The Blue Phoenix - E46 325i

[Jake]

You only have to code the car to roll windows up using the key's remote control. BMW doesn't allow that from factory in case there's something that could get pinched while they roll up (small-dog-that-'s-basically-a-cat, small child). They will roll down with the remote per factory programming.

[Senor_Taylor]

So, I'm an impatient idiot.

One of the key fobs Chan gave me didn't work. I didn't want to only have one working one with the door lock cylinder not working, so I resynced both of the keys and got it working. I got out of the car and locked the doors with the key fob that didn't work before. Great success! I though. Now neither of the key fobs will unlock the car. What do I do? I luckily had the trunk open, so now the car is locked but I have the trunk to fiddle with. Any suggestions?

Edit: So on the keys is still connected. It will make the lights inside turn on when I press "lock" but won't unlock the doors. I've tried getting the windows to roll down by turning the key on the trunk and it didn't work.

[davej]

sell it and buy a miata?

[BLINGMW]

To be more helpful... no I got nothin. I looked up the initial key synch process a couple years ago when I got that key, but I remember nothing about it.

[Senor_Taylor]

SUCCESS! Sam, my neighbor in MM with the other 02 325i, walked over to watch me struggle. I don't know what I did, but some combination of fiddling with the trunk lock and MASHING the unlock button on the bad remote as hard as I could made the door randomly unlock while I was talking to my other neighbor. Sam and I lunged for the doors and got them open. I resynced the good key fob and cried a little.

The parts to fix the door lock can't get here soon enough.

[ScottyB]

this is my new favorite drama series. unpredictable adventures and tomfoolery, 9/10 would read again

[SlimKlim]

I'm honestly a little impressed, in ~8 years of BMW ownership I've managed to break literally everything but the key.

[Ken]

I'm honestly a little impressed, in ~8 years of BMW ownership I've managed to break literally everything but the key.

I call shenanigans. 99% sure I've seen you struggle with getting into your car back in the day.

[SlimKlim]

Oh sure, the exterior driver's door handle is broken on mine right now so I have to leave the window half opened and reach inside to get in. I've also shorted out my alarm system and given the car a mind of it's own which Jake and I had to fix at work with a pair of scissors. But the key/fob itself? Never managed to break that.

[Senor_Taylor]

The problem was it was already broken and I didn't know. The other works fine, but I desynced it on accident.

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[Jake]

So what part of the door/key mechanism is broken so that you can't use the key in the tumbler to unlock? Sounds like you've got a fix in the works?

[Senor_Taylor]

I'm fairly certain it's the linkage between the door lock cylinder and the lock actuator thing or something. It's like 30 seconds to get the lock out and the kit cost me less than 10 dollars so I'll see what it looks like when I pull it out. Hopefully the broken part is in the kit.

Also, a list of planned repairs:
New pulleys and belts, as I'm hearing terrible noises on cold starts
Look into sporadic idle when warm. The idle fluctuates between 600-700 at stop lights with clutch out (Unless this is normal)
General fit and finish of trim
Rear bushings (Neighbor has the tools)
Cooling system preventative maintenance

[Senor_Taylor]

Also, there are 3 open Recalls on this car, how do I go about getting those done, and will I have to pay? One is for the brake lights having a grounding issue (which is happening and giving me a rear lamp failure indication) and the other two are airbags.

[rherold9]

Recalls are no pays. TSBs are you may have to pay but probably not

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[*insertusernamehere*]

Let me know if you want help with the cooling system. And props to you if you actually pull off getting the recall cleared haha. I think the nearest BMW dealer is in Charlottesville.

[JPolen01]

I think the nearest BMW dealer is in Charlottesville.

You are correct.

[Senor_Taylor]

Let me know if you want help with the cooling system. And props to you if you actually pull off getting the recall cleared haha. I think the nearest BMW dealer is in Charlottesville.

Are BMW recalls a pain? I did one for my Tacoma and it was a breeze.

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[RawrImAMonster]

I didn't have a problem getting a recall done with my 135i. My M3 has two open for the airbags on both sides, but last time I checked, they didn't have parts available for one side. I'll get around to it eventually, probably. It's just a pain to run over to Cville to drop the car off and then run back when they finish. They are open on Saturday though.

[Jake]

The only issue you'll have is the airbags - there are so many cars recalled (BMW and otherwise) that parts are not readily available. The taillight thing should be easy.

Your closest dealerships are Charlottesville, Richmond, and Sterling.

[SlimKlim]

And save for a couple parts guys and maybe one salesman, everyone at Sterling is a dangerous mixture of concentrated evil and pure stupid.