My BMW X3 fob has stopped working to open/lock doors but the engine starts. Fob batteries are fine. What should I do next?

10

Asked by Kokodachic Mar 12, 2017 at 07:32 PM about the 2012 BMW X3

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The Fob for my BMW X3 has stopped working however if I hold the fob to the
steering column the engine will start. This has started since I had my car
serviced.  The service centre say's it is the battery and that needs replacing,
however, I'd like to know why there is enough power in the battery to get the
car started but not enough for my fob to work. Over to you and thanks in
advance..

5 Answers

90

Place your car key on a wireless toothbrush charger overnight. The key can be charged with an inductive coil charger. I charged my key fob after it started acting funny now it works great! Cheaper then buying a new key for 230 bucks.

9 people found this helpful.
30

This just happened to me. Your fob needs a new battery. The generic ones do not last very long so I recommend Energizer or Duracell. They are sold at Walgreens. You can battery replacement on YouTube if you have never had to do this before. Your key can pop the plastic plate on the fob. -Elizabeth

3 people found this helpful.
30

Oh, btw - BMW does not want you stranded, so the fob will work for a little while longer so that you have time to change the battery.

50

Hey I have a 2014 X3 so I had to replace the physical battery. I put in a new CR2450 but I’m still getting the error message :( please help thanks!

5 people found this helpful.

I'm having the same issue now, the batteries came in 2 packs, so I replaced both, the "spare" doesn't work as a remote anymore, there was some corrosion on the circuit board, maybe the transmitter is damaged. Did you get yours tovwork?

Your Answer:

X3

Looking for a Used X3 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,029 nationwide X3 listings starting at $1,999.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    GuruS2Q1K
    Reputation
    830
  • #2
    barrelgoose
    Reputation
    540
  • #3
    GuruV914F
    Reputation
    300
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW X5
42 Great Deals out of 1,195 listings starting at $3,900
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,191 listings starting at $1,995
Used BMW X1
26 Great Deals out of 1,077 listings starting at $5,995
Used BMW 5 Series
22 Great Deals out of 323 listings starting at $4,500
Used Audi Q5
68 Great Deals out of 2,193 listings starting at $5,995
Used BMW X6
12 Great Deals out of 206 listings starting at $10,898
Used BMW M3
7 Great Deals out of 98 listings starting at $15,995
Used Lexus RX
33 Great Deals out of 894 listings starting at $4,200

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.