Remote control error however car uses a key, not a CA fob.
 

I've been getting "The remote control is not in the ignition lock. Restarting the engine may not be possible" error however my 2006 530xiT uses a key, not a comfort access fob.

Any idea what this means?

Thanks.

The error is referring to the key remote. Your key is a remote all in one. Does the key still work? Have you tried your other key? what steps have you taken to troubleshoot. How long has it been since you have used the key that is giving you an issue?

It seems to me that the battery is dead in the current remote. Take it for a nice drive to charged it back up or go to the dealership to have a new one made.

I have a 2006 also. That was a split year for the E60 in US models. Your model is like mine and uses a real key. Yours also has the FTM (flat tire monitor) that uses the ABS sensors to detect wheel rotation differences instead of actual tire pressure. Later 2006 models got the square key. If you ever had third party programming, that could be why you get that error message. More lileley, the 2006 just gets that message generically since the later 2006 did have the square keys. Do as seanjordan20 suggests. Try the other key. I think there is also a DIY I've seen where you can replace the battery. Don't do anything unless you have a *spare* working key or you could end up in a world of hurt.

Personally I would not go to the dealership to get a new key but I suggested it because that was the safest route. When my battery went out on my key I "sawed it open to replace it which saved me a lot of money. There is also a guy out there that will do it for around $50 if you dont feel comfortable doing it. You can find him on ebay. But as twh said "DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS UNLESS YOU HAVE ANOTHER KEY THAT WORKS".

Thanks all for the replies. It sounds like the battery in my key is the culprit.

The key in question is one of the two which came with the car new. It's also the only one I've used continually for almost 130K miles. I will switch it for the second key to see if that solves the issue. The car has been dealer serviced since new and has never had any third party programming.

Any idea how much a new key is from BMW?

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...mw+key+battery

I think it is like $150, but then needs to be programmed to your car. Not sure what that procedure is, but generally the car manufacturers make it so you can add a new key if you have one or sometimes two working keys. If you have no working keys, some car manufacturers require a new computer module of one type or another along with the new keys.

Here is a trick that has worked for me. When my diamond shaped key, 05 530i, battery gets low on 2nd key, I place it on my Braun electric tooth brush charging stand for a day and give it a good charge 2 times a year. The Braun charging stand has a center post that sticks up 3/4". I place the key with the plastic diamond area between the post and back base of stand. The key portion fits between post and stand back. After the key has been in stand for 3-4 hrs, feel the black plastic. If it feels warm, the battery within is taking the charge.

Good luck.