The 2006–2011 3 Series uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the BMW 3 Series key guide.

2008 BMW 3 Series: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: ID46 (PCF7945, Hitag2)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

CAS slot-key car: the fob inserts into a dash slot and the Start button fires the car (hands-free Comfort Access was optional). Add-a-key and all-keys-lost are documented OBD procedures for E-series CAS3/CAS3+ (e.g., Abrites BN014/BN016); late CAS3+ 'ISTAP' firmware can require a flash downgrade first — specialist, not dealer-only.

Same key system as the 2006–2011 3 Series

BMW kept the 3 Series's key system unchanged across 2006–2011, so everything about replacing a 2008 key — blanks, programming, and what happens if every key is lost — matches the rest of that run. The full year-by-year breakdown lives in our BMW 3 Series key guide.

What drives the price is the key type, whether you still have a working key, and where the car is parked. There's more on BMW programming in general on our BMW key page.

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Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.

2008 BMW 3 Series key replacement

2008 BMW 3 Series: key facts

Same key system as the 2006–2011 3 Series

We cover all these cities