E91 keyfob remote not unlocking, help!

[Fermit]

As per the title, the remote key function isn't working. 2008 335i, if that's of any significance. The central locking button on the dash works. What I've tried so far.
Sending one of the keys to someone who replaces its main parts, wasn't much more than £20?

Replaced the antenna diversity module, as the radio was also not locking on to any stations, this was suggested as a likely fix. The radio now functions, but still no central locking function. Can the ADM have a problem with the central locking function, but not the radio (it was second hand) or is it a case that if it's working for one, it's working for all??

Checked fuses 56/57 and 73, none blown (all 15amp) and also have previously checked the boot wiring loom hasn't any snapped cables.

If anyone can assist I would really appreciate it, as I am now pulling my hair out!

Edited by Fermit on Wednesday 26th July 21:29

[nipsips]

Has it comfort access? Or is it standard. Tried taking it for a long drive to charge the fob?

[Fermit]

nipsips said:

Has it comfort access? Or is it standard. Tried taking it for a long drive to charge the fob?

I'm not familiar with comfort access, but it has done a few 150 mile journeys, and numerous 20 mile plus ones.

[chrisch77]

Broken wiring to the diversity module where it passes into the upper tailgate, by the hinge.

[g3org3y]

Fermit said:

nipsips said:

Has it comfort access? Or is it standard. Tried taking it for a long drive to charge the fob?

I'm not familiar with comfort access, but it has done a few 150 mile journeys, and numerous 20 mile plus ones.

Comfort access is the keyless entry feature (i.e. have the key in your pocket, put hand in handle and will automatically unlock).

[Earl of Hazzard]

chrisch77 said:

Broken wiring to the diversity module where it passes into the upper tailgate, by the hinge.

Yup. Videos on YT about it, this is one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnJqde08bP0

[Fermit]

Earl of Hazzard said:

Yup. Videos on YT about it, this is one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnJqde08bP0

Thanks, and to Chris too. I shall watch tomorrow, however I have checked all the wires within the 2 rubber sleeves between the roof and the boot, incase that is what you're referring to?

[Earl of Hazzard]

Fermit said:

Earl of Hazzard said:

Yup. Videos on YT about it, this is one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnJqde08bP0

Thanks, and to Chris too. I shall watch tomorrow, however I have checked all the wires within the 2 rubber sleeves between the roof and the boot, incase that is what you're referring to?

Yes on the right side there are two boots with wires in. I cut mine and found broken wires...soldered them and has been good ever since.
If you've checked and they're ok then not sure on the issue I'm afraid. Best of luck though...

[Fermit]

g3org3y said:

Comfort access is the keyless entry feature (i.e. have the key in your pocket, put hand in handle and will automatically unlock).

Nope, not got that feature Georgeyboy

[Fermit]

Bump, just in case anyone else has any bright ideas.

[sunnyb13]

Old school fault finding instead of plug in computer says no.

What region are you in? Can recommend a few specialists this kind of stuff.

[Fermit]

sunnyb13 said:

Old school fault finding instead of plug in computer says no.

What region are you in? Can recommend a few specialists this kind of stuff.

E.Mids, Notts/ Derby border. That will be appreciated, cheers.

[twokcc]

Same problem with my E91. Indie repaired wire in boot hinge and still hit and miss. Has a signal strength reader fixed to wall- mine had weak signal. Giving car a run made no difference. Changed it for spare key (not been used for 5years plus). Same result with that before putting into ignition. However after going for a few short runs it works every time. Obviously battery wasn't taking chargre- wereas replacement was is.

Seen some youtube videos on how to replace non charging battery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM33hRBqzDI

Ok if you've got patience and soldering equipment.
OP may be worth checking.
Garage parkside at worksop not that far away if you're passing and just want to check signal strength of key.

[Fermit]

twokcc said:

Same problem with my E91. Indie repaired wire in boot hinge and still hit and miss. Has a signal strength reader fixed to wall- mine had weak signal. Giving car a run made no difference. Changed it for spare key (not been used for 5years plus). Same result with that before putting into ignition. However after going for a few short runs it works every time. Obviously battery wasn't taking chargre- wereas replacement was is.

Seen some youtube videos on how to replace non charging battery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM33hRBqzDI

Ok if you've got patience and soldering equipment.
OP may be worth checking.
Garage parkside at worksop not that far away if you're passing and just want to check signal strength of key.

