[MSBe90]

purchased this '06 330i second hand and got a pretty decent deal on it.

only issue is that there is only one keyfob.
I've read that sometimes a fuse can go out and disable the system until a new one is put in its place?

i have to take the small key out and place in the door handle to lock and unlock my vehicle.
Contacted the local BMW dealer, and they quoted me i believe $247.xx for a new replacement/programming etc. etc.

this keyfob is i'm assuming an older style in that i cannot replace the battery.
I do have soldering skills, and I can "attempt" to purchase a rechargeable battery and solder a new one in its place?

anyone have any advice? or am i better off going to the dealer?

[neilvan]

IMO Id get a second key cut/programmed and then Id try replacing the battery yourself(just incase shit goes south) and you want 2 keys anyways

[freakystyly]

It sounds like you have 0 working fobs? Ya, definitely get at least one that works. Some people lose keys like no one's business, if you need that piece of mind go for it.

[Efthreeoh]

The key for non-comfort access system has a rechargable battery in it. If you keep the key in the key slot it will recharge the key battery. A new key is a bit pricey, but best to source from the dealer to avoid programming hassles.

[MSBe90]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

It sounds like you have 0 working fobs? Ya, definitely get at least one that works. Some people lose keys like no one's business, if you need that piece of mind go for it.

it's definitely aggravating.

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

The key for non-comfort access system has a rechargable battery in it. If you keep the key in the key slot it will recharge the key battery. A new key is a bit pricey, but best to source from the dealer to avoid programming hassles.

how long should it be left in? i drive the car every other day sometimes 1-3hours at a time throughout the entire day.

Originally Posted by neilvan

IMO Id get a second key cut/programmed and then Id try replacing the battery yourself(just incase shit goes south) and you want 2 keys anyways

its certainly for peace of mind. if i happen to accidentally lose this one, i'm screwed.


does anyone know if i can try a programming method or if there is a DIY solution to maybe try and see if the key will re-initialize?

[MadJoe]

That's a good price form the dealer, when I got a quote to replace a comfort access fob (which should be cheaper because no rechargeable battery) it was over $400.

[ctuna]

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510527

Contact: +1.985.492.0666 call/text or email GcodingBMW AT Gmail.COM
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GcodingBMW

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=903551

Read entry 13 and it's associated threads in the above link.
The mashman chronicles.

https://www.teacremotes.com/bmwgm5/

[Nando_e90]

I bought my 06 330i with only one key fob too. It's been two years and no problem so far.

[ctuna]

Thing is with only one working Fob when you loose you
are more or less at the mercy of the dealer or some
hack keymaker that doesn't know what he's doing.

[Persian Whisperjet]

FYI if the issue is you are not holding a charge due to advanced battery age, I just soldered both of mine and my wife's two (both cars are E90s) and it was not bad at all. Agree it makes sense to wait until after you get a second FOB tho.

[MSBe90]

Originally Posted by Persian Whisperjet

FYI if the issue is you are not holding a charge due to advanced battery age, I just soldered both of mine and my wife's two (both cars are E90s) and it was not bad at all. Agree it makes sense to wait until after you get a second FOB tho.

Yeah I don’t want to risk something going wrong and I don’t have access to the car

From the videos I’ve seen, it seems that little spiral battery contact is the only thing that gets soldered

[e90yyc]

Agree with post above that the price you were quoted is shockingly reasonable, assuming it’s fob and key blade including all programming. I would personally go for that, and then as others have said, attempt to resuscitate your original fob.

Even if your fob worked, having just one key is risky. If you ever lose it or god forbid lock it inside (hard to do but possible), you’re entirely at the mercy of the dealer. They can smell it too, so that ~$250 quote will probably become $500 if you walk in there having lost your key

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by MSBe90

it's definitely aggravating.


how long should it be left in? i drive the car every other day sometimes 1-3hours at a time throughout the entire day.

So interestingly, I've misplaced my regular key just after your Thread. Going to my back up key, which is rarely used. I try to use it occasionally to keep it charged. This week, I got the low key battery warning. I drive the car 4 hours a day at 2 ea. 2-hour stints at a time. I got low key battery warning at two times on Monday, but by last night when I parked, it did not throw a warning. This morning, after a 10-hour key rest, there was no warning, so I think the key is back to full charge. So just as a point of reference, 6 hours charged my key.

[MSBe90]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

So interestingly, I've misplaced my regular key just after your Thread. Going to my back up key, which is rarely used. I try to use it occasionally to keep it charged. This week, I got the low key battery warning. I drive the car 4 hours a day at 2 ea. 2-hour stints at a time. I got low key battery warning at two times on Monday, but by last night when I parked, it did not throw a warning. This morning, after a 10-hour key rest, there was no warning, so I think the key is back to full charge. So just as a point of reference, 6 hours charged my key.

do you have any info on what a "low key battery" warning light may look like?
i found a wireless charger at a store local to me for $20.

[Mantraxalos]

I've actually had good luck getting a backup FOB from eBay for about $120. I had to send in the original FOB with my CAS and the seller boy had a one day turnaround. I timed it with my trip to DAB and PRG and it was ready when I got back home. The only thing that needs to be done is have the metal key cut.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by MSBe90

do you have any info on what a "low key battery" warning light may look like?
i found a wireless charger at a store local to me for $20.

It looks like a AA battery with a key through it.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by Mantraxalos

I've actually had good luck getting a backup FOB from eBay for about $120. I had to send in the original FOB with my CAS and the seller boy had a one day turnaround. I timed it with my trip to DAB and PRG and it was ready when I got back home. The only thing that needs to be done is have the metal key cut.

I'm interested in getting more info on this. I'd be a little nervous about sending my only key fob to an ebay seller though.

Are there any other options to make the ebay keys work? I only have one key fob for my 07' 335i...and the dealer wants $320 to order a pre-programmed one in for me.

[Mantraxalos]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

I'm interested in getting more info on this. I'd be a little nervous about sending my only key fob to an ebay seller though.

Are there any other options to make the ebay keys work? I only have one key fob for my 07' 335i...and the dealer wants $320 to order a pre-programmed one in for me.

I was a little apprehensive at first, but I insured the package for a higher amount with USPS. It had tracking as well. It was just the CAS and the FOB that were shipped. I was able to keep the small metal key. There are a several sellers that offer the service. It was $110.00 and shipping was about $10. He pays for the return shipping. He had other positive feedback. I went with the cheapest seller.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by Mantraxalos

I was a little apprehensive at first, but I insured the package for a higher amount with USPS. It had tracking as well. It was just the CAS and the FOB that were shipped. I was able to keep the small metal key. There are a several sellers that offer the service. It was $110.00 and shipping was about $10. He pays for the return shipping. He had other positive feedback. I went with the cheapest seller.

What eBay seller did you use?

[Mantraxalos]

I messaged you.