I have done a ton of research trying to figure out how to program one of the card style advanced keyless entry keys and it was always very grey. It was unclear if it could be DIY programmed, programmed with a locksmith, or a dealer only job.

So, in case anyone wants to know: if you buy a used key, or one that doesn't have the advanced key pin code tag, the dealership will tell you the "can't" program it because it has already been paired to another car. This is a lie and/or laziness.

I worked with a locksmith (who also didn't know) for a few hours trying to figure it out and we discovered how to do it.
You need to have ONE working aux key. That's the key blade that goes in the card key. Then, program using a machine like a SKP-900. Any locksmith should have one.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!! All doors need to be closed. This is different than other programming techniques. We tried a bunch of times and always had the door open.

Before calling any locksmith, make sure they have a SKP-900 or something similar because there's no other way.

They charged me $100 to program a card key and cut and program the new aux blade key.

Side note: you only need one working aux key to have a second one made, by a locksmith. You do NOT need a working card key to get one programmed and you only need ONE aux key to program new cards or make new aux keys.

As far as I know, this works with 06-08 series one and 09-11 series two cars with advanced keyless entry systems; credit card style key.

 

FYI I deleted your other thread. I know the intent was to target both audiences, but since the S1 forum gets far more exposure than the S2 forum, I kept this one and deleted the other.

 

No worries. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I only got one key with my car and while I can use the buttons on it and crank the car with the key in the ignition, the advanced key doesn't work. The seller said I'd have to have it programmed, though I forgot why. So just to clarify, I can head down to a nearby locksmith and have them use this method to get my advanced key working?

 

No, sorry. I had the same same problem. The buttons worked and the the aux key worked to start the car but the "advanced" part didn't. The reason mine stopped working was because I kept it in my wallet and the constant sitting on it and bending messed up the transmitter.

You'll probably need a whole new key card.

You can try to get it reprogrammed but I don't think it'll work.

 

Yeah, I stopped by a locksmith Friday and whatever device he had couldn't connect to my car. Then I went to the dealership and they basically said it would cost $130 to program it and even if the key was broken, they'd still charge me. I'm noticing that the buttons on it only sometimes work even after changing the battery. I'm going to get a new key and have them try to program both, but that's on the back burner for now.

 

I hear you. Just look around cause you might find them cheap. I got mine for $130.