Issues with locking the car, HELP PLEASE

Adrien_E34

Member
 Belgium
Hi everyone,


I recently bought a 2007 BMW Z4 E86 3.0si that already had this issue.


The car came with two keys:


  • Key #1 is physically damaged, so I understand why it doesn’t work properly.
  • Key #2 is in perfect condition, but had barely been used for around 20 years.

The important point is that unlocking has always worked perfectly with key #2. However, locking has never worked since I bought the car.


I have now been using key #2 regularly for about two weeks. The car starts perfectly with it, and the remote unlock function works normally, but the remote lock button does nothing.


I have already tried the key initialization/synchronization procedure, but it did not solve the problem.


There is also something strange: if I manually lock the car using the key in the door lock and then press the LOCK button on the remote, the interior lights come on.


I’m wondering about the GM5 module, the remote receiver/antenna, or another part of the central locking system.


Could the EWS system be involved, or is it only related to immobilizer/start authorization?


What would you check first, and can the GM5 or remote receiver be properly diagnosed with INPA/NCS Expert/ISTA?


Thanks for your help
 
Start simple, how old is the car battery. If you are uncertain of age I would replace that as a starting point and then read any codes.
 
If the key hasn’t been used for 20 years, perhaps the key battery needs charging. Have you tried the trick of putting it in a toothbrush charger. I haven’t but lots on here have.
 
If the key hasn’t been used for 20 years, perhaps the key battery needs charging. Have you tried the trick of putting it in a toothbrush charger. I haven’t but lots on here have.
Yes I did it and I also have driven the car for many hours with the key in the ignition.
I think the key battery is charged because I can unlock the doors with it, but it is impossible to lock the doors with the remote.

A bit strange but I need to press many times (around 5 times) for the trunk opening to work with the key
 
Do you guys think going to a BMW dealer and buying a new Key will solve the Issue ?

I wonder if the key « lock » signal has been desynchronised because it got left in a drawer unused for many years
 
My key has 3 buttons the middle one looks like the bmw logo, this locks the car. The one nearest the blade unlocks the doors but to open the trunk I need to use the one with the trunk symbol after I have unlocked the doors. I must unlock the doors first before I can unlock the trunk. I can’t unlock the trunk just by using the trunk symbol button on its own. I think your key is fine.
 
I would suggest buying another key off eBay - second hand - any diamond shape - and try and pair that to the remote locking. It doesn't need to the fit the locks/start the car, but it'll let you rule out if it's a car or a key issue.

Like this https://ebay.io/m/XKrH7s

The interior lights are meant to come on when the lock button is pressed, and the car is locked - this is by design. It suggests the key is probably working/sending the right signal - it's in the manual somewhere I think. My R53 does it, my e46s did, my wife's e92 does.

This is all GM5. No EWS involved here
 
Back
Top Bottom