My key is acting like it has a dead battery. My 06 has about 85K on it now for what that's worth. At first, the key wouldn't unlock the car when the unlock button was pressed. Then it started missing locking the car, and now it doesn't do anything when any button is pressed. This key ALWAYS had to be touched to my face (which had to be about 5 feet from the car when touched with the key) for it to do anything. Dealer said nothing was wrong, though my wife"s car can be unlocked or locked from in the house! I used to occasionally have fun with her by opening the sunroof and windows as she was going to the garage, but she caught on to me pretty quick.
Anyway - am I in for a trip to the dealer or does anybody have a trick for me to try? I did the reprogramming tricks, but screwed up the throwing of the salt over the shoulder. The thing is so far gone that the car didn't even blow up (tho after replacing another fan and the PS pump, I may find a way to blow the thing up anyway).
The battery in the key is dead. It isn't easily replaced. The solution is to get a new key. So I called my dealer and was surprised with their response. I have to go to the dealership (not a huge trip, but its half a day back and forth), present my drivers license and registration BEFORE they will take the order for the key. What's up with THAT?
I truly support the notion that they should make sure someone ordering a key is the owner of the car. No problem there. But make a trip before ordering? They are going to check ID and ownership again before releasing the key to me as well when it comes in.
I got a little pushy (ask for a supervisor calmly bro) and got them to let me send a copy of my title and drivers license instead of driving down there, but you'd think they were granting me freedom from slavery!
Anybody know if this is a local policy or are these direct orders from der faterland? Both our local dealers are owned by the same outfit. I'm tempted to see if I can work something out with e-miniparts. THOSE folk are really cool.
If you are handy with a Dremel and soldering iron, the battery can be replaced quite cheaply. I have seen someone describe doing it in another forum. The key head cover is sealed and must be cut open (and glued back together). The rechargeable battery is soldered on the circuit board.
If a BMW dealer is more convenient, a key can also be ordered from there. Ordering in person is not a required policy. I purchased a replacement key from a member on the motoring|underground forum who works in the parts department of a BMW dealer. I faxed registration card and drivers license, and called in a credit card number. The key must be sent FedEx with signature required to the registration address. It was a good price but the FedEx cost ate some of the savings.
