E60 Remote Key problems - BMW Forum

cbomba · 12-13-2010, 06:27 PM

We have a 2007 530xi that we keep in the garage. For the past month or so we've been having a problem with both keys. When my wife goes out in the morning to get in the car the key doesn't always unlock or lock the car. Sometimes hitting the button several times will eventually work and others she has to pull out the generic key and lock/unlock manually. When she manually unlocks the car she then loses all her radio presets as well as seat presets. We live in the northeast and it gets pretty cold. We also keep the keys hanging in the garage. So our first thought was that maybe it was too cold for the keys or the keys were losing charge very quickly. If anyone has any help I would greatly appreciate it.

Chris

JayArras · 12-13-2010, 09:59 PM

I recall reading elsewhere someone having the same issue. I'm guessing that perhaps the batteries (in the remotes) need replacing after 3 years of service?

BTW, I have same model and year as you, live in the Northeast, and keep my car in the garage!

Lumix · 01-29-2012, 08:53 AM

I have same problem with 2007 530 xdA E61 model. With the addition that menu languages change to German. Sometimes remote keys work fine, next moment neither of the keys work remotely. When remote use works, language is back in english and presets are ok. Problem seems to relate cold whether. The colder - the less likely remote operation works.

Jack Dabsy · 01-29-2012, 08:58 AM

Hmmm could be dampness(frost) at the modules causing them to default? Just a thought...
This happened to me some years back - I placed a bag of silicone (size of a pack of baking flour) behind the centre console, this seemed to draw condensation from the cab, dunno if this will work for you though !!

Lumix · 01-29-2012, 10:53 AM

Thank you Dabsy, your advice is worth checking. Today I replaced the battery, and I need to see first how things develop. After the replacement, I got some new errors ("increased battery discharge" and "4x4 and DTC fault"). The latter disappeared after a short drive. It's now -15C and getting colder...

Lumix · 02-19-2012, 02:42 AM

All my remote problems disappeared when the antenna amplifier was replaced. The old one had plenty of corrosion inside.

Jack Dabsy · 02-19-2012, 10:06 AM

Happy days