Key Fob Issues - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

abirmaher · 12-22-2012, 03:00 PM

Hi all, so a couple days ago I started having his issue where sometimes when I come to unlock my car the meh doesn't seem to do anything. I have comfort access and with that as well as with just clicking the buttons on the key it won't do anything. If I pull the key out and put it in the door to open it works and then if I use the remote it works fine. This has been happening for the past couple days around twice a day. Also all my presets don't work when it happens I imagine because all of that stuff is associated to the key.

Not sure if it's related because I think that it started happening before but I just had my windshield changed I think the day after it started happening. Any ideas?

threewirefire · 12-22-2012, 03:08 PM

The cheapest and easiest thing to start with regarding any key with comfort access is to change the battery in the remote. The key fob batteries last roughly two years, give or take. Replacing the batteries in comfort access remotes resolves 90% of the remote locking and comfort access concerns in most BMW models. They are also covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty, so if you still have new vehicle warranty the dealer will replace them at no charge.

abirmaher · 12-22-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threewirefire

The cheapest and easiest thing to start with regarding any key with comfort access is to change the battery in the remote. The key fob batteries last roughly two years, give or take. Replacing the batteries in comfort access remotes resolves 90% of the remote locking and comfort access concerns in most BMW models. They are also covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty, so if you still have new vehicle warranty the dealer will replace them at no charge.

Sorry I didn't mention it I did actually swap out the battery and I though that fixed it till the next day. But I appreciate the input.

bdoooh · 12-22-2012, 10:43 PM

Do we really need to change out the batteries? Doesn't the fob charge when plugged into the car?

foghat · 12-23-2012, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdoooh

Do we really need to change out the batteries? Doesn't the fob charge when plugged into the car?

if you have comfort access you need to change batteries. If you don't, they charge when you have key in ignition.

wv128bmw · 12-23-2012, 07:43 AM

My comfort access quite all together. It was a fuse that only works the comfort access module in car. Doubt that would be your problem but it could be something along that line, wiring, module, etc.

Tech put car on scanner and it was not recognizing the module.

Good luck.

Normanthornhill · 12-23-2012, 02:38 PM

Don't mean to sound rude at all; did you try a new battery?
I had similar problem a few months back and a quik battery swap seamed to do the trick

b1aze · 12-23-2012, 06:35 PM

My drivers side CA stopped working while the passenger and trunk still work perfect. As does the CA ignition. The unlock remote key was pretty fickle for a while where I'd have to click it continuously until it unlocked but only needed 1 press for lock. That works fine now, it's just the comfort access that doesn't work.

Dealer ordered a new handle under warranty and is replacing it for me next week.

abirmaher · 12-23-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normanthornhill

Don't mean to sound rude at all; did you try a new battery?
I had similar problem a few months back and a quik battery swap seamed to do the trick

Yeah I did sorry i made another post that said I did

abirmaher · 12-23-2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

My drivers side CA stopped working while the passenger and trunk still work perfect. As does the CA ignition. The unlock remote key was pretty fickle for a while where I'd have to click it continuously until it unlocked but only needed 1 press for lock. That works fine now, it's just the comfort access that doesn't work.

Dealer ordered a new handle under warranty and is replacing it for me next week.

Not sure if its only my door or all but i know that if i try to unlock with the actual remote it wont work either. Only when I put the key in the door and unlock does everything wake up and work again.

abirmaher · 12-26-2012, 05:08 AM

Starting to think it may be the remote because I've been using my spare and am not seeing the problem again. I'll mention it next time i take my car in for something.

b1aze · 12-26-2012, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abirmaher

Starting to think it may be the remote because I've been using my spare and am not seeing the problem again. I'll mention it next time i take my car in for something.

That was the first thing I tried when mine stopped working. Second remote and new batteries.

Glad to see you got it working again for the most part. Let us know what BMW says or if they will cover the other remote.

TheBurro · 12-26-2012, 10:07 AM

I see a lot of these threads about keyfob issues with comfort access. What about those of us without comfort access? I don't have CA, and my keyfob sucks. It needs to be right next to the car to lock/unlock, and sometimes then it doesn't work very well. I know they say it recharges when in the dash, but can we change batteries in the non-CA remotes as well? Maybe a new rechargeable battery?

