Non comfort access key battery life

Fifty3bags · 04-22-2015, 11:26 AM

What is the normal battery life for a non comfort access key? I've spoken with many BMW owners (1 and 3 series) that have cars around 07-08 models and they haven't had any issues with their non comfort access keys.

About a week or so ago I went out to my car and I could not remotely unlock it, I had to use the physical key. Also, I've been constantly having problems with my mirror presets (seat presets stay the same). The first time the remote unlock didn't work all of my presets were reset (turn signal was only one flash, seats location weren't same, mirrors reset, and a few other presets I can't remember now). My car is a 2010 and I didn't think I would have this issue already. Could my key just need to be re-programmed to the car by BMW? Also, I should note that when I bought the car it only had one key. I kept the key from my previous 135i that I was going to have a new physical key cut for and programmed to my car (I've been told it's around $50 or so to do this).

Any suggestions on what the issue could be, or anything I can do to fix it? I really don't want to have to pay to order a new key just because the battery is dead.

Mach1er · 04-22-2015, 05:05 PM

The obvious question is have you been driving enough? The non-comfort access key recharges in your dash. I have a friend with an '08 3-series and still the original battery. seems early for you.

Dackelone · 04-22-2015, 06:09 PM

You should get a warning light on the dash when your key fob battery is low.
It looks something like this(but this is from a 3er)
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Are you sure your car doesn't have CA(comfort access) ??? Do your door handles have some groves on the upper part where the key lock cylinder is located. ???

FYI key fob types...
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Car starts without key in ignition!
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=847704

Pyrat 2 · 04-22-2015, 07:13 PM

My E90 was purchased in June 2005. Going on 10 years with no issues with the key.

Fifty3bags · 04-23-2015, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach1er

The obvious question is have you been driving enough? The non-comfort access key recharges in your dash. I have a friend with an '08 3-series and still the original battery. seems early for you.

Well, I drive 25 miles each way to work every day, so 50 miles total (45 mins with traffic each way easy). I would think that would be enough to keep it charged?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

You should get a warning light on the dash when your key fob battery is low.
It looks something like this(but this is from a 3er)
Attachment 1196816

Are you sure your car doesn't have CA(comfort access) ??? Do your door handles have some groves on the upper part where the key lock cylinder is located. ???

FYI key fob types...
Attachment 1196812

Attachment 1196813

Attachment 1196814

Attachment 1196815

Car starts without key in ignition!
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=847704

I have not gotten that warning message on the dash so I'm guessing that it's charged? I definitely don't have CA, I cannot remove the battery from the key and can't start the car without the key in the ignition.

bmw1racer · 04-23-2015, 08:28 AM

Hint: don't buy the battery from the dealer.

Fifty3bags · 04-23-2015, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Hint: don't buy the battery from the dealer.

I would have to buy the key, since I don't have a replaceable battery

Dackelone · 04-23-2015, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty3bags

I have not gotten that warning message on the dash so I'm guessing that it's charged? I definitely don't have CA, I cannot remove the battery from the key and can't start the car without the key in the ignition.

Well... sounds like your key fob isn't working. Maybe the previous owner washed the key/fob. Some guys have had luck putting the key fob in a jar or bag with lots of UN-cooked rice inside the jar, then seal it up. The rice will absorb any moister inside the key fob.

Otherwise you will need a new key fob or get your "extra fob" coded to work on your car.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Fifty3bags · 04-23-2015, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Well... sounds like your key fob isn't working. Maybe the previous owner washed the key/fob. Some guys have had luck putting the key fob in a jar or bag with lots of UN-cooked rice inside the jar, then seal it up. The rice will absorb any moister inside the key fob.

Otherwise you will need a new key fob or get your "extra fob" coded to work on your car.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Man that sucks. I guess I need to take it to the dealer. And this key has worked just fine with the car for the past 2 years, it just started doing this about 2 weeks ago now and it hasn't been washed or been near any moisture.

bmw1racer · 04-23-2015, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty3bags

Man that sucks. I guess I need to take it to the dealer.

Get ready for some sticker shock.

Fifty3bags · 04-23-2015, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Get ready for some sticker shock.

Yeah, I've heard it's like $400. I'll probably just get them to reprogram my other key and use my metal key that works while the other key is on order.

bmw1racer · 04-23-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty3bags

Yeah, I've heard it's like $400. I'll probably just get them to reprogram my other key and use my metal key that works while the other key is on order.

Remember the good ol' days when cars used regular keys and had oil dipsticks?

Fifty3bags · 04-23-2015, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Remember the good ol' days when cars used regular keys and had oil dipsticks?

Starting to miss all the cheap parts for my old mustang

Chihuahua · 10-10-2016, 09:11 AM

sorry to bump such an old thread, but I am having the exact same problem with my '11 128i that I just got a couple of months ago. I also do not have CA, so my key doesn't have a serviceable battery like the CA cars do. Obviously this key does have some sort of battery, and being DIY minded I have no problem finding the battery that's in this key and surgically inserting it rather than paying BMW $400 for a key simply because the battery wore out, which of course is absurd.

Any others in this boat care to share how they solved it? thanks

Luftmeister · 06-16-2017, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

sorry to bump such an old thread, but I am having the exact same problem with my '11 128i that I just got a couple of months ago. I also do not have CA, so my key doesn't have a serviceable battery like the CA cars do. Obviously this key does have some sort of battery, and being DIY minded I have no problem finding the battery that's in this key and surgically inserting it rather than paying BMW $400 for a key simply because the battery wore out, which of course is absurd.

