[jlr_1304]

i saw in the product ordering info that the remote is self charging? how does it work?

[Bimar]

good question

[Nahoa]

I don't think it is self charging. Or at least mine isn't. If I've understood correctly, none of us have a key slot regardless of whether or not we have Comfort Access. Below are the instructions from the manual for replacing the battery of my key. The section does not have an *, suggesting it should be the same for all models/countries.

Replacing the battery
1. Take the integrated key out of the remote control.
2. Push in the catch with the key, arrow 1.
3. Remove the cover of the battery compart‐
ment; see arrow 2.
4. Insert a battery of the same type with the positive side facing upwards.
5. Press the cover closed. Take the used battery to a recycling cen‐
ter or to your service center.

[jlr_1304]

here's the pdf page : vehicule protection section

[Nahoa]

That's from the BMW Canada page? Doesn't make sense to me. Mine's definitely not self-charging. Maybe y'all get something different up there.

[jlr_1304]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

That's from the BMW Canada page? Doesn't make sense to me. Mine's definitely not self-charging. Maybe y'all get something different up there.

yup, from canada.

doesnt make sense indeed as there is no electric contact between the remote and the car.

[rs6655]

It uses inductive charging http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging . Works the same on my 2009.

[Nahoa]

Really? Where is it when it's being inductively charged? You have an F25 remote you've inductively charged?

Shouldn't state something as fact that you don't know.

[raleedy]

It's just a mistake in the document. There's a replaceable battery.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by rs6655

It uses inductive charging http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging . Works the same on my 2009.

Only if you get the "Area 51" option, which recharges using the converted optical photons from the neutrino generated Cherenkov radiation.
The rest of the universe uses a Lithium disc battery that will eventually need replacement.

[AKBimmerguy]

On my 535i, there is a slot in the steering column that allows you to insert the key to charge it. It uses induction charging as well. The 2011 X5 also does the same, but you put the key in the cupholder, between two of the adjustment springs (my BMW folks showed me this) to charge it. On the X3, they (the local BMW folks) are still confused as to where to 'charge' the key as well, as neither the cupholder or the slot are the correct locations.

So... induction works on the BMWs...but you have to be in close proximity.

[rs6655]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Really? Where is it when it's being inductively charged? You have an F25 remote you've inductively charged?

Shouldn't state something as fact that you don't know.

Now, now..... no need to get nasty. That's how the key in my E83 and the fob in my (non CA) E90 was charged. If there is something new I would love to hear about it.

[rs6655]

According to the on-line manual you are correct. Yours have batteries in them.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by AKBimmerguy

....So... induction works on the BMWs...but you have to be in close proximity.

The X3 has NO key slot and NO induction charging - that's so 20th Century!

The X3 (F25) is not a X3 (E83)
The X3 (F25) is not an E90
The X3 (F25) is not a 535i
The X3 (F25) is not a rechargeable toothbrush. (At least not yet)

For the convenience of being able to keep the key in a pocket or purse, you must replace the battery every 4 or 5 years.

The X3 key has two independent systems to recognize the key:

The primary system uses a two-way radio link initiated by a key button press, and then acknowledged by the vehicle (back to the key). This is powered by a "primary" non-rechargeable disc battery

The second system uses a coded RFID passive radiator in the bottom of the key as an emergency back up. If the lithium disc battery in the key becomes discharged, and the key transmitter stops working, you can hold the key within a few millimeters of a small marked position on the right side of the steering column and then start the car (only). None of the other key remote functions will work if the replicable battery is dead; this is not an induction charging location. It's clearly stated in the owner's manual.

The X3's Remote Key Battery:
NO INDUCTION CHARGING
NO INDUCTION CHARGIN
NO INDUCTION CHARGI
NO INDUCTION CHARG
NO INDUCTION CHAR
NO INDUCTION CHA
NO INDUCTION CH
NO INDUCTION C
NO INDUCTION
NO INDUCTIO
NO INDUCTI
NO INDUCT
NO INDUC
NO INDU
NO IND
NO IN
NO I
NO START!

Quick Quiz:

1. How is the X3 Remote Key powered?

2. What system (who's initials are IC) is NOT used to power the X3 Remote Key?

3. Solve this equation 1 + 1 =

Hope the Quiz was not too difficult, however, we grade on a curve and it's expected that 22.5% of this class will receive a failing grade.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

The X3 has NO key slot and NO induction charging - that's so 20th Century!

The X3 (F25) is not a X3 (E83)
The X3 (F25) is not an E90
The X3 (F25) is not a 535i
The X3 (F25) is not a rechargeable toothbrush. (At least not yet)

For the convenience of being able to keep the key in a pocket or purse, you must replace the battery every 4 or 5 years.

