Keyfob Receiver Check
 

My E53 recently was having progressively worsening issues receiving the signals from my keyfobs. I had to get closer and closer to the vehicle to get the doors locked/unlocked. Finally, it stopped working altogether.

I tried re-initializing the key and it doesn't respond. I have two other keys and neither of them work either.

The button for central locking works fine. The manual unlock works fine and the keys start the car no problem.

I spoke to the guy in Torrance, CA who does GM3 module repair and he says because it is a 2001, and the symptoms I've described, it is most likely the receiver that receives the signals from the fob or the wiring harness that goes to it. I have been unable to find where those things are so I can check them myself or direct my mechanic to check them.

I did a search before posting and could not find any information on this issue.

Thanks for any information.

Did all 3 keys get progressively worse ??

Yes, all three keys exhibited the same behavior.

I just did a key reprogram for a new key and read somewhere as I was researching how to do it that the receiver is in/at/part of the rear window antenna system.

Actually, as I write this I remember it was a you tube video. Guy said if you were having problems reprogramming your keys, to hold it over your shoulder because the receiver was in the trunk window, or tailgate. RealOEM shows part number 65248382450, “antenna” back there as part of the radio system, but I wonder if it does double duty?

The 3 things numbered in your quote…communicates differently with its control module (the GM for #1 and #2 over the P-Bus). The third feature communicates over a totally different radio frequency and with different components (ews/DME/Ring Antennay/Transponder inside remote key…over a 125KHz radio frequency)

Remote Central locking (FZV) communicates over the K-Bus to the GM and the signal is sent over a 315 MHz radio frequency in the US market…to the aerial located in the rear left cargo window…which is connected to the FZV receiver in the rear tailgate spoiler.


Again…on the Tourings (wagons) and SUV/SAVs…the FZV antenna is embedded in the rear left cargo window:

Sounds more like a battery dying than anything else. As the battery degrades, you have to get closer and closer. The ridiculous design of this key where you can't replace the battery is so frustrating. I know there are ways to do it, I have not had luck doing ti. I would do whatever Qsilver says. He knows this stuff inside and out.

I got scared that my 20 year old key would fail and brick my car, so I finally broke down and bought a new one last week from the The Bmw Mini Parts Store. Wasn’t inexpensive, but good piece of mind. Now I just worry about some part in the rest of that system failing and bricking my car…EWS, ring antenna, etc. I understand why guys delete the EWS.

The main key I was using was purchased from the dealer 8 months ago and has been used daily ever since. It is definitely not the key(s).

Q, my car doesn't have a tailgate spoiler.

Where is the FZV receiver in the rear tailgate located?

My tailgate seal is perished and some water recently got into the back compartment on the right side when I went through the car wash.... that may be related to what has been going on.

The water is most likely from the roof drains and needs to be addressed before the next rain or car wash.

The receiver is inside hatch under the trim above the rear glass.

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