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I have never had to replace a fob. However, the reports I have read indicate that a used i3 or new "generic" BMW fob cannot be paired to an i3. Instead, BMW must program a fob to the VIN or one's i3, with proof of ownership required. Once a fob has been programmed to a specific VIN, it cannot be reprogrammed to a different VIN. Only a certain number of fobs can ever be programmed to start a particular i3, so don't lose too many.BMW apparently must be involved with programming a new fob, so it's probably not possible to buy a "cheap" fob that works or can be made to work. BimmerTech sells a programmed i3 fob for $485. Their pitch is that you don't have to visit a dealer to order and then pick up the fob; it's all done on-line.
I have never had to replace a fob. However, the reports I have read indicate that a used i3 or new "generic" BMW fob cannot be paired to an i3. Instead, BMW must program a fob to the VIN or one's i3, with proof of ownership required. Once a fob has been programmed to a specific VIN, it cannot be reprogrammed to a different VIN. Only a certain number of fobs can ever be programmed to start a particular i3, so don't lose too many.
BMW apparently must be involved with programming a new fob, so it's probably not possible to buy a "cheap" fob that works or can be made to work. BimmerTech sells a programmed i3 fob for $485. Their pitch is that you don't have to visit a dealer to order and then pick up the fob; it's all done on-line.
