CA Fob vs. Non-CA Fob?
08-10-2012, 01:33 PM
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My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
Can you differentiate a Comfort Access (CA) fob from a non-CA fob by looking at it? I just purchased a 2009 w/Comfort Access and only one of the fobs works in CA mode. The other fob only works if I insert it into the ignition lock. The dash shows the missing key symbol if I push the Start button with this fob in the car, but not in the ignition lock. To me, they are indistinguishable.
I tried the procedure in the Owner's Manual for a Malfunction of the CA function. Lock/Unlock the doors and insert the fob in the ignition lock. When I removed it, it still didn't work in CA mode.
Are the batteries different since one re-charges in the ignition lock and the other doesn't?
Thanks for any information...
I tried the procedure in the Owner's Manual for a Malfunction of the CA function. Lock/Unlock the doors and insert the fob in the ignition lock. When I removed it, it still didn't work in CA mode.
Are the batteries different since one re-charges in the ignition lock and the other doesn't?
Thanks for any information...
08-10-2012, 05:14 PM
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08-10-2012, 09:05 PM
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My Ride: 2012 535i X-driveSpace Grey/Black Dakota, Fineline Anthracite Trim; Executive Package (Rear View, Lumbar, Nav, Voice, SIRIUS, HiFi Pro) Technology Package (Hi Beam Assist, Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View) BMW Apps (Apps, Smart Pho
Model Year: 2012
If you are still under warranty the CA fob batteries are covered under the original 4 yr OEM warranty. If not, the batteries are simple watch batteries CR3220 (I think) available everywhere. Take the fob apart first to verify the battery type. They last about two years depending on your usage.
08-10-2012, 09:50 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530d M Sport Automatic, Le Mans Edition.Le Mans Blue Individual Paint Special, Syrah Blue Individual Leather, Piano Black Individual Interior Trim, Front seat heating,M Double Spoke 172 19
Can you differentiate a Comfort Access (CA) fob from a non-CA fob by looking at it? I just purchased a 2009 w/Comfort Access and only one of the fobs works in CA mode. The other fob only works if I insert it into the ignition lock. The dash shows the missing key symbol if I push the Start button with this fob in the car, but not in the ignition lock. To me, they are indistinguishable.
I tried the procedure in the Owner's Manual for a Malfunction of the CA function. Lock/Unlock the doors and insert the fob in the ignition lock. When I removed it, it still didn't work in CA mode.
Are the batteries different since one re-charges in the ignition lock and the other doesn't?
Thanks for any information...
I tried the procedure in the Owner's Manual for a Malfunction of the CA function. Lock/Unlock the doors and insert the fob in the ignition lock. When I removed it, it still didn't work in CA mode.
Are the batteries different since one re-charges in the ignition lock and the other doesn't?
Thanks for any information...
08-10-2012, 11:38 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i - Sport Package, Sport Transmission, Active Steering, Navigation, Comfort Access, 7 Logic Stereo
Toss a new CR2032 battery in the fob and see if that helps. You can find these at any decent grocery or drug store 
08-11-2012, 12:51 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
Thanks for all the replies. It must be a CA fob, because there is a battery cover and it takes a CR2032. Unfortunately, when I put a fresh battery in, it behaved the same. Buttons work, works in the ignition lock, but Comfort Access features don't work. I am still under original warranty, so will bring it up with the dealer.
08-11-2012, 08:31 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
I have found that when dealers replace the missing key which is common with used cars, for some reason they have no idea they are supposed to program the key/car combo so that comfort access works.
My best speculation is the car salesman/ used car manager loses a few more $$ when they have to pay the service dept to do the programming - or the used car guys just dont know enough about the cars.
My best speculation is the car salesman/ used car manager loses a few more $$ when they have to pay the service dept to do the programming - or the used car guys just dont know enough about the cars.