99 M3 Convertible Keyless Entry Problem

[SthrnX5Boy]

Bought a 99 M3 COnvertible today with a hardtop. The keyless entry will not lock or unlock the doors. It does however chirp 3 times when you press the lock or unlock buttons. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this? First thing I though of was the hardtop. Wasn't sure if the car thinks the top is down and won't lock....doubt thats it, so any help would be great!! Thanks :dunno:

[Josh (PA)]

Bought a 99 M3 COnvertible today with a hardtop. The keyless entry will not lock or unlock the doors. It does however chirp 3 times when you press the lock or unlock buttons. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this? First thing I though of was the hardtop. Wasn't sure if the car thinks the top is down and won't lock....doubt thats it, so any help would be great!! Thanks :dunno:
The three chirp means one of the doors/trunk or hood is open (or the car thinks it's open). Double check nothing's blocking the trunk, and check all the closed switches. I think it will lock even with the top partially down, I can check today if you need me to (I know it will lock fine with the top fully stowed).

[SthrnX5Boy]

The three chirp means one of the doors/trunk or hood is open (or the car thinks it's open). Double check nothing's blocking the trunk, and check all the closed switches. I think it will lock even with the top partially down, I can check today if you need me to (I know it will lock fine with the top fully stowed).


Thanks Josh...I'll check it out today and see what I can come up with. :thumbup:

[crash8168]

also if someone changed to an aftermarket radio, removed and incorrectly installed the factory radio, they may have knocked the switch loose on the rear of it.

[black1999m3]

I'm having the same problem... Did you find out what the problem was?

I'm experiencing the same thing, plus my car wont start (wont even crank.)

[BMWnPorsche]

The three chirp means one of the doors/trunk or hood is open (or the car thinks it's open). Double check nothing's blocking the trunk, and check all the closed switches. I think it will lock even with the top partially down, I can check today if you need me to (I know it will lock fine with the top fully stowed).

Yeah. This is a common problem.

[BMWnPorsche]

I'm having the same problem... Did you find out what the problem was?

I'm experiencing the same thing, plus my car wont start (wont even crank.)

Welcome to the 'Fest!

Are there any lights on when you turn the key? Your battery cable could be dirty/disconnected.

[black1999m3]

Yeah, the car has full power and the dash lights are on when I try to start the car. But it wont turn over. Battery has full power, contacts are clean, is it possible that my OEM security system is interfering?

Is there any way to reset the security system to see if it is cutting off the starter and fuel pump?

[E36 Phantom]

Hey, welcome to the fest.

When you say won't crank, do you mean it won't even try to crank/turn over at all, or it won't fire? If it won't crank, probably the starter motor. The starter is a direct link from the ignition, not controlled by the security system. The security system will prevent spark and fuel, but you can crank all day. So either bad contacts in the ignition switch, bad contacts at the starter motor, or bad starter.

If it will try to crank, it could be the security system, or plenty of other things.

[black1999m3]

Yeah the car wont even crank, all the power is on in the car, dash lights on and everything but it wont crank. Battery has full power.

I'm thinking that something may be wrong with my key or keyfob. Anybody know if the EWS might be causing the alarm to chirp three times and the car to not start?