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BMW 3 Series Key Replacement

BMW 3 Seriess have been on Dallas–Fort Worth roads since the 1999 era, and across 4 key generations this model has used 3 different key systems — metal key; slot key / comfort access; comfort access / display key. Whichever yours is, DFW Keys 4 Cars cuts and programs it at your location, 24/7: spare keys, lost-everything replacements, fob programming, and lockouts. Call (214) 717-6398.


About 3 Series Keys

The table below is our verified key reference for the BMW 3 Series — model years, key types, and the transponder/immobilizer family each generation uses. Generations overlap at boundary years, so we always confirm the exact part by VIN before dispatching.

Model / GenerationYearsKey TypeTransponder / ImmobilizerBlade / FCC
3 Series (E46)1999–2006Metal keyEWS3 / EWS4HU58
3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)2005–2013Slot key / Comfort AccessCAS2 / CAS3 / CAS3+HU92
3 Series (F30/F31/F34/F80)2012–2019Slot key / Comfort AccessFEM-BDCHU92 / HU100R (confirm by VIN)
3 Series (G20/G21/G80)2019–presentComfort Access / Display KeyBDC2HU100R

Security System & Immobilizer

BMW security marched from EWS through CAS2/CAS3/CAS4 to the FEM/BDC modules on current cars. Each module generation changes the key-programming approach — including bench work on some — which is exactly what our BMW tooling is for.

On the 3 Series specifically, the immobilizer families we see are: EWS3 / EWS4, CAS2 / CAS3 / CAS3+, FEM-BDC, BDC2. A key that is cut correctly but not programmed to this system will turn the locks and never start the engine — programming is the half of the job that matters.

Which key does your year have?

  • 1999–2006: Metal key — EWS3 / EWS4 (HU58)
  • 2005–2013: Slot key / Comfort Access — CAS2 / CAS3 / CAS3+ (HU92)
  • 2012–2019: Slot key / Comfort Access — FEM-BDC (HU92 / HU100R (confirm by VIN))
  • 2019–present: Comfort Access / Display Key — BDC2 (HU100R)

Our 3 Series Key Services


BMW 3 Series Key FAQ

I lost the only key to my 3 Series. What now?

We come to the vehicle, verify ownership, cut a new key from the VIN, and program it on-site. No tow, no dealer wait — this is our most common 3 Series call.

Will a hardware-store copy start my 3 Series?

It will open the doors and nothing else on transponder-era cars — the chip inside the key must be programmed to the immobilizer, which is the part we do curbside.

My 3 Series is older — do you still stock keys for it?

Yes. We carry blanks and chips going back to the 1999–2006 generation (metal key), and a code-cut fresh key usually turns a worn lock better than any copy of your worn key.

How fast can you reach my 3 Series in DFW?

We dispatch the nearest mobile unit across the whole metroplex, 24/7. Call (214) 717-6398 with your location and we’ll give you an honest ETA.