Key fob (rechargeable version) NON-Comfort Access

[spitfun]

Some hopefully useful information about the rechargeable remote fobs (non-comfort access-I need to insert fob in dash to start my car). I tried to use the 2nd fob that had been unused for awhile and it did not recharge. I ordered a new case and button assembly for the NON-rechargeable fob along with a new rechargeable battery (see pics),I did this because it comes apart and goes back together,the rechargeable fob is very hard to disassemble and does not go back together without gluing and making a mess.The only difference is the metal contacts for the rechargeable battery which I removed and it has a removable back to access the battery which is no longer functional as the battery is soldered in permanently as before. I just cut the case apart at the seam with a razor knife,removed the pc board and soldered in a new battery in (be sure to buy the Panasonic with the proper pin orientation) opened the new case ,removed the metal battery contacts and installed the pc board in the new case including the new buttons and now everything is new except the board-seems to work fine.. Everything is available on Ebay.

 

[Marcoose]

Brilliant !

Is your fob rechargeable now ?

 

[spitfun]

Yes,all I did was swap it into a new case and put a new rechargeable battery in it-it was rechargeable prior so it should work the same...

 

[Marcoose]

Presumably you have comfort access, right ? You don’t need to put the key in the key slot to start the car, right ?

If yes, how often you reckon you’ll have to put the key in the slot to keep it charged ?

Thanks.

 

[spitfun]

I do not have comfort access as I DO need to insert it in the slot so it charges whenever I drive the car.
.

 

[Marcoose]

Oh. I’ve totally missed that on the title.

Would your DIY work with comfort access ?

 

[spitfun]

I don't see why not,but the battery is replaceable in yours,isn't it? I guess you could get the new case that includes the new rubber buttons to update the fob.

 

[flybobbie]

I don't see why not,but the battery is replaceable in yours,isn't it? I guess you could get the new case that includes the new rubber buttons to update the fob.

But why show a case that is comfort type, bit confusing.
I bought battery and case for non comfort, thought it might have been my start problem, still might be.
Case is solid back and front, no opening as in comfort type.
Unless it might prove easier way to replace battery in future, but can't see how, if soldered in.

 

[spitfun]

The rechargeable fob case is sealed and the only way to put it back together is to glue it which will be a mess. The NON-rechargeable fob the whole case opens up-thats why I said to buy that version,other than that and after you remove the metal contacts inside which you will not be using they are the same inside.

 

[spitfun]

I am not referring to the removable battery door,but rather the entire case splits in half

 

[flybobbie]

The replacement case i have comes in two halves.
So will clip back together.
I might prise off the BMW badge and glue on new fob.

 

[spitfun]

I believe you can get new ones on Ebay,I bought mine from AliExpress.

 

[Christopher72]

I did mine through Amazon... same process, just picked a new case that wasn't comfort access. Also the roundel.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082SW1H6S battery
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085L69SLL new case
https://www.amazon.com/FOGER-Emblem/dp/B085ZMMP55 roundel

Not the cheapest, but it works flawlessly and cheaper than OEM. I moved the existing cut key to the new fob and tossed the blank.

 

[flybobbie]

Really helpful, 3 links, all unavailable.(might be just a UK thing).

 

[Christopher72]

Really helpful, 3 links, all unavailable.(might be just a UK thing).

USA links work here, perhaps some UK links then - I hope this works for you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/XND-Compatible-Replacement-Emblem-Sticker/dp/B09Q7SRL4Y roundel
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Automobile-Locksmith-Kit-rechargeable-replacement/dp/B072LMJG7K/ case & battery

 

[flybobbie]

Just replaced battery, see if it works tomorrow.

Thought i would move across the old one, but new fob doesn't have clearance for the badge.

 

[spitfun]

Looks like the replacement cases with or without the battery door on the back come apart and snap back together the same way. So I guess you can buy either style case-they will both work fine... Also,the one I bought off of AliExpress without the removable battery door on the back came with a new small BMW emblem,bonus!!