Lester · 12-26-2012, 01:35 PM

The batteries are not replaceable in the standard Fob. That doesn't mean that you couldn't take it apart, and check out the battery situation. It might be possible. but I'm not sure who wants to try it first. A new Fob is $400.

TheBurro · 12-26-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

The batteries are not replaceable in the standard Fob. That doesn't mean that you couldn't take it apart, and check out the battery situation. It might be possible. but I'm not sure who wants to try it first. A new Fob is $400.

I figured that'd be the case.

bbbbmw · 12-26-2012, 11:53 PM

I had an e39 some years ago. The key was supposed to charge while in the ignition as well. It wouldnt hold a charge, and the dealer said new keys were not CPO, and would cost $400+. I stuck the key in my Sonicare toothbrush charger - And the keys held a charge - proving that the fault was in the ignition system recharge mechanism - which was covered under CPO. So maybe try a Sonicare and see if it works?

remaeb · 03-03-2013, 09:48 PM

I've came across the same problems, not being able to use the keyless entry with both my key fobs. Touch and button doesn't work. Can't push to start either. Only when the fob is inserted does it start. I've driven over 5+ hours and still nothing.

Will swap the batteries next.

Mr.Brown135 · 03-03-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

My drivers side CA stopped working while the passenger and trunk still work perfect. As does the CA ignition. The unlock remote key was pretty fickle for a while where I'd have to click it continuously until it unlocked but only needed 1 press for lock. That works fine now, it's just the comfort access that doesn't work.

Dealer ordered a new handle under warranty and is replacing it for me next week.

This exact thing happened to my car as well. The driver side door handle is being replaced as we speak. These door handles had to be specially made for the car and shipped in from Germany. I wonder how much it would have cost if I didn't have warranty.

Seem's like, the fewer the options, the more reliable bimmer's are.

TheSt|G · 03-03-2013, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threewirefire

The cheapest and easiest thing to start with regarding any key with comfort access is to change the battery in the remote. The key fob batteries last roughly two years, give or take. Replacing the batteries in comfort access remotes resolves 90% of the remote locking and comfort access concerns in most BMW models. They are also covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty, so if you still have new vehicle warranty the dealer will replace them at no charge.

Did not know this, fantastic. I was milking my battery for the last few months.

b1aze · 03-04-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Brown135

This exact thing happened to my car as well. The driver side door handle is being replaced as we speak. These door handles had to be specially made for the car and shipped in from Germany. I wonder how much it would have cost if I didn't have warranty.

Seem's like, the fewer the options, the more reliable bimmer's are.

Just to follow up, replacing the handle worked perfect. I have CA back on the door i use and its glorious. Its simple, but the ability to throw keys in your pocket, grab the door handle, get in, start, stop, get out and lock the car without touching the key itself is pretty awesome. Super convenient and one of the options that i like most so far.

Mr.Brown135 · 03-04-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

Just to follow up, replacing the handle worked perfect. I have CA back on the door i use and its glorious. Its simple, but the ability to throw keys in your pocket, grab the door handle, get in, start, stop, get out and lock the car without touching the key itself is pretty awesome. Super convenient and one of the options that i like most so far.

I agree. Of all the options on my car, this is my most favorite one. I just hope it won't fail again after I get it fixed.

b1aze · 03-04-2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Brown135

I agree. Of all the options on my car, this is my most favorite one. I just hope it won't fail again after I get it fixed.

If it does, i would have to push the dealership to cover it again, as its a reoccuring problem. Depends on the rapport you have with your dealership.

