2011 135i bmw convertible key fob HELP PLEASE

[Kidbimmer]

Keyfob issue.
I have a 2011 135i convertible M package and when I bought it over a year ago, the keyfob doesn't unlock/lock the car, I physically have to take the key out to do that. I called BMW and said it has to be replaced $$$, no spot to remove on the fob for battery. My question is: I was reading something about the mirror in correlation to keyfob; is that true, does it only apply to certain models, year etc? Just would like an inexpensive solution, as my car should be renamed a Bentley as I've sunk so much money into thus far, but I believe it has a really good engine and lower mileage. Thank you for any help. Cheers!

[BMWCCA1]

There are many suggestions for attempting to revive a non-Comfort-Access key fob. One includes sitting it on an inductive charger. Others will give a DIY on refitting a battery but it requires cracking the key open and soldering skills. Give it a Google.

[Kidbimmer]

How do you charge the key , there's no spot for cord to go?

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by Kidbimmer

How do you charge the key , there's no spot for cord to go?

That's why I said "inductive" charger, as in cordless phone charger. I don't see how it would work but it's worth a try.

[Kidbimmer]

Ok thanks, I did research it, and there's mix reviews. My keyfob works for starting the car, it just doesn't unlock nor open car, so I don't know what will change if charged. Everyone says your keyfob charges as you're driving, it's the only keyfob I have, so why doesn't it charge entirely?

[Wazowski]

Once the fob battery is dead, it is useless. I cut open one of my dead fobs (the one I never used that would start the car but nothing else) and soldered out the old and soldered in the new. It was surprisingly easy. Painters tape over the circuit board helps prevent unwanted melting or cross connecting. Don’t order the replacement battery until you have opened up the fob to confirm the type. Ordered “plastic weld” to seal the fob back up.

[Kidbimmer]

Ok thank you 😊 much appreciated 🙏

[Wazowski]

Here’s a pic of the moldable glue that I used to put the case back together.

[Kidbimmer]

I appreciate the information, however I'm not that savvy in that area to pull off something like this. I only have 1 existing keyfob for my car and if I can't use it, I can't drive. If it was just a spare, no problem. I'm probably going to have to dish out $500+ for a new key...love and hate BMW 'S.

[Finneganistan]

Originally Posted by Kidbimmer

I appreciate the information, however I'm not that savvy in that area to pull off something like this. I only have 1 existing keyfob for my car and if I can't use it, I can't drive. If it was just a spare, no problem. I'm probably going to have to dish out $500+ for a new key...love and hate BMW 'S.

My car only had one fob when I bought it and I got another a few weeks ago from bmwmini part store. A little over $300 delivered. My local dealer wanted much more.

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/

[Kidbimmer]

That's much more reasonable, thank you, I'll check it out. 😊

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by Kidbimmer

That's much more reasonable, thank you, I'll check it out. 😊

The non-comfort access key has plussed and minuses.
The bad is you can't replace the battery, at least not easily.
The good is it is a much cheaper key to replace. And you only need the transmitter if you already have the physical cut-key part.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

The non-comfort access key has plussed and minuses.
The bad is you can't replace the battery, at least not easily.
The good is it is a much cheaper key to replace. And you only need the transmitter if you already have the physical cut-key part.

Plus non corfort keyfob charges when the is inserted in the slot. I have never replaced my keyfob batteries in my E90 in 16 yrs. ☝️☺️

[Kidbimmer]

I have a 2011 135i convertible M package and I am able to insert keyfob in the ignition and drive, open and close car with the physical key. My problem is that the keyfob doesn't work for easy convenience to lock, open car, truck etc cleaners. I feel like there's an easy fix, just haven't fond it yet. 😕

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Kidbimmer

I have a 2011 135i convertible M package and I am able to insert keyfob in the ignition and drive, open and close car with the physical key. My problem is that the keyfob doesn't work for easy convenience to lock, open car, truck etc cleaners. I feel like there's an easy fix, just haven't fond it yet. 😕

Do you know if your car is equipped with CA confort access? Does it have the 3 little lines on the door handles?

[Kidbimmer]

I'm going to have to look in the morning,, stay tuned. Thanks

[Finneganistan]

Yeah, if the car does have the CA option, that will still need to be programmed at the dealer. ~$50. I got my second fob as a backup only, so I think I'll pass on that. It does everything I might need it to do.

[Kidbimmer]

I didn't see my car mention under the 2 or 3 keyfobs listed, I also didn't see a telephone number, other than 0000000, any suggestions 🤔

[ejm3]

I just got a new fob like that for my 2012.
Cost me $279 at the dealer.

[Kidbimmer]

I went to my Local BMW dealership shortly after buying my car last year and they quoted me $500 🙄

[Kidbimmer]

The problem is I only have 1 key and 1 car.