Remote lock failure on '03

[ALX]

So our new X5 arrives and everything is great until we realize both the remote open and close (of the door locks) doesn't work all the time. So we have to insert the key into the door lock- imagine that!- to unlock or lock the X5.

At first I thought it was just a matter of using the keys long enough for them to have an appropriate charge, but after driving down to NYC (3 hours each way from Boston) the keys still don't work the way they should.

The dealership ordered new keys and the problem continues.

Anyone have this problem and if so, how was it resolved?

Thanks in advance.

POW!

ALX

[TCM]

Alex:

Whats up buddy? Do not know if this could be your problem but my 540 has trouble using the remote loc when it is cold out. A couple times this winter I could not unlock the car with the remote, I had to insert the key into the door . Please let us know what the problem turns out to be.

[Just GSin']

My '02 X5 has the same problem. No consistency in when it won't work, its parked in a heated garage, sometimes I have to use the key. Weird.

[Vigilant]

The keys have a coded memory unique to each vehicle. A key most often looses its memory from lack of use. It is charged when in use. Vehicles come with two keys. If one is not used it will loose its memory. There is a procedure to teach a key the vehicle code. Ask your local BMW service advisor for the procedure. It is something like this (not exact, but close) put the bad key into the ignition, turn it three times to position 1 (battery position, not ignition), take it out, hold down lock button and push door open button 5 times.

This happened on my M5 and the BMW dealer fixed my bad key last week.