12-22-2012, 03:00 PM	#1
abirmaher Lieutenant Drives: 2011 135i Coupé Jet Black, Red Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Miami/ Orlando, Florida Posts: 434 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 135i Coupé [2.50]	Key Fob Issues Hi all, so a couple days ago I started having his issue where sometimes when I come to unlock my car the meh doesn't seem to do anything. I have comfort access and with that as well as with just clicking the buttons on the key it won't do anything. If I pull the key out and put it in the door to open it works and then if I use the remote it works fine. This has been happening for the past couple days around twice a day. Also all my presets don't work when it happens I imagine because all of that stuff is associated to the key. Not sure if it's related because I think that it started happening before but I just had my windshield changed I think the day after it started happening. Any ideas? __________________ aBirmaher Current: 2011 BMW 135i Coupé Jet Black/ Coral Red Gone: 2009 VW GTI CandyWhite/ Black
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12-22-2012, 10:43 PM	#4
bdoooh First Lieutenant Drives: '12 BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 369 iTrader: (0)	Do we really need to change out the batteries? Doesn't the fob charge when plugged into the car? __________________ 2012 Jet Black 135i M-Sport

12-23-2012, 07:43 AM	#6
wv128bmw Private Drives: 2013 128 space grey on red Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: wv Posts: 76 iTrader: (0)	My comfort access quite all together. It was a fuse that only works the comfort access module in car. Doubt that would be your problem but it could be something along that line, wiring, module, etc. Tech put car on scanner and it was not recognizing the module. Good luck. __________________ If your not livin now, then when?

12-26-2012, 05:08 AM	#11
abirmaher Lieutenant Drives: 2011 135i Coupé Jet Black, Red Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Miami/ Orlando, Florida Posts: 434 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 135i Coupé [2.50]	Starting to think it may be the remote because I've been using my spare and am not seeing the problem again. I'll mention it next time i take my car in for something. __________________ aBirmaher Current: 2011 BMW 135i Coupé Jet Black/ Coral Red Gone: 2009 VW GTI CandyWhite/ Black

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12-22-2012, 03:08 PM	#2
threewirefire New Member Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	The cheapest and easiest thing to start with regarding any key with comfort access is to change the battery in the remote. The key fob batteries last roughly two years, give or take. Replacing the batteries in comfort access remotes resolves 90% of the remote locking and comfort access concerns in most BMW models. They are also covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty, so if you still have new vehicle warranty the dealer will replace them at no charge.

12-23-2012, 02:38 PM	#7
Normanthornhill New Member Drives: Black 2009 135i M sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Houston tx Posts: 6 iTrader: (0)	Don't mean to sound rude at all; did you try a new battery? I had similar problem a few months back and a quik battery swap seamed to do the trick

12-23-2012, 06:35 PM	#8
b1aze Through detox Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Marlborough, MA Posts: 1,080 iTrader: (13)	My drivers side CA stopped working while the passenger and trunk still work perfect. As does the CA ignition. The unlock remote key was pretty fickle for a while where I'd have to click it continuously until it unlocked but only needed 1 press for lock. That works fine now, it's just the comfort access that doesn't work. Dealer ordered a new handle under warranty and is replacing it for me next week.

12-26-2012, 10:07 AM	#13
TheBurro Private First Class Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 193 iTrader: (3)	I see a lot of these threads about keyfob issues with comfort access. What about those of us without comfort access? I don't have CA, and my keyfob sucks. It needs to be right next to the car to lock/unlock, and sometimes then it doesn't work very well. I know they say it recharges when in the dash, but can we change batteries in the non-CA remotes as well? Maybe a new rechargeable battery?

12-26-2012, 01:35 PM	#14
Lester Colonel Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,821 iTrader: (0)	The batteries are not replaceable in the standard Fob. That doesn't mean that you couldn't take it apart, and check out the battery situation. It might be possible. but I'm not sure who wants to try it first. A new Fob is $400.

12-26-2012, 11:53 PM	#16
bbbbmw Private First Class Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southwest Posts: 102 iTrader: (0)	I had an e39 some years ago. The key was supposed to charge while in the ignition as well. It wouldnt hold a charge, and the dealer said new keys were not CPO, and would cost $400+. I stuck the key in my Sonicare toothbrush charger - And the keys held a charge - proving that the fault was in the ignition system recharge mechanism - which was covered under CPO. So maybe try a Sonicare and see if it works?

03-03-2013, 09:48 PM	#17
remaeb Private Drives: 2008 Bmw 135i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 62 iTrader: (0)	I've came across the same problems, not being able to use the keyless entry with both my key fobs. Touch and button doesn't work. Can't push to start either. Only when the fob is inserted does it start. I've driven over 5+ hours and still nothing. Will swap the batteries next.