For BMW owners and automotive professionals, dealing with car key issues, especially those related to the Engine Immobilizer System (EWS) and Car Access System (CAS), can be a complex task. Fortunately, advancements in automotive technology have led to the development of user-friendly OBD2 key programmers. These tools can significantly simplify the process of key programming, reading crucial immobilizer data, and adding new keys. If you’re in the market for the Best Obd2 Key Programmer for BMW vehicles, this guide will explore some of the top contenders available, focusing on their features, capabilities, and value.
When selecting an OBD2 key programmer for BMW, it’s essential to consider compatibility with your specific BMW model and the systems you need to access (EWS, CAS, or both). Here are some of the frequently recommended options in the market:
Top BMW Key Programmers for EWS & CAS via OBD2
1. AK300 BMW CAS Key Maker
- Price: Around $399
- Vehicle Support: Specifically designed for BMW models from 2002 to 2009, including E65/E66, E87, E60/E61, E90/E91/E92/E93, and E70/E71.
- System Compatibility: Supports BMW CAS, CAS2, and CAS3 systems.
- Key Features: The AK300 is a popular choice for its ability to program keys for a wide range of BMW CAS systems. It’s recognized for its ease of use and effectiveness in adding new keys.
- Limitations: It’s important to note that the AK300 does not support encrypted key data found in CAS3+ systems. This means it might not be suitable for some of the later models within its general year range.
2. AK90 BMW EWS Key Programmer
- Price: Approximately $129
- Vehicle Support: Primarily focused on older BMW models from 1995 to 2005.
- System Compatibility: Covers a broad range of EWS versions, including EWS2.1, EWS2.2, EWS3, EWS3.3, EWS4, and EWS4.4.
- Key Features: The AK90 excels in reading all BMW EWS key information from the supported year range. It is a cost-effective solution for working with older BMW EWS systems.
- Limitations: The AK90’s coverage is limited to EWS systems and older vehicles. It does not support CAS systems or newer BMW models.
3. BMW Multi Tool for OBD2 CAS1/CAS2/CAS3/CAS3+
- Price: Around $819
- Components: Comes as a comprehensive package including hardware device, dongle, programmer, and software suite.
- Vehicle Support: Designed for BMW CAS 1, CAS2, CAS3, and CAS3+ systems.
- Key Features: The BMW Multi Tool stands out for its OBD2 operation, offering significant convenience for users who need to program new BMW keys. It eliminates the need for direct module removal in many cases. It is considered a more advanced option compared to AK300 and AK90 for CAS systems. With an additional CAS4 adapter, it can also perform BMW CAS4 programming.
- Strengths: OBD2 capability, wider CAS system support including CAS3+, and potential for CAS4 with adapter.
4. VVDI2 Commander Key Programmer Full Version
- Price: Around $2199
- Comprehensive Solution: VVDI2 is presented as a full-version, all-in-one solution.
- Vehicle & System Support: Inherits all functionalities of BMW Multi Tool, including CAS1, CAS2, CAS3, CAS3+, and CAS4 (and CAS4+ with its advanced capabilities). It also extends to other brands like Porsche and includes functionalities beyond key programming, such as J2534 passthru, remote control generation, and VAG diagnostics.
- Key Features: VVDI2 is positioned as the most comprehensive and advanced tool, offering a wide array of features and broad vehicle coverage. Notably, it can handle CAS4+ all keys lost situations, which the BMW Multi Tool cannot.
- Considerations: The high price point of VVDI2 makes it a significant investment, potentially more suitable for professional workshops or users who require extensive functionalities across multiple vehicle brands.
Conclusion
Choosing the best OBD2 key programmer for BMW depends largely on your specific needs, the BMW models you work with, and your budget. For users primarily working with older BMW EWS systems, the AK90 provides a budget-friendly solution. For a broader range of CAS systems including CAS3+, the BMW Multi Tool offers a significant upgrade with OBD2 convenience. For professionals requiring the most comprehensive tool with the widest range of functions and future-proofing, the VVDI2 Commander emerges as the top-tier, albeit more expensive, choice. Ultimately, assessing your typical use cases and budget will guide you to the most suitable OBD2 key programmer for your BMW key programming needs.
