help! key fob

sshah261 · 09-02-2023, 01:20 PM

Hey all,

So my keys went through the wash and now it’s spotty and isn’t working well, even when I put it against steering column. Changed the battery but same issue still.

Any idea where I can get a new programmed key fob, aside from the dealer? They’re charging around $400 for a programmed fob itself. So was wondering if there are cheaper options out there.

Thanks for your help!

ashkanvafaee2 · 09-02-2023, 04:09 PM

Did you try putting it in rice? Likely still some moisture inside.

Billfitz · 09-02-2023, 04:12 PM

Rice is for cellphones.

The best bet is to open it up and spray with electronic contact cleaner, with the battery removed. https://www.walmart.com/ip/WD-40-Spe...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Fredo · 09-02-2023, 05:37 PM

Check this link, they should be cheaper than your local dealer. Search for "Keyless Entry Transmitter."

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com

They can tell you which one you need based on your VIN. Enter code ROUNDEL at check-out for 5% discount on your order.

eff32fl · 09-02-2023, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashkanvafaee2

Did you try putting it in rice? Likely still some moisture inside.

Yeah I'd try the rice method first before considering a new fob. I got my tablet wet and rice fixed it.

Qsilver7 · 09-03-2023, 02:14 PM

Good luck if you go the non dealer route. Things have not changed…in fact they’ve probably gotten more critical in regard to aftermarket BMW keys.

There’s multiple systems that the remote utilizes. You have the central locking features and the starting features (which operate on totally different radio frequencies)…one uses the battery inside the key and the other works by induction (still).

If you have comfort access…you have signals being sent to multiple aerials around the car…these signals are powered by the battery inside the key.

The fobs starting ability to start the car…again uses induction (not the battery inside the key). That’s why you have to place the remote next to the icon on the steering column to start the car when the attempt to start the vehicle fails. Starting the car communicates an encrypted ISN (individual serial number) to the FEM, BDC, and DME and related starting components. If the 128-bit code encryption isn’t correct, then the car won’t start.

fe7565 · 09-03-2023, 05:31 PM

More info here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1896038

chowser51 · 09-03-2023, 06:35 PM

programmed fob and cut key blade was $370+tax from dealer. unlock your car with working fob. place away from car. take new fob and hold to steering wheel and start car to synch.

it's only $400 people. just get a key and move on.

09-02-2023, 01:20 PM	#1
sshah261 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2011 535i xDrive Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	help! key fob Hey all, So my keys went through the wash and now it’s spotty and isn’t working well, even when I put it against steering column. Changed the battery but same issue still. Any idea where I can get a new programmed key fob, aside from the dealer? They’re charging around $400 for a programmed fob itself. So was wondering if there are cheaper options out there. Thanks for your help!
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09-02-2023, 04:09 PM	#2
ashkanvafaee2 Private First Class 39 Rep 103 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Did you try putting it in rice? Likely still some moisture inside.
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09-02-2023, 04:12 PM	#3
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8264 Rep 16,108 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Rice is for cellphones. The best bet is to open it up and spray with electronic contact cleaner, with the battery removed. https://www.walmart.com/ip/WD-40-Spe...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
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09-02-2023, 05:37 PM	#4
Fredo Lieutenant 200 Rep 544 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin TX iTrader: (3)	Check this link, they should be cheaper than your local dealer. Search for "Keyless Entry Transmitter." https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com They can tell you which one you need based on your VIN. Enter code ROUNDEL at check-out for 5% discount on your order.
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09-03-2023, 02:14 PM	#6
Qsilver7 Major General 4465 Rep 7,505 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Good luck if you go the non dealer route. Things have not changed…in fact they’ve probably gotten more critical in regard to aftermarket BMW keys. There’s multiple systems that the remote utilizes. You have the central locking features and the starting features (which operate on totally different radio frequencies)…one uses the battery inside the key and the other works by induction (still). If you have comfort access…you have signals being sent to multiple aerials around the car…these signals are powered by the battery inside the key. The fobs starting ability to start the car…again uses induction (not the battery inside the key). That’s why you have to place the remote next to the icon on the steering column to start the car when the attempt to start the vehicle fails. Starting the car communicates an encrypted ISN (individual serial number) to the FEM, BDC, and DME and related starting components. If the 128-bit code encryption isn’t correct, then the car won’t start. Attached Images __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral. Last edited by Qsilver7; 09-04-2023 at 11:19 PM..
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09-03-2023, 05:31 PM	#7
fe7565 Lieutenant Colonel 553 Rep 1,590 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i N26 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	More info here: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1896038 __________________ Help each other: if you manage to fix your issue (especially with help from this forum), don't be a d*ck and disappear. Follow-up by posting the solution so you can help others.
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09-03-2023, 06:35 PM	#8
chowser51 Colonel 2031 Rep 2,811 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	programmed fob and cut key blade was $370+tax from dealer. unlock your car with working fob. place away from car. take new fob and hold to steering wheel and start car to synch. it's only $400 people. just get a key and move on.
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