BMW Key Programming Guide: FEM/BDC, CAS3, CAS4 Systems Explained

BMW Key Programming: Every System Covered

CAS2 (2001-2008: E60, E65, E90 early)

Straightforward OBD programming with VVDI2 BMW module. AKL possible via bench reading.

CAS3/CAS3+ (2006-2012: E90, E60, E70)

AES encryption on CAS3+. AKL requires bench programming with VVDI Prog or Multi-Prog.

CAS4/CAS4+ (2010-2016: F10, F30, F01)

Different MCU and encryption. VVDI2 handles CAS4 via both OBD and bench methods.

FEM/BDC (2014-2019: F20, F30 LCI, F48, G30 early)

Replaced CAS in newer F-series. Requires OBD with ISN reading or bench reading. Key Tool Plus and VVDI2 both support FEM/BDC.

BDC2 (2019+: G20, G30 LCI, G05)

Latest system requiring the specialized Xhorse BMW G-Series BDC2 Adapter.

Tool Selection

• CAS2/CAS3: VVDI2 + VVDI Prog
• CAS4: VVDI2 or Key Tool Plus + Multi-Prog
• FEM/BDC: Key Tool Plus (preferred)
• BDC2: Key Tool Plus + BDC2 Adapter

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