You won’t be able to use keyless entry or remote unlocking if your BMW has Comfort Access if the battery in your key fob has died. You can still enter and manually start your automobile, though.
Press and hold the key release button at the remote fob’s base while unlocking the door of your car, then slide out the internal key blade. This can be used in place of a standard key to unlock your car. You can locate a little hole on the bottom of the handle if the keyhole is hidden on your car door. Use the key blade to pry off the trim panel and expose the keyhole by inserting it into the hole.
Once you’re inside, put your remote key fob in the ignition slot or, if your car doesn’t have one, press it up against the steering column’s key markings. If your key fob dies, you will still be able to start your BMW using the start/stop button on the dashboard.
In This Article...
A Straightforward, Economical Fix for the Car Not Starting
We replaced the key fob’s battery after returning to the store. The customer returned to her vehicle, and guess what? It launched right away.
The key fob’s dead battery was the root of the entire issue. The car was unable to detect the key or its transmitter because of the dead battery. It wouldn’t start the car, lock or unlock the doors, or do anything else. And the window’s small movement was the only hint we had.
The lesson of the story is that the majority of modern cars require the transmitter from the key fob to operate. Don’t wait to get a new key fob battery if you think your old one is fading. You can become stranded if you procrastinate. Additionally, if your automobile suddenly refuses to open or start, consider whether the key fob battery might be to blame.
Replace the Battery
You might be in luck if your remote key fob dies while you’re in a shopping center parking lot. It could be as simple as changing the battery to get it working again if the battery has failed.
You must open the fob in order to reach the battery. To pry open the battery cover, you often need a penny or a tiny screwdriver. A silver button will resemble the battery. Look for the battery’s serial number and compare it to a spare.
Other Techniques For Car Unlocking
Still concerned about getting stuck somewhere with a broken key fob? Here are a few alternative ways to start your car if your key fob dies:
- Remotely enter the vehicle. Use the app on your phone to unlock your car if it has one. Most car manufacturers now offer an app, which was formerly mostly reserved for expensive vehicles. You may open the doors from your phone with the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, MyMazda app, and Toyota app, among others. These apps must be configured before your key fob breaks, and some remote services have monthly fees.
- Draw nearer. Your key fob’s battery might only be low, not dead, if it doesn’t function from the same range as it typically does. If you get closer to your automobile in this situation, it might unlock. Press the unlock button on your key fob while placing it directly against the door handle.
- Make a roadside assistance call. Call for assistance if all else fails. Verify if roadside help is covered by your insurance before you run into trouble, then save the number to your phone. Keep a backup copy in your wallet or purse in case your phone dies (or gets locked in the car!).
As we work to improve site experiences for browsers that embrace new web standards and security procedures, we are no longer supporting Internet Explorer (IE).
What takes place if my key fob’s battery dies?
The Family Handyman claims that you can still start your car even if the battery in your key fob dies. Put the metal key back in the fob after using it to unlock your doors; then, instead of pressing the “start” button with your finger, use the fob. Many manufacturers utilize this backup device to make sure the car can start even if the key fob is dead.
Now, the Mini has a slot where the key fob can be inserted to start the vehicle. But at this time, this design seems a touch dated. This is why it’s always a good idea to consult your car’s manual.
Some Mazdas and a few other vehicles may have an actual key slot along the steering column, according to the Family Handyman. The least frequent method to start a car with a dead key fob is this, though.
Why won’t my BMW key fob function now that the battery has been changed?
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a key fob not functioning. Having said that, your keyfob might be having more serious issues. You might require a key fob replacement or perhaps auto door lock repair if your key fob stops operating after a battery change.
How is a dead BMW key recharged?
While in the ignition, BMW keys are charged. Inductive charging will be used to recharge the key’s battery from positions 1 (KL R) and 2 (Run). Simply connect an automotive battery charger to your car’s battery pos/neg if you have a low battery and want to recharge the key without driving. Jump-start the engine bay terminals, then turn the ignition to position 1 and leave the car running over night. Your car’s battery won’t discharge while the key is being charged thanks to the charger.
The time it takes to drive 30 miles to recharge a dead battery To fully recharge the battery, allow 15 key pushes and 30 hours of driving in total.
