Key fob battery - non-CA

[adkNY]

Merry Christmas everybody. 2013 E70... Started getting a warning that battery needs recharging on key fob. This is the sealed type so the battery is not intended to be owner replaced. Has anyone had luck breaking the case open and replacing the battery? There's a YouTube video on how to do this but I don't want to mess it up and not be able to start the car. We only have one fob. Is there a part number or spec on the battery? Once the case is reassembled can it still be waterproof? I might have to dump $400 into a new one.

[Poppyboy]

The key recharges when inserted in the ignition.

[adkNY]

That's correct but even rechargeable batteries have a finite lifetime. I use the car/fob several times a week and a few days ago we drove several hours and the warning indicator is still active. The fobs remote functions still work but I don't know if the range has degraded. I never really tested that. But somehow the car thinks the fob battery is weak. Perhaps a signal strength thing or perhaps a seven year timer? Another possibility is the warning indicator had a glitch and needs to be reset with a scanner??? I have a foxwell scanner that has BMW software with most functions supported. my plan is to wait for the remote functions to stop working and then attempt to replace the battery. Hopefully I'll get some advice from someone that already dealt with this.

[Molez93]

Sorry if my memory isn't right given all the X5s I've owned, but I'm nearly certain it's an easy replacement with a common "watch" battery. 2031 or something similar. I just removed the physical key to be in a better position to separate the two halves.

[argento]

On my E70 Key: Remove the valet key (press tabs and lift) from the top of the key. Looking from the top you'll see a thin slot in the center of the key, opposite side of buttons (next to a tab sticking out. Insert flat blade screw driver and twist (the tab sticking out provides some counter force for the blade). Cover comes off and battery beneath. Good luck.

[adkNY]

@argento Wow, I don't quite see it. Everything looks sealed up and I would have to break the case apart. It doesn't appear this form supports pictures. But thanks for your advice.

[adkNY]

Here are some pics..... doesn't look easy to crack:

[Molez93]

^ Same as mine. I can’t say exactly how I split it open, but it will definitely work. Obviously, I’d use a seriously thin wedge like eyeglass screw drivers or similar.

Edit: After seeing argento’s pic below, I’m thinking I was able to change my battery because it’s a comfort access fob.

[argento]

Here is mine...sorry doesn't look like yours is accessed same. Hmmm

[zoom750]

You might have seen it already, but here is the youtube video showing how to open and replace the battery for an e60 non-comfort access key.

I assume that the e70 is the same type of remote. You will need to desolder and then solder in the replacement battery. You can also purchase a replacement key fob case, like this one...

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-S...260822&sr=8-11

It comes with a blank key, but you can just transfer your old key into the new fob.

This is the battery I ordered. It is a VL2020, as recommended in the video.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I understand that ordering a new key is expensive, but it seems to me having just one key is risky. But I don't think it would be $400 for a replacement. The cheapest place I found was BMW of Freehold (New Jersey). A new fob including tax was $260. Extra for a new physical key to be cut.

[adkNY]

@zoom750 wow thanks a lot. This is exactly what I was looking for. I called BMW of freehold and they quoted me $250. I think I'll buy one fob and then attempt to repair the low battery one.

Unfortunately freehold won't mail the key to me so I'll first try and put pressure on my local dealer to match that price or at least come close. That price was without the cut key.

[zoom750]

Glad to help. Reason that they need to do it in person is to confirm that you are the true owner.

[wheelman45]

works like a charm, easy to follow your instructions, Thanks wheelman45