Much help needed for reprogramming a new key to the EWS3 module for 03 BMW 330xi 3 series

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osip.357

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Recently obtained a 03 bmw 3 series 330xi. Car has been sold without A Ignition key.
I have purchased a blank BMW aftermarket key from a locksmith that did not have the capabilities to program it, otherwise i would of have him do it.

So i have purchased 2 different key programmers off the market, but have had no success what's soever. Now the 2 key programmers i bought are EWS Editor Lite key prog and the newer one is a AK90 where the EWS3 connects too.

Any help from anyone will be much app appreciated.
Have a good day and wishing y'all a happy 2026 season
 
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The AK90+ is definitely the standard tool for the E46 EWS3 system, so you are on the right track with that one. If you are having trouble reading the chip, the issue is almost always the conformal coating (varnish) on the Motorola MCU pins.

Here is the typical procedure that works for the 2003 330xi:

  • Remove the EWS module from under the steering column (driver's side).
  • Open the plastic case to expose the circuit board.
  • Crucial Step: You must carefully scrape or clean the pins of the large square chip (MCU) where the adapter sits. If there is any varnish left, the AK90 will give a "Pin no touch" or read error. Use a fiberglass pen, acetone, or a small blade gently to clean the contacts.
  • Connect the AK90 to your PC and attach the clip to the MCU (make sure the dot on the clip matches the dot on the chip/board).
  • Read the data and save a backup of the .bin file immediately before doing anything else.
  • Select a blank key slot in the software, put the new key in the AK90 coil, and write it.

What specific error message are you getting in the AK90 software? Usually, it's a connection issue with the clip.
 
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