Comfort access FOB battery

[ersin]

Yet again, the dealer is clueless. Non CA keys charge inductively. CA keys need the battery to be replaced when they lose charge. Fortunately, it's easy to do. I believe the battery is fairly common. Does anyone know the exact specs of the battery? CR2032 perhaps?

[Dieselino]

So Im confused, does cars with CA recharge when you put it in the ignition or not?

[MysticBlue]

OK, We'll try this again...

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

This isn't complicated. It's a battery. It's not rechargeable. They don't normally last more than a year, sometimes less. You can get them for a couple bucks at any store. Battery type 2032. Buy three, and throw an extra one in the glove box. Don't know why there is so much confusion about this. Well, I guess misinformation spread by uninformed dealers doesn't help.

Just to be clear, CA is NOT rechargeable.
Non-CA IS rechargeable. It's inductive charge and does not have any charging contacts so you can't tell just by looking.
CA is NOT rechargeable.
CA is NOT rechargeable even if you stick it in the slot. CA is not rechargeable even if you stick it in a non CA cars slot. It does not have the induction and charging electronics in the fob, not to mention the battery is not rechargeable.
One more time... CA is NOT rechargeable.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by Dieselino

So Im confused, does cars with CA recharge when you put it in the ignition or not?

ok, you got me.

[Dieselino]

LOL

[RichB]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

OK, We'll try this again...

Just to be clear, CA is NOT rechargeable.
Non-CA IS rechargeable. It's inductive charge and does not have any charging contacts so you can't tell just by looking.
CA is NOT rechargeable.
CA is NOT rechargeable even if you stick it in the slot. CA is not rechargeable even if you stick it in a non CA cars slot. It does not have the induction and charging electronics in the fob, not to mention the battery is not rechargeable.
One more time... CA is NOT rechargeable.

Could you be a little more clear. I am not sure I understand all scenarios.

[saeedg48]

Everyone from the dealer says that it's rechargeable. I wonder if It was in the past and BMW NA changed things up a bit.. My friends 335 had this same issue. Guess your going to have to go to service and make them give you a new battery. Shop forums prob' know what it's not rechargeable.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by saeedg48

Everyone from the dealer says that it's rechargeable. I wonder if It was in the past and BMW NA changed things up a bit.

Nope.

[drchuck72]

I've tried searching for a DIY on replacing the battery in the key fob. Is there one here somewhere?

[drchuck72]

Originally Posted by drchuck72

I've tried searching for a DIY on replacing the battery in the key fob. Is there one here somewhere?

Forget it. I found it.

DC

[Gamoto]

Originally Posted by Dieselino

So Im confused, does cars with CA recharge when you put it in the ignition or not?

No it does not. I have a 2008 with CA. The battery in my fob went dead. Bought a new one at Radio Shack. Can't remember the cost....3 to 5 bucks I think.

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

It charges indirectly in the slot or so am told. I always cycle my key fobs and insert it every now and then into the slot to avoid something like this from happening. Bring both sets of keys and take a long drive with the dead key fobs plugged and see how it goes from there. Good luck and keep us updated.

CA does not charge. Only cars without CA will charge the fob

[robb7979]

There are instructions in the manual for replacing the CA fob battery. page 29 of the non-idrive manual.

Replacing the battery
The remote control for Comfort Access contains
a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1. Take the integrated key out of the remote
control, refer to page 18.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Insert the new battery with the plus side facing
up.
4. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collection
point or to your BMW center.<

[Grail05]

FUNNY my manual said the same thing... then everybody said that i need to replace the battery... so i did.. and it worked. LOL

[TomBMW]

I'm sure this depends on usage, however mine has been good for 3 years now.

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

They don't normally last more than a year, sometimes less.

[ASGM3]

my key also died , tried replacing the battery but doesnt work. Ordering a new key now

[SD-E93-11]

In addition to not being rechargeable, according to the manual, the Comfort Access fob should only be inserted into the ignition lock under 'special circumstances'.

The only time I do is when I go through the car wash.

[mmm def]

Originally Posted by ASGM3

my key also died , tried replacing the battery but doesnt work. Ordering a new key now

is the battery in right side up? i know..dumb question, but the first time I replaced my battery I had it backwards.

[GT3 Tim]

The battery goes in + side up (facing outward). The battery is a CR2032.

There is actually a + symbol on the case indicating the + side faces out, in case you forget.

[GT3 Tim]

Originally Posted by TomBMW

I'm sure this depends on usage, however mine has been good for 3 years now.

Had my car delivery in late July, 2008 (3 years, 3 months ago). I started getting the low fob battery warning last month. Your time is coming!

[Dodge2Dub]

Do all CA BMW's come without rechargeable keys, or just the M3. Wondering if our X5 with CA has non-rechargeable keys. Interesting considering that when I purchased each vehicle, I was told that the keys were rechargeable - two separate times!

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by SD-E93-11

In addition to not being rechargeable, according to the manual, the Comfort Access fob should only be inserted into the ignition lock under 'special circumstances'.

What?!? Seriously? I have CA, but like to put my key in the car. Should I not be doing that?