Key fob rip off?

[Adam B]

Is it true that the whole key fob has to be replaced if the battery goes flat? Garage quoting £105 for the key and 60 labour (30 mins - really?) for programming.

Is there an alternative or do I have to suck it up?

[sad61t]

Depends on the model, but the parts list has a separate battery (a CR2032) for R50, R56 and F56 variants. I recall you'll need a new chrome ring on the R56 too; unless you're very careful it is a single-use part.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=MF32-...

It may well be that the cost in labour for stripping the key apart, replacing the battery and putting it all together cleanly is higher than a replacement unit. Plus the new unit is likely more reliable than the refurbished original, making a full replacement a better choice in the modern idiocracy.

[Adam B]

Fair enough I guess, but 30 mins to reprogram? It's a key not the starship enterprise

[Adam B]

It's a 56 plate so R50 I believe

[sad61t]

Adam B said:

Fair enough I guess, but 30 mins to reprogram? It's a key not the starship enterprise

Having been tangled in BMW's software revisions, while programming the key takes a few seconds, finding the correct software revision is another matter (and quite worthy of a Dan Brown novel). [ETA: But yes, they're taking the mick for that one. Probably the minimum job time is 30 minutes no matter what, to allow for paperwork and car washing.]

If the key is already not working, it's worth having a go at changing the battery yourself. Post a pic of the key to confirm the model, they can be prised open with a bit of care.

Edited by sad61t on Thursday 10th August 21:54

[Adam B]

Thanks - will do when back from holiday at weekend

[mon the fish]

The battery recharges in the ignition - unlock the car with the good key, then go for a long run with the old key in the ignition. If it's still out of sync with the car, try this:

1.) Close all doors
2.) Switch the ignition switch to KL-R (first turn), switch back off within 5 seconds and remove the key
3.) Within 30 seconds, press and hold the unlock button and at the same time, press and release the lock button (3) times. (Must be completed within 10 seconds)
4.) Release both buttons. The doors will lock/unlock to signal a successful initialization.
5.) If additional keys need to be initialized, repeat steps 3-4 within 30 seconds
6.) Switching the ignition to KL-R completes the initialization

Worked for me for my 54 plate R53, but key needs to be charged first. I'm still on the original batteries in both keys

[Adam B]

Will definitely try that, thanks mon

Strange how the Mini specialist didn't mention any of that

[sad61t]

Thanks mon; that's a convoluted series of operations. Is that if the key hardware changes, or just a reset battery? I ask because my car has shown the 'bad key' symbol a couple of times, and has only needed a dab on the start/stop button to resync the code.

If it is the rechargeable fob, then the battery is a VL2020 instead of the CR2032 and needs soldering to replace. I wasn't sure if Adam's key was rechargeable given it is presenting a flat battery.

[Adam B]

Picture of key below


What do you mean "presenting a flat battery"? Is this confirmed by the car? I only ask as they key works fine in lock and ignition but not remotely so my assumption was flat battery

[sad61t]

Hi Adam, could be a few things that cause the fob to do that. Here's a useful video for that key model (it is the VL2020 battery) -https://youtu.be/SxRT5MzARTw

[Adam B]

Thanks sad61t

Interesting watch but soldering circuits a bit beyond my capabilities, will try recharging via a long run and hope it is just that

[mon the fish]

sad61t said:

Thanks mon; that's a convoluted series of operations. Is that if the key hardware changes, or just a reset battery? I ask because my car has shown the 'bad key' symbol a couple of times, and has only needed a dab on the start/stop button to resync the code.

If it is the rechargeable fob, then the battery is a VL2020 instead of the CR2032 and needs soldering to replace. I wasn't sure if Adam's key was rechargeable given it is presenting a flat battery.

Sounds like you have an R56 - the process I listed is for the R50/53. AFAIK this is only for a key that is already coded to the car, but has 'forgotten' part of it due to a flat battery in the key itself.

I doubt you could program a new key to the car this way although not 100% sure. It definitely worked for my spare that had gone flat