Key fob battery replacement?

[ryankokesh]

Has anyone successfully replaced the key in their remote? From what I've read people seem to have mixed results. I didn't use the key for a number of moths (my fault...) and now the battery refuses to charge!

I'd prefer not to get a new key, but it seems like that may be the ultimate solution?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

You should probably just throw the car away, it's useless now.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[ryankokesh]

Bummer... Guess you're probably right.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

I'll take it off your hands to save you the trouble of disposal.

I think I've seen some key fob tips on e46f.c

[Dave_B]

Bringing this back up. They key I have only opens the doors and starts the car along with opening the trunk.

I was only provided one key when I bought the car. I'm assuming it's the battery in the key fob since the previous owner mostly let the car sit for the past year. I've already tried to initialize the key several times, holding over my right shoulder and so on.

Here's my question... I have no problem cutting the key open and replacing the battery inside (VL-2020) but here is my concern/question. This is the ONLY key I have for the car right now. If I open it up, replace the battery what are the chances that it'll not start the car any longer forcing me to buy a new key? I do NOT want to attempt this right now if there's a chance that it'll no longer start the car. I'll wait until I get a new key.

Thanks for the input guys.

[aurelius]

Key issues? Check this out before paying dealer pricing for a new key, programming, etc.:

http://www.bmwgm5.com/

If you only have 1 master key, consider the purchase of a new valet key from your local dealer. Then obviously you'll have a backup but also the (lack of) functionality when valet parking. Not that any of us engage in such heresy.

[Dave1027]

This shows how to replace the battery yourself:
http://youtu.be/e1o9vH3mgmg

[Dave_B]

Key issues? Check this out before paying dealer pricing for a new key, programming, etc.:

http://www.bmwgm5.com/

If you only have 1 master key, consider the purchase of a new valet key from your local dealer. Then obviously you'll have a backup but also the (lack of) functionality when valet parking. Not that any of us engage in such heresy.


I had looked at that previously. However due to the car sitting for a long time and key condition (missing BMW logo on it) I think it's actually the key and for a $10 fix I have no problem attempting that.

Again, the main question I do have which is a big concern to me. Lets say I try to replace the battery, is there any concern about that key no longer working to start my car? I understand they are all chipped and wanted to make sure other than the obvious, cracked the circuit board that even if it's NOT a battery issue, it will not wipe out the function to start my car.

[BimmerWill]

If you just replace the battery you shouldn't have any issues. Just take your time with it and read over the diy several times. The hardest part is getting the fob apart. Replacing the battery should not affect the programming of the key whatsoever. You will just simply have to reset it as stated in a number of the diys. I only had one key as well and had no issues with it.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Dave_B]

Thank you! I may give this a go after I order the battery.

New key in a month or 2 and the wife can be stuck with the current one LOL

[BimmerWill]

Thank you! I may give this a go after I order the battery.

New key in a month or 2 and the wife can be stuck with the current one LOL

Do you know which one to order? There are two different designations for the leads (vertical and horizontal).

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[cakM3]

You can get a new rechargeable battery (panasonic vl2020 +3v) and then recharge your key. Here is another link that may help...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=930078&highlight=key+fob+battery+replacement (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=930078&highlight=key+fob+battery+replacement)

You can get replacement batteries here:

Mouser Electronics @ $4.30 ea: http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntt=panasonic+VL2020+3v (http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntt=panasonic+VL2020+3v)

Allied Electronics @ $5.19 ea: http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?SKU=70196813 (http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?SKU=70196813)

On Amazon @ $6.85 ea: http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Rechargeable-compatible-Panasonic-VL2020-1HF/dp/B004TKEGO8 (http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Rechargeable-compatible-Panasonic-VL2020-1HF/dp/B004TKEGO8)

[Dave_B]

Do you know which one to order? There are two different designations for the leads (vertical and horizontal).

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Yes, I've read both the V and the H models. Apparently both "will" work but the H is the one to go with.


You can get a new rechargeable battery (panasonic vl2020 +3v) and then recharge your key. Here is another link that may help...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=930078&highlight=key+fob+battery+replacement (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=930078&highlight=key+fob+battery+replacement)

You can get replacement batteries here:

Mouser Electronics @ $4.30 ea: http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntt=panasonic+VL2020+3v (http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntt=panasonic+VL2020+3v)

Allied Electronics @ $5.19 ea: http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?SKU=70196813 (http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?SKU=70196813)

On Amazon @ $6.85 ea: http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Rechargeable-compatible-Panasonic-VL2020-1HF/dp/B004TKEGO8 (http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Rechargeable-compatible-Panasonic-VL2020-1HF/dp/B004TKEGO8)

What I got from that is NOT to attempt this until I get a second key LOL. Thanks for the links where they are FS. I've got prime so I may go the Amazon route.

[BimmerWill]

No need for a second key. I only had one..

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Dave_B]

No need for a second key. I only had one..

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

I imagine you were super careful when cutting the key open?

I've got a vice to hold it, I've got an exacto knife to cut it and I have all the time in the world to do it. I don't however want to be forced to buy another key at the very moment LOL

[midlandtech]

I imagine you were super careful when cutting the key open?

I've got a vice to hold it, I've got an exacto knife to cut it and I have all the time in the world to do it. I don't however want to be forced to buy another key at the very moment LOL
I did mine and it was pretty easy. Just take your time. All said though mine decided to stop working again yesterday gonna try a resync probably tomorrow hopefully that will correct the issue.