Wednesday, September 10, 2025

How to Repair BMW FEM/BDC Module with AUTEL IM508S?

 Here comes the user’s working experience on how repair BMW FEM/BDC module after programming failed with AUTEL IM508S.

“I worked on BMW X1 2017 BDC01. I pull FEM/BDC module out of car, connected it with godiag and started process as usual. After EEPROM successfully preprocessing, Autel started to program module to get SK but it wrote “Failed to program” and restored original EEPROM data back. After this, I put ECU back to car but it didnt start and ignition didnt wake up. So I tried to backup coding file but it didnt help. After little survey I tried to check software version (which I did also before I started programming) but Autel showed me “Software mismatch”. So I used ECU recovery process, choose original FEM/BDC data (backup done by reading ECU info) and it helped. So even I didnt program new key, I was able to repair ECU.”

 

For the future always read the EEPROM twice and compare it by seen first page and last page just simple tip if you keep using autel for BMW.

You can compare the two readings and see if they are exactly the same, Just to make sure that you get the same data.

Monday, September 8, 2025

Program Honda ID33 T5 All Keys Lost with Autel IM608

 Problem:

Doing a Honda UK 1998 id33/T5 chip all keys lost with Autel IM608. Autel asks to “use of the red learning key of the immobiliser control unit” as shown in the picture. What does it mean?

Program Honda ID33 T5 All Keys Lost with Autel IM608

Here’s what the message means:
On older Honda models (like your UK 1998 with ID33/T5 chip), the immobilizer system was designed with a “red key” (sometimes called a master key or learning key).
The red key is not for everyday driving.
It is a special programming/master key supplied with the vehicle originally.

Its purpose is to put the immobilizer control unit (ICU) into learning/programming mode, allowing new black keys (regular transponder keys) to be registered.
Without this red key, the immobilizer will not accept or learn any new transponders when “all keys are lost.”

In short:
The Autel IM608/IM508 tool is telling you that you cannot continue key programming unless you have that original red master key.
Important notes for your case (Honda UK 1998, ID33/T5 chip):

If you don’t have the red key anymore (many owners lost it because it was not meant for daily use), you cannot add keys directly with diagnostic tools.
Your options are usually:

1. Replace or virginize the immobilizer control unit (ICU/ECU) and program new keys from scratch.
2. Use EEPROM/immobilizer dump programming with a programmer to add keys manually to the system.
3. Order a new ECU/ICU set with pre-programmed keys from Honda (very expensive).
So basically, the tool is saying:
“You need the red learning/master key to let me program new keys. If you don’t have it, we need to go another route (EEPROM, swap, or virginize).”

Pull immobilizer ring and eeprom a key in with autel.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO Function

 Autel has released a new update for the first time once again. This update adds the key programming function for BMW G series BDC3 immo system.

Compatible devices:

Autel IM508S/IM608 II or OTOFIX IM series with with XP400/XP400 PRO/XP1 Pro

 

The OTOFIX IM1/IM2 series will also be upgraded later.

09/03/2025 V4.70

BMW_IMMO

Adds Add Key function for BDC03 immobilizer for the following models with G chassis:
[Major upgrade]
2 Series G42/G87 2020-2024
3 Series G20/G21/G28/G81/G80 2020-2024
4 Series G22/G23/G26/G82/G83 2020-2024
5 Series G30/G31/G38/G60 2020-2024
6 Series G32 2020/07-2024/06
7 Series G11/G12/G70 2020-2024
8 Series G14/G15/G16 2020-2024
X3 G01/G08/G45 2020-2024
X4 G02 2020-2024

 

NOTE:

We still need to pay BMW G-chassis subscription to add BDC3 key.

It is getting immo from key not from BDC3 module. It is safer.

Need to add an Autel BMW ikey universal smart key.

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 1

The current function only supports adding keys for some BDC3 models, not all.
For keys with model years between 2020-2024 and the “Hungary” marking in the upper right corner, the success rate is higher.

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 2

Main steps to add BMW G Series BDC3 Key with Autel:

Go to Smart mode- scan BMW BDC3 immo module- select Add key function.

Step 1: Read vehicle info
Step 2: Read key data
This step requires disassembling the original key and reading data from original key.

There are 3 ways to connect the key board with xp400 pro:

  1. Use the APB113 adapter (it is included in the IMKPA kit) to connect the key to the xp400 programmer.

  2. Use a wiring harness to connect the key to the xp400 programmer.

  3. Use a solder-free clip to connect the key to the programmer.

It is recommended to use the APB113 adapter for more stable data reading.

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 3

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 4

Then connect the apb113 adapter to the xp400 pro to read key data.

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 5

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 6

Step 3: Generate dealer key
This function only generates Autel BMW ikey.
Place the Autel BMW ikey to the coil of XP400 Pro like this.

Autel IM608 Adds BMW G Series BDC3 IMMO 7

Then start generating key.