I'm thinking it's not an issue with the keys. As mentioned in my OP I sent one away to be refurbed, and this included swapping out the battery, to no avail. RE Parkside, I have saved their details previously, these guys I presume you mean? https://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/82091/parkside...

They are just 15 minutes away, is your mention a recommendation, or do you work there?

Failing this, we have an auto electrician coming in a week or so to fit a reversing camera, I'll be giving him a further call to see if he has any ideas, or know of a fix.

[bigdom]

Fermit said:

Thanks, and to Chris too. I shall watch tomorrow, however I have checked all the wires within the 2 rubber sleeves between the roof and the boot, incase that is what you're referring to?

When you mention you've checked them, was that purely just broken ones? Having had similar issues on a 5 series, there can also be ones hanging or by a thread or two, which means whatever it's connected to, won't work. Initially I soldiered them, a few years later changed the loom.

[twokcc]

Fermit said:

I'm thinking it's not an issue with the keys. As mentioned in my OP I sent one away to be refurbed, and this included swapping out the battery, to no avail. RE Parkside, I have saved their details previously, these guys I presume you mean? https://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/82091/parkside...

They are just 15 minutes away, is your mention a recommendation, or do you work there?

Failing this, we have an auto electrician coming in a week or so to fit a reversing camera, I'll be giving him a further call to see if he has any ideas, or know of a fix.

No connection with them apart from regular customer from E46 320d to E91 325d auto. which has been serviced by them for last 9 years and an 2003 E46 330ci convertible which I owned for 13years.. Usually have to book about month in advance for service or repairs but sure if you just turn up sure they will take a minute to test strength of signal from key

[Fermit]

bigdom said:

When you mention you've checked them, was that purely just broken ones? Having had similar issues on a 5 series, there can also be ones hanging or by a thread or two, which means whatever it's connected to, won't work. Initially I soldiered them, a few years later changed the loom.

They had black tape around them, so have obviously caused the last owner pain at some point! I removed all this tape, and from memory there were all but a few with the cable casing intact. The others had solitary splits in the casing, with the copper strands looking intact. With these I tightly wrapped tape around the splits, then wrapped all cables together as snuggly as possible and wrapped in tape. Could I have underestimated the damage to the inner copper strands of the cables?

[Fermit]

twokcc said:

Fermit said:

I'm thinking it's not an issue with the keys. As mentioned in my OP I sent one away to be refurbed, and this included swapping out the battery, to no avail. RE Parkside, I have saved their details previously, these guys I presume you mean? https://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/82091/parkside...

They are just 15 minutes away, is your mention a recommendation, or do you work there?

Failing this, we have an auto electrician coming in a week or so to fit a reversing camera, I'll be giving him a further call to see if he has any ideas, or know of a fix.

No connection with them apart from regular customer from E46 320d to E91 325d auto. which has been serviced by them for last 9 years and an 2003 E46 330ci convertible which I owned for 13years.. Usually have to book about month in advance for service or repairs but sure if you just turn up sure they will take a minute to test strength of signal from key

I do have a few errands to undertake around Worksop, so I'll stop by as you suggest. I'm wanting to get the oil filter housing gasket and the oil pan gasket done ASAP, as preventative maintenance, so hopefully booking these jobs in with them will earn some good will from them!

[bigdom]

Fermit said:

They had black tape around them, so have obviously caused the last owner pain at some point! I removed all this tape, and from memory there were all but a few with the cable casing intact. The others had solitary splits in the casing, with the copper strands looking intact. With these I tightly wrapped tape around the splits, then wrapped all cables together as snuggly as possible and wrapped in tape. Could I have underestimated the damage to the inner copper strands of the cables?

It's possible they may have failed, or not be a good repair. My repair lasted a few years then failed again, so I replaced the loom. The problem with solder is that it has a propensity to fail when it gets cold, and where it sits goes through variuos temperature cycles.

It i was doing again, I'd cut out the affected sections and cable joint in the roof lining and further down in the loom with new wire.

[Fermit]

bigdom said:

It's possible they may have failed, or not be a good repair. My repair lasted a few years then failed again, so I replaced the loom. The problem with solder is that it has a propensity to fail when it gets cold, and where it sits goes through variuos temperature cycles.

It i was doing again, I'd cut out the affected sections and cable joint in the roof lining and further down in the loom with new wire.

That is beginning to sound a little out of my comfort zone job wise! We have an auto electrician attending soon to do a few bits, so I'll ask him if he has any bright ideas. Failing that it seems like replacement looms can be had for around £100 for the pair, so that may be the next thing to try.