2006 M-class Keyless Remote (self-charge)

[Pashdut]

This might sound like a stupid question to some of you, but recently a light came on in my car that says the battery in my keyless remote is almost dead...so I plugged it into the Key hole on the left side, and the sign went away...so I thought we might have the key charger feature just like BMW's have.....does this mean that the key is charging now? Is this feature available in our 06'-07' M35/45

I know some of you might say to look in the manual, but I did and couldn't find anything on it (but I admit I quickly browsed so I might of missed it IF it is true).

My car: 2006 M35 - Tech package


Modified by ttsupra26 at 1:32 AM 7/11/2007

[paigoomein]

as far as I know there's no auto-charge feature. the dock for the key fob is exactly there for that reason--when the batteries run out on the key fob itself.

[Pashdut]

2 questions:

Do I have to go to the dealer to replace the battery inside the fob or can I do it myself?

I HATE valet parking...anytime I can avoid it i would only because of the fob...a valet guy drove parked my car last time and left the AC on in ACC mode, and battery was dead when I came back....so do you guys think there a solution to fob's and valet parkers?

[ClutchKick]

its just a regular battery...

ill post step by step pix on how to do it tomorrow from the office...

[szh]

Do I have to go to the dealer to replace the battery inside the fob or can I do it myself?

You can do it yourself. The instructions are in the Owner's Manual.

Z

[cbwinters01]

On the 2006, the fob is rechargeable and you do insert it into the little plug on the left side of the console. I also have the 06 M and was told by the dealership to let it charge for 20 minutes or so every couple of weeks. I'm surprised that you have had the car this long and haven't had to re-charge...that definitely would be contrary to what the dealership told me.Anyways, good luck.-cw

[Pashdut]

On the 2006, the fob is rechargeable and you do insert it into the little plug on the left side of the console. I also have the 06 M and was told by the dealership to let it charge for 20 minutes or so every couple of weeks. I'm surprised that you have had the car this long and haven't had to re-charge...that definitely would be contrary to what the dealership told me.Anyways, good luck.-cw

Alright, what's going on here people? This guy says it charges, the others say no...so what is the real answer? Do i have to take it to the dealership to find out or does anyone know for sure? Because I plugged it into the dock on the left side for 20 minutes a few times but I still got the low battery indicator light at the next startup.

[cbwinters01]

I was told it charges. Best bet is to check with the dealer.-cw

[lawman12]

Alright, what's going on here people? This guy says it charges, the others say no...so what is the real answer? Do i have to take it to the dealership to find out or does anyone know for sure? Because I plugged it into the dock on the left side for 20 minutes a few times but I still got the low battery indicator light at the next startup.

My 2006 manual states specifically that it is not a rechageable battery/key fob. The manual, as stated above, also has instructions on how to change the battery and what type of battery to use. I have to assume that my 2006 manual is the same as others. (regarding the instructions, I would wrap the screwdriver with painters tape (or similar) instead of a cloth to avoid marks on the fob, the cloth would be just too thick)

The key fob dock is so you can start your car in the event your battery runs out. I find it interesting that the dealership instructed you to recharge the key fob as it is contrary to the manual.

[Pashdut]

My 2006 manual states specifically that it is not a rechageable battery/key fob. The manual, as stated above, also has instructions on how to change the battery and what type of battery to use. I have to assume that my 2006 manual is the same as others. (regarding the instructions, I would wrap the screwdriver with painters tape (or similar) instead of a cloth to avoid marks on the fob, the cloth would be just too thick)

The key fob dock is so you can start your car in the event your battery runs out. I find it interesting that the dealership instructed you to recharge the key fob as it is contrary to the manual.

That's because most sales rep's dont know ****. All they care about is selling the car. But I bet most of them don't know how to even use most of the features.

[ClutchKick]

The place you put the remote in the dash lets you start the car if the remote dies... It reads the program by putting the remote in the dash to the car... Basicly, its like putting a key in the ignition...

It does NOT however charge the remote... The batteries in the remotes are regular watch type batteries and do not recharge....

I will post how to change the battery in a moment... I've been burried today...

[Pashdut]

The place you put the remote in the dash lets you start the car if the remote dies... It reads the program by putting the remote in the dash to the car... Basicly, its like putting a key in the ignition...

It does NOT however charge the remote... The batteries in the remotes are regular watch type batteries and do not recharge....

I will post how to change the battery in a moment... I've been burried today...

Thanks alot Clutch! Looking forward to the pics/instructions

[ClutchKick]

Remove the key from the remote...



Take a small flatt head screw driver (I used a tire pressure gauge) and insert as shown and turn (do not force or you may scratch the remote)



The remote will pop open as shown...



At the top of the battery there is a opening to where you can put the same flat head under the battery and pop it out...



CR2025 is the battery type...
Modified by ClutchKick at 5:50 PM 7/11/2007

[Pashdut]

Clutch. Thanks!

[ClutchKick]

Clutch. Thanks!

any time!

Jason

[cbwinters01]

Thanks Jason!-cw

[SFERLISI]

I've had my M45 for almost a year, in and out 5-6 times a day and have never recharged or replaced battery.

[szh]

I've had my M45 for almost a year, in and out 5-6 times a day and have never recharged or replaced battery.

Almost four years for me now ...

*knocks on wood*

Z

[ClutchKick]

they SHOULD last a very long time... We do replace them every so often, but not that often on the smart remotes like that...

[Pashdut]

It's very odd, because BOTH of my keys have ran out of battery...and the second one is used maybe once every two days

[ClutchKick]

It's very odd, because BOTH of my keys have ran out of battery...and the second one is used maybe once every two days

Weird...

Well... for anyone that is local... I have the batties for a couple of dollars...

[Pashdut]

Weird...

Well... for anyone that is local... I have the batties for a couple of dollars...

You are 64.7 mi – about 1 hour 13 mins away from me...So I'll just buy it from eBay:)

[ClutchKick]

You are 64.7 mi – about 1 hour 13 mins away from me...So I'll just buy it from eBay:)

If you wanted to do that, I can just list one...

or email me...

[szh]

Note that the remote batteries are standard "coin style" batteries (CR2025 or equivalent from any number of manufacturers, as ClutchKick also mentioned) that you can get at just about any store that has batteries. Even many supermarkets!

I like the detailed pictures in the post in this thread, thanks, ClutchKick! These instructions - sans pictures - are also in the Owner's Manual for our cars (see page 8-29 for the 2006 M and page 8-19 for the 2003 M45 for example).

Z

[Dj_ciesta]

The reason that your battery mightbe going dead is beacause you leave it near an appliance. (PC,TV,radio,blender) any appliance that takes electricity because the remote is never "off" it is always sending signals. If something that is plugged in receives these the remote sends the siganl until it dies or is close to dying. (i have tons of free time so i read the manual) hope it helps.

D

[RoganR]

great post!

[wheelman322]

i

The reason that your battery mightbe going dead is beacause you leave it near an appliance. (PC,TV,radio,blender) any appliance that takes electricity because the remote is never "off" it is always sending signals. If something that is plugged in receives these the remote sends the siganl until it dies or is close to dying. (i have tons of free time so i read the manual) hope it helps.

D

Nice. I never heard that.