Central Locking on 2005 X3

[chiwong1]

I recently purchased 2005 X3 and the key/remote works intermittently. Most of the time it does not work. Why? It would lock or unlock. Do I need to reprogram it? Any help would be appreciated.

[DJH]

I had/have the same issue with our 2005. The service rep said the keys don't hold a battery charge for very long. I would do most of the driving using "my" key, programmed to my settings. My spouse would try to use her key after being idle for a month, and it would not work.

The rep said it takes a few hours to come up to full charge. This would also explain why a key starts to malfunction in mostly short trips for a long period of time. Seems odd to me, but that's the deal.

Dan

[chiwong1]

Thank you. That makes sense. It does work right after I drive it but after not driving it for a couple of days it starts to do the same thing. Anyone know of an alternative to keeping the key charged?

[DJH]

Don't know of an alternate charging method. The fact that it takes a few hours to charge surprises me, but that's what I've been told by the adviser. Yours probably got enough of a charge for a short time, but not enough to hold. I guess the battery is integral, and requires a new key if the battery is dead. New keys are not inexpensive.

I tried to get a new key before the warranty ran out last month, but no dice.

d