Comfort access randomly not working?

[dmack92]

Hi all. Sorry if this is a simple error I am overlooking, but everything worked fine 2 days ago. Left the car at my parents for a few days while I was away and left them with the spare key.

Got back into my car yesterday and comfort access no longer works on any doors.

I can still start the car with my key in my pocket, but no lock unlock feature.

Changed the batteries in both remotes as well and it didnt change anything.

Let me know if you have a solution to this!

Thanks!

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by dmack92

Hi all. Sorry if this is a simple error I am overlooking, but everything worked fine 2 days ago. Left the car at my parents for a few days while I was away and left them with the spare key.

Got back into my car yesterday and comfort access no longer works on any doors.

I can still start the car with my key in my pocket, but no lock unlock feature.

Changed the batteries in both remotes as well and it didnt change anything.

Let me know if you have a solution to this!

Thanks!

Are you getting low battery warnings? This usually happens when the battery system is low and shuts it down to preserve power. One of the first things that's shut down...

[dmack92]

Originally Posted by 9vapors

Are you getting low battery warnings? This usually happens when the battery system is low and shuts it down to preserve power. One of the first things that's shut down...

I tried this, even put the battery on the charger overnight and still nothing... I took the car to an alignment shop they had it for a day got it back the end of the day and it was no longer not working.

I figured maybe they let the battery get down or something but im at a loss.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Mine does the same thing and Like 9 said, safe bet it's your car battery. Mine is really weak and when it's parked for an hour or so the comfort access stops working. The computer sees the low voltage and shuts it down. If I have the car hooked up to a battery tender, the comfort access never stops working, even after sitting for a day. Get your car battery tested

[dmack92]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

Mine does the same thing and Like 9 said, safe bet it's your car battery. Mine is really weak and when it's parked for an hour or so the comfort access stops working. The computer sees the low voltage and shuts it down. If I have the car hooked up to a battery tender, the comfort access never stops working, even after sitting for a day. Get your car battery tested

Thanks for the tip. Ill look into it. Frustrating cause I just put a new one in 5 months ago and its already smoked?

Ill get it checked out.

Before I replaced the battery, I would get the low voltage warning and comfort access still worked.

[9vapors]

There's some nonsense I read about our batteries that they're only charging off the alternator when the car is coasting. So you can charge a tired battery bad it will get eaten alive by the BMW systems.

[Doctor///M]

Just replaced the battery on my 2013 last week. All problems solved.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by Doctor///M

Just replaced the battery on my 2013 last week. All problems solved.

What battery did ya get? I'm about to replace mine, it's taking a dump and the last thing I need is shutting down the electric fan early when I park it in this AZ heat that is about to hit

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

What battery did ya get? I'm about to replace mine, it's taking a dump and the last thing I need is shutting down the electric fan early when I park it in this AZ heat that is about to hit

I ended up going with the OEM AGM battery from my dealer. I've read too many issues with having a third party coding the battery unless you have access to reputable Indy shop. $400 installed.

[Huz-Z]

I had an issue with mine where the access system stopped working. Turns out, the access system in one of the door handles failed and as the overall access system needs all four handles working to operate properly, it shut down entirely. Dealer installed a new door handle under warranty, and that fixed the issue on my X5.

[dmack92]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

I had an issue with mine where the access system stopped working. Turns out, the access system in one of the door handles failed and as the overall access system needs all four handles working to operate properly, it shut down entirely. Dealer installed a new door handle under warranty, and that fixed the issue on my X5.

Hoping this is the case for me as well. I had front passenger fail a year ago and the others worked fine. Have a new handle on order and hoping it resolves the issue.

Once you get used to the convenience of comfort access its frustrating when it doesn't work lol.

[sunny_j]

Originally Posted by dmack92

Hoping this is the case for me as well. I had front passenger fail a year ago and the others worked fine. Have a new handle on order and hoping it resolves the issue.

Once you get used to the convenience of comfort access its frustrating when it doesn't work lol.

what did the handle cost? I have 2 dead ones on the drivers side

[dmack92]

Originally Posted by sunny_j

what did the handle cost? I have 2 dead ones on the drivers side

Honestly I couldnt tell ya just yet. My warranty is covering it and it hasnt come in yet. Ill update when the handle comes in.

Went through a local indy shop.

[minnmarker]

Originally Posted by sunny_j

what did the handle cost? I have 2 dead ones on the drivers side

About $250 each from BMW of South Atlanta. Make sure you give them your VIN and the handles will come pre painted the right color. The web site (and others) appears to say they are only primed, so I now have a can of non-returnable paint laying around! Make sure the part numbers you use are for comfort access handles.
I just replaced both drivers side handles (the ones I used the most) and the comfort access works perfectly and I no longer get the "battery drain" message. Not sure how they are related but that's what happened.

Pricey handles but now everything works. There is a video on You Tube on how to replace. Pretty simple. Just make sure you don't drop the Allen head bolt down into the door. I used a bit of sticky goo to make sure the Allen wrench stayed in the bolt hole.

[johnshan@iinet.net.au]

I think I may have the same problem.. good to get some advice

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

I had an issue with mine where the access system stopped working. Turns out, the access system in one of the door handles failed and as the overall access system needs all four handles working to operate properly, it shut down entirely. Dealer installed a new door handle under warranty, and that fixed the issue on my X5.

Had the same issue on my previous 35d but one step further. Once the vehicle was in for service, the tech short circuited the door handle melting it. Luckily it was all covered on their own dime.