E85 remote locking failure
- Thread starter Billbob10
- Start date
If all the locks work fine from buttons/keyholes in the car, maybe it's just a flat battery in the keyfob ?
Try charging the key on a toothbrush charger, otherwise the rechargeable battery can be changed.
Here's what I wrote on another thread :
I found it quite easy to change the battery.
Order the rechargeable battery from Aliexpress, cut the fob open with a sharp blade, desolder / resolder battery, super glue all back together, mask BMW logo & blade, spray case with matt black. Then place on toothbrush charger overnight for good measure.
Cost about £5, looks almost new.
Try charging the key on a toothbrush charger, otherwise the rechargeable battery can be changed.
Here's what I wrote on another thread :
I found it quite easy to change the battery.
Order the rechargeable battery from Aliexpress, cut the fob open with a sharp blade, desolder / resolder battery, super glue all back together, mask BMW logo & blade, spray case with matt black. Then place on toothbrush charger overnight for good measure.
Cost about £5, looks almost new.
Crawford08
Member
I just bought mine and the previous owners shop thought it needed a gm5 module. I bought a $15 key with built in fob off Amazon to test it and my module is fine, all the problems are original fob related. Unfortunately the fob has been taken apart and glued back together so it's going to be difficult to repair. I might end up getting another key cut or I'll just deal with it and stick the key in the door. I do have the spare key also that does not have the built in fob and I cut the key part off the Amazon key then put that fob on the keychain with the spare.
Crawford08
Member
Try these methods to see if you have to reprogram them and if that doesn't work then you probably need the module
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33506
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33506
Been away in Hamburg for a couple of weeks and found my keyfob battery had dieded as usual.
Dug out an old Philips Sonicare toothbrush charger and it's as if someone knew the charger would be needed for the key as it fits like a glove!
Charged overnight and it now works as it should. I had to re-program the remote functionality however.
Dug out an old Philips Sonicare toothbrush charger and it's as if someone knew the charger would be needed for the key as it fits like a glove!
Charged overnight and it now works as it should. I had to re-program the remote functionality however.
Unlikely both key fobs failed at the same time, unless you only dug out the second one when the first failed so could have been dead for months.philbo said:
Have you tried unlocking manually then trying to lock with the key fob?
This was the first sign my gm5 was failing as for a while it would still lock.
Depending where you are you may have someone nearby with a spare gm5 you could slave in to check?
enuff_zed said:
Thanks Enuff,
So far I've tried over and over to re-program the keys. I've replaced the rear view mirror, I've electric toothbrushed both my keys until really minty fresh! Nothing has worked so far.
The back-story is as follows:- Ever since I bought the car, the passenger door lock actuator has had an intermittent fault which prevents it from unlocking (today this is working, but it didn't yesterday). i don't think this has anything to do with my key problem, but I'll be replacing the actuator asap. The key fobs worked perfectly until one day in January when I tried to get into the car and it was deadlocked. The keyfobs didn't work remotely and the key didn't work in the door lock. I could unlock the boot with the key, but that was the only way in. I disconnected the battery to release the deadlock and I could then unlock the driver's door with the key in the lock. Since then, remote locking has not worked. But the central locking works on the internal button and with the key in the door lock. I'm wondering if the mirror isn't getting power or if there is a break in the connection between the mirror (FZV antenna) and the GM5 module.
The phrase ‘out on a limb’ springs to mind.philbow said:
To the best of my knowledge the closest person is me, in Norfolk.
Are you happy to fix things yourself?
If so it’s easy to talk you though it. First step is to ascertain if you have the more common version or a ‘Star 12’. Both can be replaced or repaired but they are not interchangeable
To chip in and reference my own earlier post, I have exactly the same issue. Assumed it was failing fob battery and replaced it but no cigar. Fob has stopped actuating the central locking remotely but like you my internal button still works as well as the doorlock.
Wish I had the time to deal with it but I just live with it for now.
:|
Wish I had the time to deal with it but I just live with it for now.
:|
Fairly easy. Get a torch and familiarise yourself with where the plugs and nuts are first. Unbolt the bracket and lower it down. Easier than getting the module off the bracket.philbow said:
The plugs are all different types of connector. Either slide the outer section to one side to pull the plug clear or others have a lever that goes over the top. You have to depress a small clip and pull the lever over. They are fragile.
Once out read the label. If it says Star 12 Low then you need to send it to a different chap and it’s bit more expensive. If it doesn’t then it’s a more common one and a bit cheaper.
Both services available on ebay
