Key Fob Questions

[wiseguy]

Buzyg, I haven’t tried a key reset. I’ll research how to do that.

keyfob 1 unlocks or locks the car sometimes when I use it. Other times, I have to insert the key blade into the door. Key fob 2 is dead but will lock and unlock the car with the key blade. Both start the car when inserted into the ignition. So neither key is completely nonfunctional. I’m guessing the car would not start if the electronics died inside the fob.

 

[wiseguy]

I’m trying the “charge it on a battery powered toothbrush charger” tonight to see if I can bring my keys back to life. The car has been in the shop so much lately for repairs, it hasn’t been driven much. Fingers crossed. I’m not sure who could change the battery in the US.

My car never moved for over 2 years and both keys still work fine. Before that it done like 500-900 miles per year for a few years.

No idea how both batteries are still okay but they are.

I'd say if they aren't charging then they are shot. From my limited experience they are pretty hard to kill

The locksmith I visited said the keys and batteries can only be changed/replaced/repaired by BMW. I told him mine don’t seem to be charging properly. He said they don’t charge. They simply die and have to be replaced when they do. So I don’t know.

 

[SonnyA85]

I’m trying the “charge it on a battery powered toothbrush charger” tonight to see if I can bring my keys back to life. The car has been in the shop so much lately for repairs, it hasn’t been driven much. Fingers crossed. I’m not sure who could change the battery in the US.

My car never moved for over 2 years and both keys still work fine. Before that it done like 500-900 miles per year for a few years.

No idea how both batteries are still okay but they are.

I'd say if they aren't charging then they are shot. From my limited experience they are pretty hard to kill

The locksmith I visited said the keys and batteries can only be changed/replaced/repaired by BMW. I told him mine don’t seem to be charging properly. He said they don’t charge. They simply die and have to be replaced when they do. So I don’t know.

Plenty have had them repaired. I linked to a service a couple of months back that was £15-£20 per key and you post the keys to them. Have a search

 

[Rockhopper]

From the E85 owners manual:

"There is an extended-life battery in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key with remote control that is otherwise
not used, use that key approximately once a year while driving for an
extended period to charge the battery."

 

[wiseguy]

My car never moved for over 2 years and both keys still work fine. Before that it done like 500-900 miles per year for a few years.

No idea how both batteries are still okay but they are.

I'd say if they aren't charging then they are shot. From my limited experience they are pretty hard to kill

The locksmith I visited said the keys and batteries can only be changed/replaced/repaired by BMW. I told him mine don’t seem to be charging properly. He said they don’t charge. They simply die and have to be replaced when they do. So I don’t know.

Plenty have had them repaired. I linked to a service a couple of months back that was £15-£20 per key and you post the keys to them. Have a search

I saw that link- thanks! While I'd rather do it locally, that may be my best bet.

 

[wiseguy]

From the E85 owners manual:

"There is an extended-life battery in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key with remote control that is otherwise
not used, use that key approximately once a year while driving for an
extended period to charge the battery."

When I get it fixed, I may take my manual into that locksmith's shop to educate him. He looked at me like I was an idiot when I said it recharged (via the ignition) while driving the car .