Replace BMW Key Fob Battery the Easy Way
Learn how to replace the BMW key fob battery on almost any BMW key fob. You will find videos and instructions for replacing the BMW key fob battery here. For more help with your BMW, check out the Vehicle Guides section.
Replace the BMW Key Fob Battery
Smart Key Battery Replacement
What you will need
- CR2450 battery
Procedure
You will need to remove the metal blade key from the fob. The metal key can open the key fob as a pry tool.- Turn the BMW remote over. Look at the back of your BMW key. The BMW key battery is located under the back cover.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Remove the old battery. Lift the battery out of place to remove it.
- Install the new BMW key battery. Place the new BMW key battery in place of the old battery. Do not force the battery in place; only apply gentle pressure to it.
- Close the remote. Snap the cover back on the remote.
Comfort Access BMW Key Battery Replacement
This key is used in many BMW models, including 1, 3, 5, 7, X3, X5, and X6 Series.What you will need
- CR2032 battery
Procedure
If your key looks like this, but the case won’t open, you may have the non-comfort access version, a built-in rechargeable battery. For the rechargeable BMW key, see notes in the next section.- Remove the valet key from the BMW key fob. The metal key blade can be used to open your car door or trunk in case of an emergency. To remove the valet key, press the small tab in the keyfob and then pull the valet key.
- After you remove the valet key, you will notice a small access port on the keyfob. Use the valet key or the flat screwdriver to remove the key battery cover.
- Once you remove the battery cover, you will see the battery. Remove the dead battery and install the new one. Press the battery cover on the key with your fingers. Reinsert the valet key.
Non-Comfort Access Key Battery Replacement
The BMW key with the side indent has a rechargeable battery. It wasn’t designed to be serviced, so you can’t open the case. The battery gets charged when it is inserted into the ignition.
If you take short trips, you do not allow enough time for the key to charge. To recharge this BMW key, take at least a two-hour or longer trip.
If the battery has completely died, typically on a 10-year-old car, you can open the case, but you will need to cut the key plastic part.
You can replace the built-in battery with a new rechargeable 2032 battery
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Diamond Key Battery Replacement
The battery in this key is not designed to be replaced. Yet, it can be replaced by cutting the case and soldering a new battery.
The manufacturer does not recommend this procedure.
What you’ll need
- VL2020 3-volt battery
- Sharp knife
- Soldering Iron
- Glue
Procedure
- Start cutting the key shell. It is easier to start at the back of the key. Very carefully cut around the perimeter of the key. Be extremely careful, and avoid cutting yourself. Be careful that the knife doesn’t slide. Do not cut too deep into the case or risk damaging the circuit board.
- Once the key fob is exposed, the battery is soldered to the circuit board. Use a soldering iron to remove the battery. You could also use pliers or razor blades to cut the terminals soldered to the battery. This is not recommended.
- Solder the new battery in place. Always pay close attention to the orientation of the old battery. Verify that the positive and negative are oriented correctly.
- Carefully put the key back together. Use your favorite glue to glue and seal the key case.
- Follow the re-initiate instructions below to program your BMW remote.
- Congratulations! You’re done.
Applications
This guide covers all BMW key fobs, including the comfort access key, smart BMW fob, and rechargeable BMW key fobs. We hope you find the Replace BMW Key Fob Battery the Easy Way guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.HOW PROGRAM BMW REMOTE ( RE-INITIATE) BMW Key?
Follow these instructions to re-initiate the key to your BMW. You will need to follow these steps quickly. If you fail to program the key the first time, try again to complete the steps faster.- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to position II. All the dash lights should turn on, but don’t start the car. Keep the key in position II for one second, then remove it.
- Next, press and hold the UNLOCK button. Press the LOCK button three times while you hold down the unlock button. All the locks cycle through locking and unlocking on their own.
- Then, turn the key to position II and turn it off again to finalize the programming.
Can I just go to the BMW dealer and have them replace the battery in the FOB and/or resolve whatever issue is causing the FOB dash message ?
Are you talking about keyfobs with those without rechargeable battery? For my E39, both key fobs are sealed and cannot get to the batter unless it is cut opened. By key fob’s battery is rechargeable and it gets it’s charge when in the ignition with the Bimmer running. I just called my local Bimmer dealer, they said they do not replace the rechargeable battery, they would just go ahead and order a new master key fob.
I have 2013 535ix but I cannot open fob to change battery
Do I have a rechargeable battery or am I missing something to access the battery
Thanks
Opening the fob can be downright dangerous if you use bare hands . Wear work gloves preferably made of leather so that whatever sharp instrument one uses doesn’t slice open your hand or finger. The other important thing that author doesn’t say is that not all replacement vl2020 s are the same. Pay close attention to the solder tabs. Many replacement which claim BMW replacement aren’t I the correct position and therefore won’t fit properly. Way too many DIY videos online that don’t provide a lot of vital information.
after changing the batterys in both my fobs they work for a couple of days then stop and if i take battery out and put it back again wait for 10 mins it works again any idea of the course ?
Yes the diamond key the battery isn’t supposed to be replaced but is possible as mentioned above
it’s funny. Next time, just let them do it. If u order it online, it costs you 15 bucks/battery. Just take it to the leader for 50 bucks. You don’t have to be like this… BMW made it so compliated bc they want to make money from people. That’s why… if u drive a luxury car, u have to spend money. Can’t be cheap and lock yourself. Time is money baby
2007 530i, can’t key the key fob apart? Doesn’t appear to have a battery cover. Gentlemen I bought the car from says it can’t be changed, is this correct?
I replaced the old battery in the key fob and nothing is working. I have been locked out of the car for 2 weeks while waiting for the battery to arrive. The outside lock is broken. I initially called the triple A road service and the young man who came out tried to get into the car using a small airbag to create a space then he used a long rod to try and open the door by pushing the button on the center console and when that didn’t work he tried prying the handle inside to open the door. He was unsuccessful and then told me that I had to tow my car to the dealer. It’s a 2001 BMW 325ci. After talking with a mechanic ( not with the dealer) he told me that the car goes into some kind of lock down if you try to get in and are unsuccessful. I watched your video and have now replaced the battery for my key fob ( I was only given one key when I got this car from a private owner) the battery I received I believe is rechargeable and may need to be recoded following the instructions above. I can’t get into the car to put the key in the ignition. Should I break the window and get into the car as it would be cheaper to replace the window than what the dealer wants to replace the lock and make a new key. I’m dumbfounded. Help me please. This is the first time I’ve owned a BMW.
I was getting replace remote battery on the dashbaord. Changed the key fob battery and the message is now gone.
It can be a bad key or an issue with the ignition module.
What if my key doesn’t start the car but it unlocks the doors and it’s not my battery or nothing wrong with the car
Battery for the E90 is not a CR2032 rechargeable (which doesn’t exist). It’s a VL2020
Yes just put new batteries in the key fob and it should unlock the door.
My extra key fob will not start car..
The fob I normally use is locked in trunk..
If I change battery in extra fob will I
Be able to access car immediately?
2007 335i
Did you look at video #1. That’s the key 550i usually have.
i have bmw 550i 08. this video didnt cover my model
Thank you for putting all the videos in one page. This makes it easy to figure out how to change the battery on any BMW model keyfob.
The dealer wanted $50 to replace the battery in my BMW key. Thanks for saving me money and a trip to the dealership.