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      02-22-2014, 06:21 PM   #1
cadman50
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keyfob battery warning

I'm getting a warning message every so often now about replacing my battery in the keyfob. it doesn't happen all the time but enough to make me want to replace it. It's only 2 years old. Has anyone else replaced theirs? I tried to get it out but the door seems to be stuck.
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      02-22-2014, 08:15 PM   #2
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Just changed mine last week. Takes a CR2450. Takes about 5 minutes to change even with my right hand in soft cast. I didn't notice any warning on dash; just that the car was not starting consistently until I tried the other key fab.

Edit-Don't be shy about prying the back off. Takes a little pressure. The battery is also a bit awkward to remove.

Last edited by Radioactive; 02-22-2014 at 08:59 PM..
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      02-22-2014, 08:27 PM   #3
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Got the warning after about 36 months. Replaced as noted above. Fixed.
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      02-22-2014, 11:56 PM   #4
cadman50
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ok thanks. I have my second keyfob with me so I'll use that one until I can get a new battery. I haven't noticed any issues starting or getting into the car but I am getting a warning message.
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      02-24-2014, 05:29 AM   #5
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Just tell the dealer and they will do it for free. I had mine changed when the comfort access did not always unlock the door without pushing the button. (By the way, changing the battery did not fix it.)
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      02-24-2014, 02:53 PM   #6
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Just got this warning today. called the stealership they said to book an appointment since the battery swap may require vehicle re-programming!?!?!? for a dead FOB battery? you gotta be kidding me.
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      02-24-2014, 05:16 PM   #7
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Just do it yourself. Very simple, instructions in your manual.
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      02-25-2014, 10:04 AM   #8
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yes, definitely no need to reporgram anything. It's a simple swap and you won't loose any settings or have to remarry fob to car.
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      02-26-2014, 11:53 AM   #9
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It happened to me couple months ago, I brought it back to the stealer. Since my X3 is still under warranty, free of charge. I do not recall they took my car back to the shop. The lady just took my key fob.
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      02-27-2014, 04:05 PM   #10
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been travelling so haven't been able to reply. I was able to pry the back cover off ok. took the battery out and cleaned it off. I think maybe it might be the contacts could have needed cleaning. the inside didn't look too clean. Put it back together and haven't seen the warning again. but now I know how to get at it. next time I see the warning I'll change it. Thanks.
btw, I have my spare keyfob with me in case.
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      03-02-2019, 02:46 PM   #11
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Yeah, this is a really easy fob to change. CR2450 battery. Pull out the valet key (press the button near the top of the fob to release). Then insert a flathead or the valet key in the hole where the valet was, and use that hole to pop off the back off the key fob. It takes a little pressure, but will pop off pretty easily.

I made a quick video of changing my own:



Also, for guides to every other x3 fob see: https://fobbattery.com/vehicles/bmw/x3/

Last edited by batterykid; 03-04-2019 at 05:32 PM.. Reason: add link to other models videos
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      03-03-2019, 09:32 AM   #12
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replacement is pretty straight forward, no need for dealer to do it if you're already out of the warranty, I'm done with warranty so I have been doing it myself for the last year, following instructions in the owners manual, the video above is also helpful.

replacement CR2450 are available on Amazon, multiple brands various prices, pick what you like.

definitely no reprogramming needed.
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      03-04-2019, 03:33 PM   #13
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And FYI...a dead battery in the remote fob does NOT affect its ability to START the vehicle. The battery in the remote fob is used to transmit the RF (radio frequency) for central locking and anti-theft alarm-siren system.

If the battery inside the remote fob's voltage starts dropping...it will start to not lock the car (usually first) but will unlock it. Then as the battery's voltage drops really low...it will stop locking & unlocking...but it will ALWAYS start the car.

That's because the EWS (immobilizing system) is self powered through induction and operated independently of the RF used to lock/unlock the car.

If the battery inside the remote fob when totally teets up...and won't electronically lock/unlock the car...just pull out the mechanical key to unlock the driver's door. Then get in and the car should still start. You can verify this by pulling the battery out...then make an attempt to start the car. See what happens.
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      03-05-2019, 10:15 AM   #14
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Indeed, dead simple. You can order spare batteries from Amazon.

Note though that off-brand batteries may not last as long .. original ones went for 3+ years and my random brand replacements made it to 2.. oh well.
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