Open 24/7 · Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County

(323) 997-8867
Crenshaw Lock

BMW 3 Series · car keys & fobs

BMW 3 Series Car Key Replacement

Crenshaw Lock Company provides fully mobile BMW 3 Series key replacement and spare keys, including all-keys-lost situations, 24/7 across Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County. We come to your car. Call (323) 997-8867 for help today.

  • Mobile — we come to your vehicle
  • Keys, fobs & transponders programmed on site
  • Available 24/7
Call (323) 997-8867or tap to call — we answer 24/7
Smart key fob and transponder car key on a car seat at night
Open now(323) 997-8867

Losing the key to a BMW 3 Series is stressful, especially when the car is parked away from home. Because we are fully mobile, we come to the vehicle wherever it is stuck. There is no shop to tow it to, and that often saves a tow and a lot of hassle. We have served Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County since 1987.

The 3 Series spans many model years from 2007 to 2024, and the key system changed over that time. The exact key, chip and programming depend on your trim and VIN, so we confirm the correct key by VIN before cutting or programming anything. That avoids buying a key that will not work with your car.

Whether you need a spare while you still have a working key, or you have lost every key and the car will not start, we can help. Making a spare is generally simpler and less costly than an all-keys-lost situation, so it is worth acting before the last key goes missing.

BMW 3 Series key systems by year

Earlier years: Transponder or electronic slot-style key; Comfort Access proximity on many trims

Earlier 3 Series cars commonly use a transponder key or an electronic slot-style key that is inserted into the dash, and many trims also offer Comfort Access proximity entry. These keys contain electronics that must be matched to the car, so a plain cut key will not start it. Replacement generally involves confirming the correct key by VIN, preparing the key, and pairing it to the vehicle. Which type your car uses depends on trim and VIN, so we verify before cutting. This works for a spare key or when all keys are lost.

Recent years: Encrypted Comfort Access proximity fob tied to the car's security module; confirmed by VIN

Recent 3 Series models use an encrypted Comfort Access proximity fob that is tied to the car's security module. Because of that encryption, the correct fob must be confirmed by VIN and then properly paired to the vehicle. The fob usually includes a concealed emergency blade for the door, but the car starts through proximity rather than a bladed key. A spare is generally more straightforward when a working key is available. All keys lost is possible but requires more work. Exact requirements depend on trim and VIN.

Exact key, chip and programming vary by trim and VIN — we confirm the right key for your car before cutting.

How we replace your key

  1. 1

    Call and describe the situation

    Call (323) 997-8867 and tell us the year, trim and whether you need a spare or have lost all keys. We are available 24/7.

  2. 2

    We come to your car

    Our mobile technician travels to the vehicle, whether it is at home, work or on the street. There is no shop visit.

  3. 3

    Verify ownership and VIN

    We check your photo ID and proof of ownership and read the VIN so we can confirm the correct key for your specific 3 Series.

  4. 4

    Prepare the key

    Once the correct key is confirmed by VIN, we cut the emergency blade if applicable and prepare the key or fob for your car.

  5. 5

    Pair and test

    We program the new key to the vehicle and test locking, unlocking and starting before we finish.

What to have ready

  • Proof of ownership, such as the registration or title
  • A valid photo ID matching the ownership documents
  • The VIN, visible on the dash at the windshield or on the door jamb sticker
  • Any working key or fob you still have, even if damaged

What affects the price

  • Whether you need a spare key or have lost all keys
  • Model year and which key system your 3 Series uses, confirmed by VIN
  • Type of key or fob needed, such as slot-style key or proximity fob
  • Whether an emergency blade must be cut
  • Your location and the time of day you call

Need a BMW 3 Series key?

Call (323) 997-8867 — we come to your vehicle 24/7.

Call (323) 997-8867

Find your year

BMW 3 Series keys — FAQs

What if I lost all my BMW 3 Series keys?
We can help with all-keys-lost situations. We come to the car, confirm your ownership and VIN, then provide and pair a new key. Call (323) 997-8867 any time, day or night.
Can you make a spare key if I still have one?
Yes. A spare is generally simpler than starting from nothing. We confirm the correct key by VIN, then prepare and pair it to the car.
What if I have no original key at all?
That is fine. We can work from the VIN and your proof of ownership to determine the correct key, though the process takes more steps than copying a spare.
Is a push-button fob different from a bladed key?
Yes. Earlier cars may use a transponder or slot-style key, while recent models use an encrypted proximity fob that starts the car by push button. The right one depends on trim and VIN, which we confirm before cutting.
What do you need from me to get started?
Proof of ownership, a photo ID and the VIN. These let us verify you own the car and confirm the correct key before we begin.
How long does it take?
It depends on the key system and whether you have a working key. We will explain what to expect when you call (323) 997-8867 and have your VIN ready.
Do I need to tow my BMW to you?
No. We are fully mobile and come to your vehicle, so there is no shop and no tow required.
DS

Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician

Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-12.

Call (323) 997-8867 · Open 24/7