Keyless Entry Not Working

[amgray789]

I have a 2000 540i. I have two keys for the car and neither one of them are able to unlock/lock the car remotely.

Can anyone give some suggestions on what to do next?

Thanks!

[LOS]

I know this is dumb but did you check the batteries?
Does the LED light comes on the transmitter when you press to unlock/lock?
Have you try resetting the transmitter?
Have you done any electrical work on your car recently?

LOS

[amgray789]

The transmitter is built into the key and it doesn't have an LED. Apparently the battery cannot be changed without changing the whole key. I don't think it's the battery though, I have two keys and neither one is works.

As for resetting the transmitter, I don't know how to do this.

Haven't had any electrical work done.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[LOS]

There has to be an LED light on that key. Can you take a quick picture of it? If it's the battery, it can be replaced... I'll send you the procedure for re-setting your key later today or tomorrow or you can stop at any BMW dealer and they'll do it for free!!! They don't charge for this service....

[LOS]

To reset your key...
1. enter vehicle and close the door
2. briefly (max 5 sec) turn the ignition key to position 1 in the steering lock,
then return it to position 0.
3.press and hold the "unlock door button" while rapidly pressing the "lock door button" 3 times in succession with a period of 10 seconds.
4. release the "unlock door button"
5. the central locking system activates and releases all lock mechanism
in rapid succession to indicate that the procedure has been successfully
being completed
6. if it fails to respond try again...
7. if you have another transmitter and wish to program it, wait at least one minute prior activating second transmitter.


Good lock.. ha ha (luck!)

LOS

[Dirty_Tool]

that is the instructions for "initializing the keys except 1 mistake..... to initialize a second key repeat steps 3-4 immediately after initializing key 1 and w/o cycling the key in the ign a second time. If niether key will initialize then it is common to blow the fuse for power to the receiver (in the rear view mirror) I forget the fuse # but its in the rear fuse box (right rear of trunk above battery behind trim panel) If you find a blown fuse then it is likely that a failed or failing actuator for the trunk or the gas door has caused the fuse to fail. Just replace it and reinitialze keys and if it continues to blow fuses then investigate.
Good Luck,
DT

[mrogers]

Ah, do you have the newer rechargeable keys? Does your key look like:

A: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=33723

or B: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=33723

If it's the second one, that explains why you can't change the battery, since they are recharged while they're in the ignition. I thought it had an LED though, I know the first type does. If you can't change the battery, then I would follow the reinitialization procedure and check out the fuses, both good suggestions.