Key fob not working
- Thread starter Daveh129
- Start date
North West Surrey
Sound like it's the battery.
I believe some people have had some success leaving them next to a Braun toothbrush charger as both items charge by induction!
I've no idea what they are like, but there are people offering to fit replacements:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Battery-replacement-service-for-BMW-E46-3-E39-E60-5-E63-X5-E53-remote-key-fob/332419092970?hash=item4d65b8d1ea:g:YN0AAOSwYIxX2qJm
Or there is a firm in E. London that I have seen recommended - search for "bmkeys".
You can just buy the battery on ebay, but you'll need to split the casing open - there is obviously a guide on youtube if you feel brave!
I believe some people have had some success leaving them next to a Braun toothbrush charger as both items charge by induction!
I've no idea what they are like, but there are people offering to fit replacements:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Battery-replacement-service-for-BMW-E46-3-E39-E60-5-E63-X5-E53-remote-key-fob/332419092970?hash=item4d65b8d1ea:g:YN0AAOSwYIxX2qJm
Or there is a firm in E. London that I have seen recommended - search for "bmkeys".
You can just buy the battery on ebay, but you'll need to split the casing open - there is obviously a guide on youtube if you feel brave!
Not sure how good it works, but every couple of months I position my keyfob over a Braun oral-b charger and leave it overnight.
Definitely worth a try, to see if it brings yours back to life. Without having to split etc. Obviously if the battery is completely shot due to age, that won't be an ideal solution, as it might not hold a charge.
Definitely worth a try, to see if it brings yours back to life. Without having to split etc. Obviously if the battery is completely shot due to age, that won't be an ideal solution, as it might not hold a charge.
Panta Rhei
Member
I believe it charges when in ignition mode.
Mr roadster
Member
Hi Dave I had the same problem with my key bought new battery had an electrician at work split in open replaced battery glued back together never worked again ended up buying new key. I tried everything to avoid going to dealership. Cost me £155 expensive. If you can afford new get new.they program it to the car. Your call.
Give the toothbrush charger a go? Won't cost you anything! That's how I got a Mini (BMW type) key working! Think mines an OralB one... but any electric (induction) toothbrush should work 
I had to re-initialise it after as well. So if it doesn't work straight away then make sure you do this... so you'll probably have to go through the "pairing" procedure again. Otherwise you might have fully charged the battery back up, but it's not talking to the car. Hope that reads okay!
I had to re-initialise it after as well. So if it doesn't work straight away then make sure you do this... so you'll probably have to go through the "pairing" procedure again. Otherwise you might have fully charged the battery back up, but it's not talking to the car. Hope that reads okay!