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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Gemini said:
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.
Click to expand...
Gemini said:
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.
Click to expand...
I purchased the AK90 off ebay. The seller sent me the AK90 module, 2 cables for Ews3, Ews4, usb cable, and the disk. I installed the program off the disk, i installed the program files off the web as well. it didnt say anything about AK90 but rather some kind of mach1 plasma program files and program
 
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osip.357 said:
I purchased the AK90 off ebay. The seller sent me the AK90 module, 2 cables for Ews3, Ews4, usb cabl...
Click to expand...

It sounds like you have installed completely the wrong software. "Mach1 plasma" has nothing to do with BMW key programming; that sounds like CNC control software. The disks included with eBay clones are often corrupt, mislabeled, or contain malware.

You need the specific AK90+ V3.19 software.

  • Uninstall the "mach1" software immediately.
  • Search Google for "AK90 V3.19 software download". It is widely available on most automotive forums.
  • Do not plug the device in until you have the correct software extracted.

Driver Installation is Critical:
The AK90 uses a virtual COM port driver (usually Silicon Labs CP210x). Even after installing the software, you often have to manually install the driver.

1. Plug in the AK90 via USB.
2. Open Device Manager on your PC.
3. Look under "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Other Devices".
4. If you see "Unknown Device" or a yellow triangle, right-click it -> Update Driver -> Browse my computer -> Point it to the Drv folder inside the AK90 software directory.

Once the driver is installed, the AK90 software should show "Connected" in the bottom left corner when you launch it.
 
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