Central Locking on 2005 X3
 

I recently purchased 2005 X3 and the key/remote works intermittently. Most of the time it does not work. Why? It would lock or unlock. Do I need to reprogram it? Any help would be appreciated.

Wierd key design
 

I had/have the same issue with our 2005. The service rep said the keys don't hold a battery charge for very long. I would do most of the driving using "my" key, programmed to my settings. My spouse would try to use her key after being idle for a month, and it would not work.

The rep said it takes a few hours to come up to full charge. This would also explain why a key starts to malfunction in mostly short trips for a long period of time. Seems odd to me, but that's the deal.

Dan

Thank you. That makes sense. It does work right after I drive it but after not driving it for a couple of days it starts to do the same thing. Anyone know of an alternative to keeping the key charged?

Don't know of an alternate charging method. The fact that it takes a few hours to charge surprises me, but that's what I've been told by the adviser. Yours probably got enough of a charge for a short time, but not enough to hold. I guess the battery is integral, and requires a new key if the battery is dead. New keys are not inexpensive.

I tried to get a new key before the warranty ran out last month, but no dice.

d