Remote Key battery

Ell201275

Member
I know the battery in a keyfob can last for quite a few years, but if for example I was out with just my main keyfob & the battery decided to die while the car was locked, so I couldn't turn off the alarm in the usual way, what is the best way to get inside & be able to drive the car home?

I know there is a physical key that I can use, but no idea where to put it or how to use this with the alarm still enabled? :?

I don't want to use any remote lock/unlock system on my phone as I'd be too afraid of losing my phone & someone unlocking my car.
 
It’s possible to open the car using the ‘My BMW’ app, no need for a key.
 
To use the physical key, pull out the door handle slightly and with your other hand, push out the oval cover plate from behind.

Once in the car, place the rear of your key fob against the key symbol on the RHS of the steering column, just below the windscreen wiper stalk.
Pay attention to the display on the instrument cluster. I believe you have 10 seconds to start the car before having to repeat the process.

If the key fob is not detected, try moving it slightly and repeating the process
 
obewan said:
To use the physical key, pull out the door handle slightly and with your other hand, push out the oval cover plate from behind.

Once in the car, place the rear of your key fob against the key symbol on the RHS of the steering column, just below the windscreen wiper stalk.
Pay attention to the display on the instrument cluster. I believe you have 10 seconds to start the car before having to repeat the process.

If the key fob is not detected, try moving it slightly and repeating the process

But the whole point of the query is if the battery is totally dead, so placing it against anything won't work.
Also, when you put the physical key into the slot behind the drivers door, won't the alarm go off?
 
Yes, if the door has not been locked with the integrated key, the alarm will trigger. However placing it on the steering column and starting the car will silence it.

The battery being dead does not mean it won't work - It was explained to me at the handover of my car.
I can't remember if he said the fob uses a minute charge/proximity to the 'key' symbol (this is where the key transponder is) or it uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the same as in your bank cards to power the chip. (there's no battery in them)

If you have a handbook, it's on page 84-86

YouTube video here
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pjhn1hWgMHY
 
ToddG said:
Apart from the workarounds above, I keep a spare battery in the glove box.
Likewise :thumbsup: But handy Youtube video. There is obviously tons of stuff we can do if we only know all these little fixes
 
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