The X3 key has two independent systems to recognize the key:

The primary system uses a two-way radio link initiated by a key button press, and then acknowledged by the vehicle (back to the key). This is powered by a "primary" non-rechargeable disc battery

The second system uses a coded RFID passive radiator in the bottom of the key as an emergency back up. If the lithium disc battery in the key becomes discharged, and the key transmitter stops working, you can hold the key within a few millimeters of a small marked position on the right side of the steering column and then start the car (only). None of the other key remote functions will work if the replicable battery is dead; this is not an induction charging location. It's clearly stated in the owner's manual.

The X3's Remote Key Battery:
NO INDUCTION CHARGING
NO INDUCTION CHARGIN
NO INDUCTION CHARGI
NO INDUCTION CHARG
NO INDUCTION CHAR
NO INDUCTION CHA
NO INDUCTION CH
NO INDUCTION C
NO INDUCTION
NO INDUCTIO
NO INDUCTI
NO INDUCT
NO INDUC
NO INDU
NO IND
NO IN
NO I
NO START!

Quick Quiz:

1. How is the X3 Remote Key powered?

2. What system (who's initials are IC) is NOT used to power the X3 Remote Key?

3. Solve this equation 1 + 1 =

Hope the Quiz was not too difficult, however, we grade on a curve and it's expected that 22.5% of this class will receive a failing grade.

[sfax]

My key is inductively charged in my right pocket by a transformer I keep in my left pocket. This system also keeps me warm in the winter

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by sfax

My key is inductively charged in my right pocket by a transformer I keep in my left pocket. This system also keeps me warm in the winter

it will take tiem getting used to to having the key in your pocket always

[superfans]

Wondering if you know which kind of battery does the remote key use? CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032?

[Alanintx]

Not sure if this is the same everywhere, but the remote battery is covered under the BMW Warranty and will be replaced at no charge by the dealer.

My 2008 BMW E93 remote was supposed to be self-charging if I used the key-slot. Since I had the CA option, the key was never in there.

One thing I do notice, though, is that my X3 remote (which is much larger than the E93 remote) has a MUCH longer range.

Perhaps they increased the frequency of the flux capacitor.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by superfans

Wondering if you know which kind of battery does the remote key use? CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032?

None of the above. The 2011 BMW X3 key fob uses a single CR2450 battery. New ones should measure over 3.2 V.
The official BMW part number is 61319217643.

Your friendly BMW dealership will happily sell you ONE for US$8.55 if your vehicle is out of warrantee.
OR you can purchase (5) Energerizer (same as BMW supplies) for $6.45 (US $ 1.29 each).
http://www.amazon.com/Lithium-Button...6887479&sr=8-1

If you can buy one for $1.29, what do you think BMW pays? I wonder if they mark up all their parts the same 660% ?

I recently priced a simple 75 mm exhaust pipe clamp for the X3 35i the clamp between the rear section of the main pipe and the muffler). It's a single wide stainless steel band clamp with two screws. BMW lists it at $146.50. A comparable one (without a BMW part number) on-line, is priced at less then $8.00.

The pipe clamp makes the $ 8.55 battery appear to be a real bargain!

[Nahoa]

Crap, I hope none of us ever has to replace a flux capacitor. Can't imagine what that would cost out of warranty . . .

[acey81]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

The X3 has NO key slot and NO induction charging - that's so 20th Century!

The X3 (F25) is not a X3 (E83)
The X3 (F25) is not an E90
The X3 (F25) is not a 535i
The X3 (F25) is not a rechargeable toothbrush. (At least not yet)

For the convenience of being able to keep the key in a pocket or purse, you must replace the battery every 4 or 5 years.

The X3 key has two independent systems to recognize the key:

The primary system uses a two-way radio link initiated by a key button press, and then acknowledged by the vehicle (back to the key). This is powered by a "primary" non-rechargeable disc battery

The second system uses a coded RFID passive radiator in the bottom of the key as an emergency back up. If the lithium disc battery in the key becomes discharged, and the key transmitter stops working, you can hold the key within a few millimeters of a small marked position on the right side of the steering column and then start the car (only). None of the other key remote functions will work if the replicable battery is dead; this is not an induction charging location. It's clearly stated in the owner's manual.

The X3's Remote Key Battery:
NO INDUCTION CHARGING
NO INDUCTION CHARGIN
NO INDUCTION CHARGI
NO INDUCTION CHARG
NO INDUCTION CHAR
NO INDUCTION CHA
NO INDUCTION CH
NO INDUCTION C
NO INDUCTION
NO INDUCTIO
NO INDUCTI
NO INDUCT
NO INDUC
NO INDU
NO IND
NO IN
NO I
NO START!

Quick Quiz:

1. How is the X3 Remote Key powered?

2. What system (who's initials are IC) is NOT used to power the X3 Remote Key?

3. Solve this equation 1 + 1 =

Hope the Quiz was not too difficult, however, we grade on a curve and it's expected that 22.5% of this class will receive a failing grade.

EPIC!