E89 Rechareable Key Fob Dead

[ktdevine21]

Key Fob with the "Needs Charged" notification. Tried charging while driving car and a wireless charger but, still have the message. Does anyone rebuild these with a new battery in the USA?
***Not comfort access, only the rechargeable version***

$450 for a new one....... ouch.

Thank you!

[B21]

Several YouTube videos on cutting these apart and soldering a fresh battery in..some people bought an empty new case and just butchered the old one..some folks managed to tease the old one apart and re-use it..

Key is used on many BMWs so you don’t need an E89 specific video..

[Big Bad Boris]

Several YouTube videos on cutting these apart and soldering a fresh battery in..some people bought an empty new case and just butchered the old one..some folks managed to tease the old one apart and re-use it..

Key is used on many BMWs so you don’t need an E89 specific video..

I went that route, bought 2 new cases with rechargeable batteries included (Ebay I think). Luckily I have a friend that builds model aircraft and the like, so is very handy with a soldering iron etc. He removed the innards from the old cases, unsoldered & removed the existing batteries, soldered in the new batteries and slotted them into the new cases, hey presto basically two brand new remotes for about 30 of your British beer vouchers as I recall, plus a bit of time of course.

[Big Bad Boris]

Just remembered they were pictured in my for sale thread, look pretty good IMHO…..

IMG_2084.jpeg (133.22 KiB) Viewed 234 times

[javis20]

Anybody have a link to the replacement keyfob cases?

[ktdevine21]

Appreciate the feedback all! I've got a longer drive today so, will see if it recharges. Otherwise, I did find a few companies that rebuild remotes with a new case, battery, buttons, etc in England for $40 round trip. They offer their services through an eBay transaction. Thanks!

[javis20]

That seems a little low. The VL2020 battery alone is around $10, then the time to open the case, unsolder battery, solder new battery and finally glue and reassemble case. Now add shipping.

Do it yourself. Here is a great video. Instructions for your keyfob starts at 10 ,minutes in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsld1DtGW_M

[Big Bad Boris]

Anybody have a link to the replacement keyfob cases?

Just type “BMW E89 key fob case with battery” into Ebay / Amazon… there are plenty to choose from.

[flybobbie]

I used a Dremel tool to cut open case.
After that pretty straight forward to replace the battery and clip new case together.
Only slight problem don't bother with the little BMW badge transfer.
Think it makes the key to thick to go in slot.

[Big Bad Boris]

Mine was fine with the BMW badge attached.

Maybe I’m special, but I’ve never had any problem fitting mine in the slot