Key fobs don't work anymore..need help

[Dakar Doug]

I am stationed in Italy and have found that BMW service isn't good over here so need some help. My key fobs don't lock or unlock the doors anymore. I tried putting the key in the ignition switch and then removing it and pressing the lock button 3 times while holding the unlock button. In fact, I tried every combination of this with no luck. My key still reads at the dealer but won't link up with the vehicle. Is there something I can check or do I need to go to the stealer? Appreciate the help.

[Wagner]

Does the key start the car? If not, sounds like it has lost the codes for the computer. You would need it programmed for the car again.

[Dakar Doug]

lock or unlock the doors.

[TerminatorX5]

Dead battery inside the keyfob?

[Vinnie1158]

My X5 is doing this right now and dealer diagnosis says the General Module needs replacing. Its a $350 part that they charge $950 to replace out the door. Some posts show you can screw around with it to clean connectors, but not sure worth it. Any other electrical problems? Wipers..inside door locking ?

[Dakar Doug]

Where is the module located? Over here I will probably wind up paying 1000 euro plus some for this fix if I take it to the dealer. No other electrical problems that I know of.

[Dakar Doug]

OK, maybe I am making more of this than I need to. How can I tell if the battery is dead w/o cutting into the key? Is the battery being used when the dealer sticks the key into their reader to see how many bars are left? My key works on the dealer's reader but not to lock/unlock doors. Also, what size/number battery do I use as a replacement if i decide to perform surgery on the key itself?

[cj10jeeper]

The battery is recharged each time the key is inserted into the ignition and car driven. It is not an replacable item and should easily last 6 months from time last used. I very much doubt the key being flat will be an issue

If you are minded to, you will have to cut the key open, but it will not be a pretty sight put back together without a lot of care

Purely FYI I've attached a photo of the inside so you can see what's in there

Incedentally after I took this key to pieces I had to reprogramme it by another means of using a working key and the 'dead' one. I cannot recall this process but am sure someone will

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

Does the key start the car? If not, sounds like it has lost the codes for the computer. You would need it programmed for the car again.

there are two codes, one is a radio code that is transmitted to the car to unlock it (and disarm the alarm). the one that allows you to start the car is a passive RFID chip that is read by a sensor near the ignition switch.

does the LED on the rear view mirror flash when you press the button on the remote? can you open the rear hatch?

have you tried using the key in a different location? you might be getting interference from strong transmitters in the area. plus, if you brought your X5 from the US, i *believe* that frequencies are different so that would increase the chance of you picking up interference.

i was visiting a friend who lived near a TV transmitter and i could not lock/unlock the car with the remote. nothing. zero. as soon as i drove elsewhere, it worked perfectly.

[Vinnie1158]

My dealer said the GM or general module is behind dash in X5, but I've seen other posts saying to look under rear seat in sedans. Waiting for someone on my own posts to tell me if there are instructions anywhere on replacing the GM