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View Full Version : Battery dying (I think) ... can I fix it without ordering a new key?



Luzern
11-25-2012, 01:23 PM
My first thread and I did the research on this topic but could not find one.

So my car is a 2008 328i and the key has the "comfort access" technology. I know that the key get recharged every time I drive but I just recently noticed that the car was not quite responsive when I tried to remotely unlock the door. Now I have to stand really close and press the key for a few times for the car to respond. So I figure it must be the battery in the key dying or simply too old and need to be replaced.

Called my local dealer (I live in Toronto), and they said for comfort access keys they won't replace the battery but order the new key all together, which is going to cost $300 + tax. I am not sure if that's the total price since they need to do some programming apparently to hook up the key to the car. So final price could be even higher. Another unofficial BMW shop quotes me $300 + $120 programming fees + tax :evil2:evil2:evil2

Just wonder if anyone has seen this problem before. I cann't believe that there is no way to simply change the battery in the key (if that's the battery problem). Your help/comments are very appreciated!

noid
11-25-2012, 01:32 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ1EZeDsjOU

Luzern
11-25-2012, 02:08 PM
This is immensely helpful! Thanks!

froggy47
11-25-2012, 03:00 PM
On my 2007 328i with convenient access, the fob battery does NOT recharge it is simply replaced. The same year WITHOUT convient access has the rechargeable key.

Per 2007 owners manual approx page 40.

:)

thatguyn8
11-26-2012, 09:58 AM
yeah, what the other two guys said... my understanding is that the non-CA keys are recharged in normal operation, but that the CA keyfobs have replaceable batteries and are intended to be quasi-easy to do. I don't know the part number battery you need to order but the googs should be able to help you out.

Pyewacket69
11-26-2012, 03:24 PM
yeah, what the other two guys said... my understanding is that the non-CA keys are recharged in normal operation, but that the CA keyfobs have replaceable batteries and are intended to be quasi-easy to do. I don't know the part number battery you need to order but the googs should be able to help you out.

The specs are listed in the owners manual.

froggy47
11-26-2012, 03:26 PM
very common cr2032