvtec]

i just got mine program last week at the dealership. there is a sheet that you fill out to have things done to your car. I got my lights to blink when it locked and also the seats moved where I had my seat last with my keys. And the another set of keys you can program it for another driver. This are all free since they did not do it at the factory.

[drd_330i]

I looked at e46fanatics web site and followed the links but the picture link to the car and key memory form was a dead link... do any of you have the link or picture or form? I'd love to take a look :shock: at it before I take delivery.

[fcotanis]

You have not had your complete faq dose from e46fanatics. Here is a quote from t heir page, below t he section with the non working link you mentioned:

Q: There is no audio or visual cues when I remotely look my doors if I don't have an alarm. Is there any way to get a visual confirmation or the "clown nose thingy" to blink?
A: Yes. Here's how:
1) Have your dealer hook up the shop computer (MODIC) to the car.
2) Go to the "Anti-Theft" activation section.
3) Activate the alarm, but uncheck the "DWA" option.

After this is done, your corner light should blink once when locked and twice when unlocked remotely. In addition, the clown nose will blink when car is locked just as if an alarm was present.

Contrary to the previous version of the FAQ, there are no permanent fault codes that are generated for the latest E46's (at least for MY2001's and later) by programming this option.

End of quote.

That faq list should really be read all the way through - has good info ;)
I remember reading it avidly while waiting for my vehicle.
God bless and good luck to you,
Filip

[bmrdude]

Agree with fcotanis, I had my car/key memory programmed this morning at the local dealer. Though I did not have a alarm, they ARE able to activate a flash from the marker lights when locking the doors with the remote, and allow the "clown nose" to flash when the doors are locked with the remote WITHOUT having an alarm system. Also, it's nice to have them program all the doors to unlock on one press of the unlock button, instead of having to press it twice. Ask about "pathway" lighting as well. It allows them to program the car for you to use your high-beam flash to keep the driving lights on for 40 seconds when you're out somewhere dark after the car's ignition has been shut off


Best Wishes

[jkittlesen]

They are activating mine also. no charge.

[fcotanis]

:D