Battery low on Key fob ?
11-13-2011, 07:01 AM
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Hello everyone,
First of all I tried searching and could not find anything on this topic.
My 2006 E60 BMW was in for body work repair for about 2 weeks, and after recieving my vehicle the key fob would only work when I am very close to the vehicle about 2 feet before the key used to work perfectly. I guess as the car was not driven during the 2 weeks could it be the battery on the key drained ? also a side note is that I have 2 keys and both have this issue I only handed one to the BMW repair shop.
What I am wondering is what do I have to do? can I change the battery on the key fob or is a new key fob required.
I do not have comfort access
Thanks a lot in advance !
First of all I tried searching and could not find anything on this topic.
My 2006 E60 BMW was in for body work repair for about 2 weeks, and after recieving my vehicle the key fob would only work when I am very close to the vehicle about 2 feet before the key used to work perfectly. I guess as the car was not driven during the 2 weeks could it be the battery on the key drained ? also a side note is that I have 2 keys and both have this issue I only handed one to the BMW repair shop.
What I am wondering is what do I have to do? can I change the battery on the key fob or is a new key fob required.
I do not have comfort access
Thanks a lot in advance !
11-13-2011, 07:08 AM
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The key fob charges when in use (and likely discharges when not in use but left in the vehicle) -- good that you noted it isn't CA because those batteries are replaceable. Maybe regular use of the one that is discharged will refresh it's rechargeable battery. I do recall someone detailing how to disassemble the regular fob; But if it can't be recharged by regular use you may be forced to find and buy a replacement.
11-13-2011, 08:00 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
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I have heard from the dealer that with CA, you must occasionally put the fob into the receptacle in order to "charge" it.....how could that even work?? 
11-13-2011, 08:18 AM
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Your Dealer Representative must have been confused or
when that class was taught 
LOL
11-13-2011, 08:28 AM
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We know the Fobs are not rechargeable but if you want to save money from buying a new fob you can have the batteries replaced. I know someone that does them for a decent price.
11-13-2011, 08:31 AM
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My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
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Engine: N55
1. Even rechargeable batteries have limited life. Though those from BMW seem to last well. My 2004 ones are still working fine.
2. Often this 'lack of range' is down to problems with the antenna amplifier. My dealer denied it could be nay such thing until I showed them the service bulletin. Mine was replaced under warranty and the effective range of the remote went from 2m to about 75m.
2. Often this 'lack of range' is down to problems with the antenna amplifier. My dealer denied it could be nay such thing until I showed them the service bulletin. Mine was replaced under warranty and the effective range of the remote went from 2m to about 75m.
11-13-2011, 01:35 PM
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My Ride: 07 530xiT Black/Black Nav pan roof tint 30%/20% F/R, LED Interior, Matte Kidney Grills, RPi intake scoop, 5W LED AE's, Backed out emblems...
Does anyone have a copy of the service bulletin for USA?
11-14-2011, 10:55 AM
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My Ride: BMW 525D M-Sport
What confuses me is that if the key that I gave the BMW garage got its battery 'discharged' what about the other key I have at home it works equally as bad as the discharged one I need to be about 30 centimeters away from the car for the doors to open... 
11-14-2011, 04:50 PM
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Sounds like the garage may have done something to impact performance.
If both key fobs are doing it out of the blue, there has to be something wrong.
If both key fobs are doing it out of the blue, there has to be something wrong.
11-14-2011, 11:44 PM
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My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
Sounds even more like the antenna amplifier.