Anyone use GM5 Battery Keyfob service

[jsoto]

Looks like I'm in need of a new key....

Key manages to unlock the car. But remote locking it back stopped working.
Sometime trunk release will work. Sometimes not.
I'm erring on the GM5 keyfob battery service versus a new key.

Anyone use this guys service ?

[Qsilver7]

I've never had to use his services...but he's been around the BMW forums for a long time. His handle at one point was something like ScotJohn or JonScot (sorry I don't remember exactly)...but again, he's been around for awhile.

[tmv]

I cut the key and replace the battery, for some others too. Easy job.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by tmv

I cut the key and replace the battery, for some others too. Easy job.

But it can be a disaster for those that aren't careful and tear into them like a tornado through Kansas. Based on the images on GM5's "wall of shame" where he's posted images of keys that were sent in for repair where the owners cut into the key too deep and knocked off components on the IC board...or cut the solder traces or antenna....or cut the induction coil which can affect the key's ability to start the car.

Some before/after examples from the "wall":

{in the pic below...the owner damaged the copper induction coil which now affects the key's ability to start the car}

[motordavid]

Not anti-DIY, or having it done by a local artisan, but for less than $3Bens, the dlr will have a new OE key for OP in a couple days, guaranteed to work. Just my opin..
GL, mD

[jsoto]

Spoke to GM5. It sounds like it just needs a keyfob ~repair~. He doesn't do battery replacements by default - only when it needs it. We are talking about a 13 year old key.
So either $50 on that route or even much less....I'd say about $150 for a new key. Methinks a new key is probably the smarter way to go.