Question 1

Are you licensed and insured to work on BMW vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EZ Car Keyz holds a California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services locksmith license, which is the state-level requirement for anyone doing this work legally in California. We carry full liability insurance.

On the BMW side specifically: the 2017 3 Series smart key job involves the vehicle's immobilizer and body control electronics. You want someone who has done these before with the right equipment. We use BMW-compatible professional diagnostic tools, not generic key programmers. The wrong tool on one of these can cause a module fault that turns a key job into a tow and a dealer repair. We've cleaned up that kind of situation before. We'd rather not be your second call.

Question 2

How do I know you are not a scam locksmith?

Accepted Answer

Ask before anyone shows up: what is the total price for this specific job on a 2017 BMW 3 Series, and what is your BSIS license number. A real locksmith answers both without hesitation.

The pattern with scam operations is a low number on the phone and a different number once they're in your driveway with your car already open. At that point the pressure is real. We quote you a firm price for your specific vehicle on the call, show up in a marked van, and that number doesn't move.

Question 3

Will the replacement smart key work exactly like the original?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once the new fob is enrolled through the vehicle's security system, it functions the same as what you started with. We test the full set: door lock and unlock, comfort access at the handles, trunk release, and the start function. Everything gets confirmed before we leave.

One thing worth knowing: on the 2017 3 Series, the fob enrollment process is done through the OBD port with diagnostic equipment. It is not something that can be done with a phone app or a basic programmer. BMW forums have documented cases where owners or under-equipped shops attempted shortcuts and ended up with a fob that works partially or a vehicle security system that flags a fault and won't authorize start. We use the right tools for this platform and follow the correct sequence so you don't end up in that situation.

Question 4

My 2017 BMW 3 Series sometimes starts fine and sometimes shows a key warning for no obvious reason. Is the key failing?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent key warnings on these are one of the more common complaints you'll find on BMW owner forums. The fob communication can get disrupted by a few things: a weakening CR2032, a slightly loose battery contact inside the fob, and interference from other electronics in the area. Some owners report that carrying the key in a pocket near a phone or inside a wallet with RFID cards can affect how reliably the car reads it.

First step is always a fresh CR2032, seated properly. If the warning keeps showing up after a confirmed good battery and clean contacts, that points toward the fob itself needing replacement and enrollment, or less commonly, an issue with the antenna that reads the fob inside the cabin. If it's truly intermittent, bring the fob to the start button holder and hold it there when it acts up. If the car starts that way but not normally, the fob is transmitting but weakly, which narrows it down quickly.

Question 5

I lost all keys to my 2017 BMW 3 Series. Can you still make a key, or does it have to go to the dealer?

Accepted Answer

All-keys-lost on a 2017 3 Series is a job we handle. It does not have to go to the dealer.

The process is more involved than adding a spare when you still have a working key. With no keys present, the vehicle security system has to be accessed through the OBD port and the new fob enrolled from scratch. The previous key data gets cleared so any lost fobs can no longer start the car. Plan for more time on site compared to a standard spare key job.

The dealer can do this too, but they will typically require a tow if the car isn't drivable, a service appointment, and the wait that comes with it. We come to wherever the car is in National City and do it on site.

2017 BMW 3 Series
Key Replacement - Save vs Dealer in San Diego

OEM Quality | Fraction of the Dealer Price

2017 BMW 3 Series
Key Options

Why Pay Dealer Prices for a BMW Key?

2017 BMW 3 Series Smart Key Replacement - Fast, Affordable & Professional

Save vs the Dealer on Your BMW 3 Series Key

BMW 3 Series Rapid Response, Done Right

Real Reviews, Real Savings

BMW 3 Series Mobile Service FAQ

BMW 3 Series Key Service Areas

Get the Best Price on BMW 3 Series Key Replacement

2017 BMW 3 SeriesKey Replacement - Save vs Dealer in San Diego

OEM Quality | Fraction of the Dealer Price

2017 BMW 3 SeriesKey Options