X3 key - How do you keep the key charged?

[chiwong1]

I have a 2005 X3 and the key does not keep a charge for very long, resulting in non function of the key. Is there any alternative way to keep the key charged besides driving it for 4 hours? Has BMW addressed the issue? Am I the only one with the problem? Anyone out there with a genius idea of keeping it charged? Thank you.

[Quicksilver]

Use it..... is the only answer I can think of.

[Bimmer4125]

Rotate them when you use them. I also had one that appeared to go "dead" very quickly and had it reprogrammed at the dealer. I don't know what they did but it worked fine after that. Alot of the key is f'ing magic if you ask me.....

[RichiRich]

I'm not sure if the X3 key works like the X5 key...

but often times in the X5 a dead or non charging battery (within the key) is mistaken with a key that has lost is connection. (this is in laymens terms).

Therefore before you decide the battery in the key is done try this....

Reprogramming Key Fob on BMW X5 - E53
X5world
01-09-2006
Contributed by: X5world

<B>

Reprogramming Key Fob

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1. with the both keys, get in the car and close all windows and doors.
2. Put working key into the ignition and turn to position 1 (the accessories should turn on)
3. turn the key back to position 0 and take key out of the ignition.
4. Using the working key, hold down the unlock button, press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times, and release the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock.
5. With the new key, hold down the unlock button and press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times and let go of the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock and you're done!!

Alternate procedure if above doesn't work or if you do not have a working remote:

1. Place key in the ignition and cycle back and forth between position 0 and position 1 five times very quickly
2. Remove the key from the ignition
3. While holding down the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times and then release the unlock button. The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
4. If you have another key to program then repeat step 3 for the additional remote(s). The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
5. Turn on ignition to finalize

</B>

Part number for replacement master key/remote: 66-12-6-955-750



if this does not work see if there is something specific like this at your dealer for the X3.. I suggest trying to do the "alternate procedure"

I hope this helps..

Rich

[chiwong1]

Rich,

Thanks. I will try it.

[Spanky Deluxe]

Hi all,

We got ourselves a 2004 3.0i X3 on the weekend and so far absolutely love it. The one issue is that one of the keys appears to have a dead battery. I tried what richirich suggested to no avail (The other key exhibited the behaviour as described so the method should work for X3's after all if programming's the problem).

What can I do to resurrect the second key? If it gets charged by just using it then should I use the other key to unlock and the dead key to drive until it works? Can dealers charge them up quickly? I'm thinking of going to the local BMW dealership tomorrow anyway to order a part so if they do then I could get that done. Keeping both keys charged shouldn't be much of a problem when they both already have juice since TOH and I will just use one set each.

[JCL]

We use only one key in each BMW vehicle. The other sits in the home safe. I try and remember to take each of them out and use them every 6-9 months or so, for a day or two. Never had a flat battery in a key in seven years. Maybe we are just lucky.

[etch]

Could i have a similar fault with my key? When i leave the car overnight or for 8 hours at work it won't start until i turn the key 3/4 turns then it starts when i have driven for a while and the car is warm it starts first turn.

[chiwong1]

I don't drive my X3 everyday but even if the key don't work, it does start the car on the first try.

[ragingbull]

Originally Posted by richirich

I'm not sure if the X3 key works like the X5 key...

<B>

Reprogramming Key Fob

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1. with the both keys, get in the car and close all windows and doors.
2. Put working key into the ignition and turn to position 1 (the accessories should turn on)
3. turn the key back to position 0 and take key out of the ignition.
4. Using the working key, hold down the unlock button, press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times, and release the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock.
5. With the new key, hold down the unlock button and press the Roundel (lock button) 3 times and let go of the unlock button. Doors should lock and unlock and you're done!!

Alternate procedure if above doesn't work or if you do not have a working remote:

1. Place key in the ignition and cycle back and forth between position 0 and position 1 five times very quickly
2. Remove the key from the ignition
3. While holding down the unlock button, press the lock button 3 times and then release the unlock button. The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
4. If you have another key to program then repeat step 3 for the additional remote(s). The doors should lock and unlock to confirm the programming.
5. Turn on ignition to finalize

</B>


I hope this helps..

Rich

Woot! Thanks man. I just purchased a used X3 and the 2nd key never worked. Thought I was going to have to get a replacement, but the above steps worked!