Key Fob Issue - you too? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

MAH · 7th February 2005, 16:34

All,

I have begun to experience diffuculty in getting my car to unlock remotely with the key fob. This issue occurs with both key fobs, so I am taking that as an issue internal to the car. The alarm disarms just fine when I use the key.(You do remember what that is? Shiny long thing you stick into the ignition only it works in the door as well!) Of course I had hardly ever used the key in the door or the trunk until now.

Perhaps as someone mentioned in another thread, could it be an alarm sensor of some type. Jez, there is a sensor for everything here!

Mark

Ocean's M5 · 7th February 2005, 18:07

Hey Mah!

Ocean-Side here. I would say to polish the chrome thingy you stick the key into, that seemed to help mine...

J/K
maybe some WD-40 into the key hole? Let us know what you find

Ridgeback_Pilot · 7th February 2005, 18:11

Refresh my memory: Is there a battery in our keys that needs to be replaced periodically, or is it recharged by the car when the key is in the ignition?

Maybe your battery is getting weak? Rechargeable batteries eventually lose their ability to hold a charge.

Mike

Need4Spd · 7th February 2005, 18:21

Quote:

Maybe your battery is getting weak? Rechargeable batteries eventually lose their ability to hold a charge.

It's called a "battery" even in the manual, but I'm told it's really a capacitor. Anyway, he said it was on both FOBs so maybe it's on the car end. Perhaps the antenna for the alarm has come loose? I have no other idea what might be wrong.

Anita · 7th February 2005, 19:27

Sorry, Mark, but I've been doing more '02 manual reading this morning

All I can say is, it says (pg 26) " you should use that key (master key not in regular use) approx. once every year while driving for an exteneded period to charge the battery" I have no idea how long an extended period is!

And on page 30 " External systems or devices may cause local interference in the functions of the remote control."

Okay I was going to say something smart here but I won't.

Good luck!

Anita

M-Fünf · 7th February 2005, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need4Spd

It's called a "battery" even in the manual, but I'm told it's really a capacitor. Anyway, he said it was on both FOBs so maybe it's on the car end. Perhaps the antenna for the alarm has come loose? I have no other idea what might be wrong.

Even Capacitors break down after some time. I noticed on my car that the doors work fine, but the trunk button doesn't work as well.

Is it possibly an interference issue Mark? Are you parking somewhere different, or did you place a new cordless phone near the car???

e39m5nut · 7th February 2005, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgeback_Pilot

Refresh my memory: Is there a battery in our keys that needs to be replaced periodically, or is it recharged by the car when the key is in the ignition?

Maybe your battery is getting weak? Rechargeable batteries eventually lose their ability to hold a charge.

Mike

Yes the keys have rechargeable batteries. According to the owners manual it suggests using your spare key once a month to keep the battery charged. So in my case I'm the only driver of my car so once a month I grab the spare key and recharge the battery.

Also, as part of Inspection II I understand that the service tech is supposed to change the battery in the keyfob...

Later...Mike

Anita · 8th February 2005, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by e39m5nut

Also, as part of Inspection II I understand that the service tech is supposed to change the battery in the keyfob...

Later...Mike

Where did you find out that bit about battery change being part of Inspection II? I'll like to be able to request it when it's time for my Inspection II.

Thanks!

e39m5nut · 8th February 2005, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anita

Where did you find out that bit about battery change being part of Inspection II? I'll like to be able to request it when it's time for my Inspection II.

Thanks!

Anita, you'll see under the section Body/Electrical that they are supposed to replace the batteries...

I found this info at http://www.euroteknik.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2101

p.s. I'm still trying to come up with an innovative new use for the ski sack.

BMW MAINTANENCE: INSPECTION II
Date:
Mileage:

Inspection I

1. Undercarriage

 Change oil and oil filter
 Check transmission for leaks
 Check rear axle for leaks
 Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks
 Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Exam for leaks.
 Check power steering for leaks. Check fluid level, add if necessary.
 Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
 Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disk surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel-centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads.
 Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage and incorrect positioning.
 Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust if necessary.
 Check all tire pressures (include spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surface (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear, readjust wheel alignment if requested.

2. Engine Compartment

 Read out diagnostic system.
 Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level. Add coolant if required.
 Check level of brake/clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
 Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protections. Fill up and/or correct if required.
 Check air conditioner for operation.
 Reset service indicator.

3. Body/Electrical

 Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
 Perform battery load test.
 Check lighting system, i.e.: headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment/area lights.
 Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
 Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
 Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer and flasher switch.
 Check wipers and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
 Check condition and function of safety belts.
 Visually examine the SRS airbag units (Driver and front passenger) for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.
 Check central locking/double lock.
 Replace batteries for alarm remote controls in all master keys.
 Oil hood, trunk and door hinges. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
 Replace microfilter. (Note: Reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions).
 Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
 Check rear view mirrors.

4. Final Inspection

 Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission.

Inspection II

1. Undercarriage

 Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
 Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty. (Must be performed at least every two years).

2. Engine Compartment

 Replace spark plugs.
 Replace air cleaner element. (Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions).

3. At Every Second Inspection II

 Change oil in manual transmission while at normal operating temperature.
 Change oil in rear axle while at normal operating temperature.
 Check clutch disc for wear.

4. Brake Fluid Service (Replace brake fluid every 2 years (time interval begins from the vehicles production date)

5. Cooling System Service (Replace coolant every 3 years (time interval begins from the vehicles production date)

6. Oxygen Sensor Service (Replace Oxygen Sensor every 100,000 miles)

Anita · 8th February 2005, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by e39m5nut

Anita, you'll see under the section Body/Electrical that they are supposed to replace the batteries...

I found this info at http://www.euroteknik.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2101

p.s. I'm still trying to come up with an innovative new use for the ski sack.

BMW MAINTANENCE: INSPECTION II
Date:
Mileage:

Inspection I

? Replace batteries for alarm remote controls in all master keys.

MIke, I'm not trying to bust your hump over this or anything, but on page 7 of my 2002 M5 Service and Warranty Booklet, it says under Inspection I, ''Recharge batteries for remote controls in all master keys" and nothing about the remote for Inspection II. Maybe it's different for different model years and for M Coupes??? Thanks a lot, now I'll have to dig out my M Coupe booklet

I didn't see on that site where Inspection II called for remote control battery replacements. I should check with BMW NA by phone or on the Owner's Circle for the latest--I've gotta call them anyway for something else.

Thanks again for the follow-up!!

Anita

Okay I got out my '01 M Coupe warranty book since that post you quoted was from a Couper--same deal, Inspection I "Recharge..". Inspection II, nothing. Okay, I like a good mystery--I'll see what else I can find on this