Why does my BMW key no longer work?
Make sure your current remote key fob actually needs to be replaced before spending money on a new one. If it’s not working, the battery can just be dead.
You might be able to skip this step if your BMW has a key fob that you need to place in a slot on the steering column. Many of these key fobs include rechargeable batteries that are intended to be charged automatically while in use; as soon as the key fob is inserted into the ignition slot, the charging process begins.
However, if you have a more current fob, it is possible that the battery is a non-rechargeable CR 2450 and will need to be changed from time to time. Simply remove the rear panel of your fob and replace the coin cell battery to complete this easy DIY project.
A battery should last one to three years before needing to be replaced, depending on your car and usage.
How much does a new BMW key battery cost?
I recently visited the business. The key fob wouldn’t work to lock or unlock my car when I tried. My BMW key fob’s battery has to be changed.
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
Batteries for key fobs typically last three to four years. Your current BMW key fob might need to be replaced, depending on the model.
You should replace the battery in your smart key or Comfort Access BMW key fob by following these simple instructions:
- Get a CR2032 battery from a department or auto store. It will cost you around $2 to buy it.
- By depressing the tab on your key fob, you can take the valet key off.
- To pry open your battery cover, use the key or a flathead screwdriver.
- Replace the old battery with the new one after removing the old one.
- Restore the key to its housing and close your key fob.
You have a non-comfort access key fob if you are unable to open it because it has an indent in the side. You must take a long drive to recharge your key fob battery because it can only be done through the ignition of your automobile.
Once the battery has been successfully replaced or recharged, make sure to test it by locking and unlocking the doors several times. To find out how much you can save on your auto insurance before you leave again, take a moment to glance at the Jerry app.
The Jerry app, a registered broker that provides end-to-end support, compiles reasonable rates, assists you in switching plans, and even assists you in terminating your old policy.
BMW may operate without a key.
Even if your E90 doesn’t have comfort access, there is a way to start the engine and start driving without a key. A BMW anti-hijack feature, that is. Simply put the key in the ignition and start the vehicle as usual. Once you’ve finished, turn off the engine and take the key out of the ignition. Pushing the start button now without a key will start the automobile in roughly 10 seconds, allowing you to take off. Although many of you may already be aware of this feature, I figured I should still share it with those who don’t realize that their BMW has it.
It’s more of a safety feature than anti-hijack. The automobile will still start if you have a key issue and stall out on the railroad lines, allowing you to get off the rails.
done this previously. After considering the potential consequences, I decided to stop using the “DIY comfort access” method. haha. however, thank you for posting for others.
It works for both my 2007-1 series and 2008-3 series coupes, however if you open the driver-door or wait a little bit longer before restarting the engine, this option is disabled. I tested this about a month ago.
Since learning about it on this forum, I’ve been doing this for approximately a month. I haven’t had any problems with it, and yes, I also use it to warm up my car. No need to panic because the radio turns off after a few minutes, and in case you’re wondering, the car will still be running even if the key fob is distant from the vehicle. I put this to the test the other day when I visited Walgreens.
I do this to get my car warmed up. not necessarily to warm the engine up, but more to warm my seat and the cabin. It’s excellent if my car is parked on the street or somewhere else where you can’t leave the doors open while it warms up. (Or use the laser key to unlock the door)
I regularly engage in this. You don’t even need to hold the brake pedal down; just reapply it, press the start button, lock your doors, and dash into the store or back into your house. However, I suppose you have leftover heat if you are entering the store.
Yes, I’d rather to take a chance than have my valve train begin to tick because they aren’t getting lubricated during short trips when the car isn’t warmed up. I appreciate the guidance nonetheless.
SURPRISINGLY, not every recommendation made by businesses is in your best interests. They’re a business, so if they can convince you to ignore your automobile and end up having to pay for more extensive repairs later on, they win.
Not to bring up an old topic, but wouldn’t starting the car twice be necessary for those who use this method to warm it up? Since the initial cold start is the toughest on the engine, I believe it is best to let the car warm up at that time rather than turning it off and putting it through a second cold start. Any thoughts?