BMW Repair: keyless entry not working, bmw 328ci, antenna amplifier

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a bmw 328ci 1999 vin jm20259. I have just bought it. It came with 2 remote keys. both flat. replaced batterys in them, and tride to re reinitilize them. Standed way, put in egnition turn to position 1, turn off hold unlock button. press lock button 3 times release unlock. at this point the locks are ment to lock then unlock. But nothing happens. Hvae tried a range of sequances. tchecked all the fuses a few times. Can i check if the antenna ir working i.e recieving info from key? Any help would be great.

ANSWER: Mat, can you start the car and drive it? You have a E36 (1992-19990 vehicle or E46 vehicle(1999-2006)?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi yes the car starts and drives. Everything works fine.It is a e46 1999. The only thing not working is the keyless entery. Have tried re initilizeing key but nothing happens.

Answer
Mat, your initialization procedure is correct. Please perform a key test. Take a key and press and hold the trunk release and lock buttons at the same time. Red LED should come on for a second if the internal chip and battery are 'OK'. Second you may try another key from a buddies car with the same style key, just initialize that key to your car, but will need to be initialized back to original vehicle. If the key tests are good then you need to look at the rest of the system. Rear glass antenna, Antenna Amplifier/Receiver, General module, and wires and connections of each. The glass is rarely the issue unless it is tinted or damaged. The antenna amplifier is a rectangular box behind the left C-pillar by the glass. Remove reading light then remove pillar screws. Check power and ground and connections. From the rear glass antenna, the signal goes to the amplifier, is changed and amplified, and sent to the General Module (body and locking controller White three connector module behind glove box in module carrier). Antenna amplifier could be swapped from another vehicle, don't believe the GM can be and function correctly. I have seen a few faulty antenna/amps. If you were to check the signal from the ant/amp to the GM I honestly don't know what the signal would look like on an oscilloscope or voltmeter. There is a test plan that can be performed on the dealer's diagnostic machine to find out if the GM is receiving a signal from the Ant/Amp. That would tell you if the signal is being received. Have seen more faulty GM's in early E46's like yours, but usually for Central Locking issues. I would swap or replace the Ant/Amp in the C-pillar first then if need be replace the General module (more expensive and has to be dealer coded to your car). Hope this helps
-Evan