The remote fits into a slot on the dash column instead of a key to start the car - just like all yours, I'm sure. You push it in and push it to pop it out again. Yesterday, I was about to go up to town to see a show. It felt a little stiff, but we set off fine. When I came to remove it, it felt held in, so I pushed and pulled and it come out. Next time I went to start the car, the remote only went in a bit and plopped out onto the floor! The car would start, but gave an error message that I shouldn't stop the engine or it might not restart. So I rang the dealership - can't see the car for 10 days and we'll need to order a new holder. That sounds expensive. So we drove round town with the remote in my pocket, but it started and stopped fine so long as the remote was held in.

I searched all through here for a solution, but couldn't find one. So here it is - stupidly easy and free after some experimentation today. Push in the remote. Push a bit harder. Push harder yet, and you'll hear a slightly metallic clink. The remote will slide in and stay in. Push again as normal and it will ping out normally. Forget you ever had a problem as it is now cured.


2005 Msport 535d Touring - about to be replaced.

 

Thanks for the tip.