Somewhat unique key problem

[bmw540san]

I've managed to loose key#1.

According to Bentley, if any other key has to be initialized, key#1 has to be used first.

My other key's remote feature hasn't worked since I got the truck and thanks to my laziness now I have the problem.

I've used the other key for a week, left it in position 1 for 30+ hours (with battery charger connected) and I have tried numerous reinitializings but with no success.

Key still lock and unlocks doors and it starts the car, it's remote function that doesn't work.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Alex35X]

If you search for posts I made, I posted in "what did you do to your x5 Today." you need to swap the battery and thrn do a simple reprogram of the remote. Only tools needed are exact knife and soldering gun To reconnect rhe battery. how to videos on youtube. The link is for a Chinese store on Alibaba. Those batteries are supposed to be plug n play with the quick soldering. I did one of my two keys for now. Other key will be done soon but I really only need one.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Alex35X

If you search for posts I made, I posted in "what did you do to your x5 Today." you need to swap the battery and thrn do a simple reprogram of the remote. Only tools needed are exact knife and soldering gun To reconnect rhe battery. how to videos on youtube. The link is for a Chinese store on Alibaba. Those batteries are supposed to be plug n play with the quick soldering. I did one of my two keys for now. Other key will be done soon but I really only need one.

I see. I'm not familiar with new style keys and I always thought that you can't replace batteries in those. I'll search for what you said. Thanks.

[Alex35X]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

I see. I'm not familiar with new style keys and I always thought that you can't replace batteries in those. I'll search for what you said. Thanks.

Sorry, previous message was from my phone. So painful typing on it sometimes (I was tipsy at the pool).

So, try this video out. Basically the batteries are "lifetime" - so BMW wants to sell you a new $250 key. But you can in fact change the battery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3PQrr-YcLI

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Alex35X

Sorry, previous message was from my phone. So painful typing on it sometimes (I was tipsy at the pool).

So, try this video out. Basically the batteries are "lifetime" - so BMW wants to sell you a new $250 key. But you can in fact change the battery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3PQrr-YcLI

No problem. I found bunch of videos and I already ordered Panasonic VL2020 for less than $10. Thanks again.

[Emory39]

So let me get these right the key open and close the truck but dos not start?
or it opens by using the key on the door and does not start?
or it does not oppend with the beeper but it runs?

if it opens it with the beeper but it does not start...new key
if it opend with the key but no start ...new key
or not open with beeper but the car runs new bat.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Emory39

So let me get these right the key open and close the truck but dos not start?
or it opens by using the key on the door and does not start?
or it does not oppend with the beeper but it runs?

if it opens it with the beeper but it does not start...new key
if it opend with the key but no start ...new key
or not open with beeper but the car runs new bat.

Everything works but the remote function. I haven't considered the battery in my original post since I've always dealt with old style keys and I thought the new style key had the battery that lasted forever.
I'll try the new battery and report back.

[Emory39]

Yes the key its supposed to charge by the key ring. good luck

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

No problem. I found bunch of videos and I already ordered Panasonic VL2020 for less than $10. Thanks again.

If I were you I wouldn't try to replace the battery yourself, first you have to cut the key open, and the battery is soldered in place. If you try it you better be good at fine/micro soldering or you'll end up ruining the circuit board inside the key. I nearly ruined my original key trying to replace the battery, after that I sent it to Scott and him replace the battery and repair the circuit board. He said people try to replace the battery and nine times out of ten the battery is not the problem, he said the original battery in our keys is better than the batteries people are buying. Send him yours key/keys and you'll be glad you did, his prices are very reasonable, there are lots of threads on the site about his work, click on the link below, good luck.

BMW General Module 5 (GMV, ZKE V)

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by romeokc10

If I were you I wouldn't try to replace the battery yourself, first you have to cut the key open, and the battery is soldered in place. If you try it you better be good at fine/micro soldering or you'll end up ruining the circuit board inside the key. I nearly ruined my original key trying to replace the battery, after that I sent it to Scott and him replace the battery and repair the circuit board. He said people try to replace the battery and nine times out of ten the battery is not the problem, he said the original battery in our keys is better than the batteries people are buying. Send him yours key/keys and you'll be glad you did, his prices are very reasonable, there are lots of threads on the site about his work, click on the link below, good luck.

BMW General Module 5 (GMV, ZKE V)

Well, I'll definitely consider your advice.
I'm fairly convinced that it is the battery problem since the other key worked just fine and this one didn't work from the start.
If we consider that BMW recommends for all remote keys to be used occasionally in order to be recharged, problem I have does seem to be exactly that since I haven't used the since I got the car.
I did order the genuine Panasonic battery and I have friend who's extremely skilled in soldering and he is true electronics guru.
Of course, it may turn out to not to be the battery but I'd rather try that first since the cost is minimal and my friend definitely knows what he's doing.
Thanks again and I'll definitely save your link.