BMW X5 Key Not Working
 

Hello everyone. I want to let everyone know that both my BMW keys have stopped working electronically and when I went to my local dealership for help, they said that I would have to replace both of them with new ones for around $300.00 per key. I asked if I could replace the batteries but they said no because it is embedded into the housing. So, before spending $600.00 for new keys, I decided to use my engineering background and disassemble the keys one step at at time. What I found is that there is a rechargeable battery inside that can be replaced. It is slightly saudered to the key which can be pried off gently with a small knife. I went to "Batteries Plus" and purchase two replacement battery's for $15.00 per battery. I replaced the batteries and used a little glue to secure the key together and it's like having brand new keys again.

I hope this helps any and all BMW owners when their keys stop working due to the battery and you don't want to spend an arm and a leg to replace them.

Good feedback. Glad to hear you were able to replace them and save yourself a load of cash :thumbup:

Excellent job - this is a definitely a fix to remember. Can you specify the replacement battery size/type. Any pics of the open key?

$600.00 for keys? wow it better have some gold in there..lol..but great job for a less expensive alternative..i'd keep this fix in mind just in case. pictures if you have would be great along with the size and type of battery as mentioned above.

I think a member on here did the exact same thing..he did a small write up with pics and everything....I can't remember what his name was though..doh!

Check this DIY:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=451510

BTW, the battery is rechargeable and is charged by the ring antenna when the key is in the ignition. Would be usefull to swap your key and spare key sometimes to maintain battery level.

Keys in Seattle
 

Retail price in seattle is around $220 per key, from the dealership and Wholesale price for a key is around $170. Shop around and you can get a deal.

Of course $15 to replace a battery is even better. Nice job on the fix.
b

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. What I did use is a swiss army knife to pry the two half's of the key apart and then it's pretty self explanatory once you are in there. The replacement batter is a Panasonic VL2020 which again can be purchased at "Batteries Plus."

I just got my X in April and it came with 1 key that had been split open and taped together with the remote function not working. The stealer charged me $400 for two new keys and programming and refused to fix the one I already had.

Apparently the remote function stayed in memory because you did not have to reprogram the remote. Glad to hear you were able to do it yourself.

Great DIY Fix! This thread, or at least your FixIt post, ought to
be made a Key Point, (no pun), in the Front Page, imo.

Sure worth a try to self repair in lieu of the R&R cost at a dlr...
BR,mD

Returned from vacay and the batteries were dead. Key worked just fine when i left her at airport parking. :dunno: ...will give this a shot over the weekend.

ordered yesterday an extra key. $224. it hurts but I need and extra key.

I can't believe this works in Australia region too, thank you so much. Mine is a V8 4.4i 2002 model.

After reading this thread, my husband took the key apart. He ordered the battery and voila!!!!! Our key now works. Thanks :)

mine just died on me too so thanks for the post.

2001 X5 3.0 120K

Wow! Some dealers charge more huh. I bought an extra key at Bill Jacobs BMW in Naperville, IL last year.. only cost me $169 plus tax for my 4.4i X5. I did the programming using the DIY in this forum.