[dlf750]

so, I know to check the battery in the car and replaced the battery in the fob. No go. The other key fob works fine, although it won't put the top down, only up, so that's weird. I'm sure I need a trip to the dealer but is there some way to get the car to recognize the other fob? right now I can use the buttons to open and lock the door and it has to be in the key slot to start the car. I did read where you supposedly get in the car, shut the door, put on the seatbelt, hold the lock/unlock button on the dash while pushing the start/stop button once, and keep holding lock/unlock button until you get the "gong" sound, then get out of the car, lock it for 2 minutes and then try the key. Big ol' NOPE! Any other tricks?

[Krynos]

Did it ever work?

Is it original or a replacement?

The CA system only allows for 2 keys to be programmed at one time. While I believe this can be a DIY, you're going to need someone with a lot of specific coding experience. Most times I hear of DIY failure rather than success with coding CA keys.

Best bet is to take it to the dealer.

[dlf750]

Thanks. I'm not sure if the second fob ever worked with CA. We just got the car a few weeks ago. I did get the smartop mod for the e93 and it does work with the second fob, but that's because you have to press buttons to make it function anyway. Great mod btw if you have a cabrio. And I do have an appt set up with the dealer and luckily I have a small 90 day warranty with the used car so it'll be covered according to the SA.

[Krynos]

Brace yourself that it's likely that one of the previous owners lost a CA key, then decided to get a cheaper 'regular key' - so to fix this you'll need a new key and the programming

Though, hopefully it is a CA key and they just need to delete the old one and program that one.

[dlf750]

my understanding is that a non-CA key doesn't have a battery compartment, mine does.

[dlf750]

so...just got a new warning "increased battery discharge" - could be the culprit...

[ctuna]

If the battery in the FOB is weak maybe but more likely the last
guy bought a spare fob and did not have it programmed for
CA on the car.

[dlf750]

that is very possible. well, off to the dealer !

[jnubmw]

i have the same issue with a second key I got from an Oregon dealer. I have no local dealer, but when I drove to Anchorage for some maintenance work I asked the dealer to program the key for CA. They said it should work but wouldn't program and that it was probably defective. The Oregon dealer said tuff luck as they only warrant it for a year....

[dlf750]

that sucks. my dealer said they would take care of it under the tiny 90 day warranty I have, but I don't have my appt until 9/13, so I guess we'll see...