BMW X1 remote key

BillN_33

BillN_33

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Strange thing - well it was strange to me, may be helpful to some

On holiday we always take 2 "ignition" remote keys for the car, this time a BMW X1

anyway in France I got a message to say that the key battery needed changing on the "spare" key and sure enough the remote did not lock or unlock the doors, it worked OK when I wanted to start the car, (placed against a position on the steering column).

We were staying with friends and he gave me a new CR 2032 and I replaced the remote battery - same problem, the remote would not lock or unlock the doors - so we tried another fresh (panasonic) CR 2032 - but no joy - he then tested the replacement batteries just to make sure they were OK.

Anyway when I got home, I searched the internet and went through all the youtube vids for "pairing" and replacing the battery - again no joy, so I thought that it must be the transmitter in the key, so £££'s for a new key from BMW.

I then found a comment on the net from a guy that had a similar problem and he rang BMW who suggested that not all CR 2032 batteries work and that they supply a Varta CR 2032 when you need a new battery for your remote - I then tried a Duracell CR 2032 and the remote was back to normal.............. seems strange to me!!
 
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There may be a minimum voltage or current threshold for full function, and not all cells can deliver the goods.
 
BillN_33 said:
Strange thing - well it was strange to me, may be helpful to some

On holiday we always take 2 "ignition" remote keys for the car, this time a BMW X1

anyway in France I got a message to say that the key battery needed changing on the "spare" key and sure enough the remote did not lock or unlock the doors, it worked OK when I wanted to start the car, (placed against a position on the steering column).

We were staying with friends and he gave me a new CR 2032 and I replaced the remote battery - same problem, the remote would not lock or unlock the doors - so we tried another fresh (panasonic) CR 2032 - but no joy - he then tested the replacement batteries just to make sure they were OK.

Anyway when I got home, I searched the internet and went through all the youtube vids for "pairing" and replacing the battery - again no joy, so I thought that it must be the transmitter in the key, so £££'s for a new key from BMW.

I then found a comment on the net from a guy that had a similar problem and he rang BMW who suggested that not all CR 2032 batteries work and that they supply a Varta CR 2032 when you need a new battery for your remote - I then tried a Duracell CR 2032 and the remote was back to normal.............. seems strange to me!!
Click to expand...
Hmmmmmmmmm, that's a strange one.

I've just got rid of my BMW (420i MSport) and got a Toyota A90 Supra (Fuji Speedway Edition) which is built on a BMW engine and drive train so this maybe of use to me. I'd assume the central locking is Toyotas own but it's worth bearing in mind, odd as it is. Thanks for posting.

FTH
 
I've had exactly the same experience with my Mazda keys, some replacement cells work and other don't.
 
Did you test the voltages on both batteries?
 
F1.2 said:
Did you test the voltages on both batteries?
Click to expand...

Only the 2 we tried in France - tested by my friend who knew what he was doing - he used one of those small "machines" with 2 probes

but what was interesting was what the BMW dealer said when he was told of the problem

Quote from an on-line Forum

"
Spoke to the supplying dealer this morning (Vertu was Cooper) York BMW who were of the opinion it was either a battery issue or a faulty key.
I have changed the batteries and tried Durcaell and Hyundai CR 2032 batteries but no joy
The dealer said that they have seen this before and using BMW supplied batteries resolved the issue, ....and whilst they would be prepared to approach BMW if it was not a battery issue, to try "BMW" batteries first

Im a sceptical person by nature, but made a trip to the dealers and bought two new "BMW" (Varta) batteries, and changed the batteries in both keys

Result......both keys are now working normally ....cost of 2 new batteries v potentially £250 for a new key

Interestingly our house alarm specifically recommends using Varta batteries"
 
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Coincidentally, I had to change the cell in my Mrs Nod's car fob yesterday. Used an Ikea 2032 and it works fine. IIRC, I've had an Ikea 2032 in my my car fob for 18 months or so too. (We keep at least one spare fob battery in each car, just in case, having been caught out in the past.
 
Some coin cell batteries have a coating on them to make them taste bitter to try and prevent a child from swallowing but this coating can cause devices using these batteries not to work properly. I came across it initially with cycling power meters but a quick look around and it seems to be a known problem for other devices as well.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
Some coin cell batteries have a coating on them to make them taste bitter to try and prevent a child from swallowing but this coating can cause devices using these batteries not to work properly. I came across it initially with cycling power meters but a quick look around and it seems to be a known problem for other devices as well.
Click to expand...
Now you say that, I seem to remember I had to peel something of my battery to make it work.
 
BillN_33 said:
Strange thing - well it was strange to me, may be helpful to some

On holiday we always take 2 "ignition" remote keys for the car, this time a BMW X1

anyway in France I got a message to say that the key battery needed changing on the "spare" key and sure enough the remote did not lock or unlock the doors, it worked OK when I wanted to start the car, (placed against a position on the steering column).

We were staying with friends and he gave me a new CR 2032 and I replaced the remote battery - same problem, the remote would not lock or unlock the doors - so we tried another fresh (panasonic) CR 2032 - but no joy - he then tested the replacement batteries just to make sure they were OK.

Anyway when I got home, I searched the internet and went through all the youtube vids for "pairing" and replacing the battery - again no joy, so I thought that it must be the transmitter in the key, so £££'s for a new key from BMW.

I then found a comment on the net from a guy that had a similar problem and he rang BMW who suggested that not all CR 2032 batteries work and that they supply a Varta CR 2032 when you need a new battery for your remote - I then tried a Duracell CR 2032 and the remote was back to normal.............. seems strange to me!!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I've had a big pile of CR2032s for years. They have a long shelf life so I bought a bulk amount. They work in everything - including my Tesla keyfob last year.

This year they work in everything else but not the key fob - I bought some more expensive ones and they are fine.
 
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