Any others in this boat care to share how they solved it? thanks

Bump. My key only unlocks/locks the doors when I'm less than 10 feet away from the car.

jkoral · 06-16-2017, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

... I also do not have CA...rather than paying BMW $400 for a key...

FWIW, my dealer said it's $260 for a new non-CA replacement key (which I assume includes programming).

ETADRAFT · 07-21-2017, 09:01 AM

bump this again. My 2012 135i is dead with the battery / key symbol. I havent been driving alot recently - if the key is in the ignition will it charge even if car is off? I cant start the car so i'm going to try it and see. Otherwise anyone figure this out without a dealer / buying a new key?

Cemoto · 12-29-2017, 08:57 PM

ETADRAFT - any results with leaving it in the dash?

I'm having the same issue.

Thanks!

.

04-22-2015, 11:26 AM	#1
Fifty3bags Captain 326 Rep 914 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN iTrader: (2)	Non comfort access key battery life What is the normal battery life for a non comfort access key? I've spoken with many BMW owners (1 and 3 series) that have cars around 07-08 models and they haven't had any issues with their non comfort access keys. About a week or so ago I went out to my car and I could not remotely unlock it, I had to use the physical key. Also, I've been constantly having problems with my mirror presets (seat presets stay the same). The first time the remote unlock didn't work all of my presets were reset (turn signal was only one flash, seats location weren't same, mirrors reset, and a few other presets I can't remember now). My car is a 2010 and I didn't think I would have this issue already. Could my key just need to be re-programmed to the car by BMW? Also, I should note that when I bought the car it only had one key. I kept the key from my previous 135i that I was going to have a new physical key cut for and programmed to my car (I've been told it's around $50 or so to do this). Any suggestions on what the issue could be, or anything I can do to fix it? I really don't want to have to pay to order a new key just because the battery is dead.
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04-22-2015, 05:05 PM	#2
Mach1er Lieutenant 86 Rep 524 Posts Drives: '13 128i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	The obvious question is have you been driving enough? The non-comfort access key recharges in your dash. I have a friend with an '08 3-series and still the original battery. seems early for you. __________________ '13 128i \| 6MT \| SGM \| Black Boston \| Black Gloss \| Lighting \| Premium \| Tech \| HK \| Anti-Theft \| [CDV-Delete \| Clutch Stop \| 30% Pinnacle] Ordered 2.23 \| Production Begin 3.7 \| Ends 3.15 \| Released to carrier 3.18 \| At port 3.19 \| Departed 3.23 (K-line to Brunswick) \| Arrived 4.7 \| Truck 4.12 \| Dealer 4.19
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04-22-2015, 06:09 PM	#3
Dackelone European Editor 10532 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	You should get a warning light on the dash when your key fob battery is low. It looks something like this(but this is from a 3er) Are you sure your car doesn't have CA(comfort access) ??? Do your door handles have some groves on the upper part where the key lock cylinder is located. ??? FYI key fob types... Car starts without key in ignition! http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=847704 __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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04-22-2015, 07:13 PM	#4
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	My E90 was purchased in June 2005. Going on 10 years with no issues with the key.
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04-23-2015, 08:28 AM	#6
bmw1racer bimmerphile, technogeek 998 Rep 3,784 Posts Drives: 2012 E82 6MT Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	Hint: don't buy the battery from the dealer. __________________
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10-10-2016, 09:11 AM	#14
Chihuahua Brigadier General 4073 Rep 3,203 Posts Drives: E30 329iS, E65 Alpina B7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	sorry to bump such an old thread, but I am having the exact same problem with my '11 128i that I just got a couple of months ago. I also do not have CA, so my key doesn't have a serviceable battery like the CA cars do. Obviously this key does have some sort of battery, and being DIY minded I have no problem finding the battery that's in this key and surgically inserting it rather than paying BMW $400 for a key simply because the battery wore out, which of course is absurd. Any others in this boat care to share how they solved it? thanks
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07-21-2017, 09:01 AM	#17
ETADRAFT Private 19 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2012-135i-white/coral/M Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (1)	bump this again. My 2012 135i is dead with the battery / key symbol. I havent been driving alot recently - if the key is in the ignition will it charge even if car is off? I cant start the car so i'm going to try it and see. Otherwise anyone figure this out without a dealer / buying a new key? __________________ 2012 - 135i - White/Coral - BMS stg2, BMS intake, BMS catless DP, BMS meth, CP-e charge pipe, KW clubsports, M3 suspension bits, BRR rollbar, MOMO FIA seats, 18" APEX EC7 wheels 18x10.5 square, UUC short shifter, Stoptech BBK, ER wide front, N5tuner rear, ER dual oil cooler, CSF radiator, PS2, BMP PI, BoostConcepts LPFP upgrade.
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12-29-2017, 08:57 PM	#18
Cemoto Private 14 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Central MA iTrader: (0)	ETADRAFT - any results with leaving it in the dash? I'm having the same issue. Thanks! . __________________ 2010 135is Coupe (Titanium Silver/ Black) 1996 993 C2 Coupe 3.8 (Black/Black) 1995 993 C2 Coupe (Midnight Blue/ Black) 1996 993 tt (Midnight Blue/ Black) 2004 GT3 (Midnight Blue/Black)
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