Keyfob battery "low" warning

[The Big Easy]

Hi Guys,

Wanted to ask you for help, I`ve replaced the battery in the keyfob as the low battery warning light appeared a week ago (2032 cell). Since then the warning light pops up occasionally despite the new battery. I`ve placed a second new battery in/left the key in the ignition slot/left it lying in the car - but I still get the warning light (have comfort access). Any ideas would be appreciated......

Cheers,

[rh71]

Comfort access keyfobs are not rechargeable in the ignition... it's just the standalone battery in the fob you need to replace - are both new batteries you tried from the same package? Curious, idrive or the dash warns you of this low battery? Interesting.

[The Big Easy]

I realize this, I was hoping that the car would "recognize" the new battery if I left it is the ignition. The warning pops up in the central display (close to the handbreak icon) for 3 seconds.

Cheers,

[The Big Easy]

Sensors within the fob were non-functional and so the unit in which the cut key slips in was replaced. Hope this helps someone.

Cheers,

[piaabro210]

I still a bit confused...Over the last several weeks I've been getting the same warning message. I thought by just sticking the key fob in the ignition that was charging the battery but obviously I still get the warning message. It's not every time either it'll go a few days in between. Do I have to replace the batteries in the key fob?

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by piaabro210

I still a bit confused...Over the last several weeks I've been getting the same warning message. I thought by just sticking the key fob in the ignition that was charging the battery but obviously I still get the warning message. It's not every time either it'll go a few days in between. Do I have to replace the batteries in the key fob?

Same issue on my end.....If I insert the key and drive around for a couple trips, I wont get the warning for days. Funny thing is the key still works fine even when I get the warning. The warning states....battery is discharged with a picture of a battery and a line through it. I'm not getting the warning on the second key. It rarely gets used.........Phil

[DSE]

Originally Posted by rh71

Comfort access keyfobs are not rechargeable in the ignition...

That may not be accurate. As I understand it, there are two batteries in a comfort access key fob; one battery is replaceable the other is rechargable and sealed in the fob just like otehr BMW keys. Even though I have comfort access, my service advisor told me to occaisionally put the key in the slot to keep the sealed battery charged. I did not try to verify this.

[rh71]

^ I'd love confirmation because mine's also running out after 2 years. Easy to replace though.

EDIT>> my '08 manual states that comfort access keys contain a battery that MUST be replaced and never mentions recharging. I also just popped mine open and it contains a Panasonic CR2032 lithium battery.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by rh71

^ I'd love confirmation because mine's also running out after 2 years. Easy to replace though.

EDIT>> my '08 manual states that comfort access keys contain a battery that MUST be replaced and never mentions recharging. I also just popped mine open and it contains a Panasonic CR2032 lithium battery.

Another replacement as well....I just replaced mine. I also check online and I didn't see anything regarding a second internal battery. It's a 1 minute fix.....Phil

[MisterKenJ]

Just wanna say .. thanks, guys, for sharing your experiences with Comfort Access. Based on all I've read in this thread and others, I just cancelled this $1000 option on my newly ordered, production this week, X5 35d. I can't imagine all this complexity for something as simple as opening and locking doors!