In a Temporary State of...

[2naSalit]

I honestly don't know what to call it, I'm so pissed and I have yet to find a resolution to the thing I'm pissed about. I probably should get an attorney at this point but getting one to help you in Montana if you aren't a millionaire is really hard.

I own a 20 year old BMW that I purchased in 2018. I replaced a number of things on it and it's been a rather good car until this past summer when I started having problems with the keys not always working. They are supposed to recharge while in use with the car on. After weeks of trying to find out what was wrong, I finally was informed that it could be that I need a new set of keys because the batteries cannot be replaced in the fobs of this year for this model. A design flaw they have had 20 years to remedy.

So around early September the keys stopped working entirely, all I can do is lock/unlock the driver's door manually, that's it. Can't unlock the other doors, can't start the car.

So I made calls to the location of original sale looking for help. I was told I could order new keys for $350 and proof of ownership and that they had to be programmed yada yada. So I place the order, back in October. End of December I have not heard from anyone, not the dealership where I placed the order or anyone.

I called several times since mid October only to be ignored by the parts dept of the dealership, nobody else wants to hear about it, way over in Minnesota. Montana does not have any BMW businesses in the state. So I called the corporate offices back east and all they were interested in was putting pressure on the dealership.

WTF? This is my primary transportation and I have not been able to use it for months now which will result in costly maintenance once it is operable again.

So I contacted the dealership again this morning only to be told that I am on a waiting list of back order for keys for this one model (this was a design flaw for one year but they didn't fix the issue for cars already sold?) and I am #714 on the fucking list!!

713 other people are waiting for keys to their cars, too.

So I contacted the Consumer Protection Bureau and filed a complaint there.

But I still need my car, the Toyota is being restored and doesn't have headlights until next month when it goes back in the shop for at least a week and the driver's door hinge is messed up so I don't like to use it until it gets fixed nest month, but that''s beside the point.

My primary vehicle has been inoperable for several months due to a design flaw in the keys that also seems to have no remedy without ramming a pitchfork up BMW Corp's ass.

Suggestions anyone? I am ready to go ballistic, at least talk me down because I'm really reeaallly pissed.

[SheltieLover]

1. Contact Lehto's Law on You Tube

He is a Lemon Law attorney and sometimes when things get mentioned on his channel, it shakes things up.

Can you possibly get a refund and order it from somewhere else?

I'd be calling around to find out if this "backorder" is a real thing, or if they are bsing you.

[Bluethroughu]

38. Steve Lehto is awesome!

Better call Steve.

[SheltieLover]

62. He truly is!

[Attilatheblond]

2. As annoying as it may be, the reality is things wear out

[2naSalit]

4. The reality is...

Last edited Thu Dec 26, 2024, 08:04 PM - Edit history (1)

That the manufacturer should have reissued keys to current owners when they discovered the problem. Key fobs that you can't replace the batteries making the entire $55,000 vehicle a fucking lawn ornament?

Things wear out was a reality when they designed these things.

[appalachiablue]

37. Lawn Ornament..Tell!! We need battery replacement already on a 2yr old car, grrr, nuisance

[IbogaProject]

57. The reality is there should be an overide under the hood or somewhere

And make the car work with just a key. I have a Ford that does this occasionally, some kind of not asked for anti-theft profit source for Ford. Push button start should be a choice but a physical key should always work on the door, trunk and ignition. I will concede the passenger door lock, though I don't like that that is being omitted nowadays.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. why on god's green earth would you own a car

and there are no dealers to service it?

Go buy a nice used Civic, or Fit. They don't break, down, maintenance is inexpensive, and you won't go months with an undriveable vehicle.

[LuckyCharms]

6. We do not know the OP's situation, and the fact is that the OP

is trying to get their problem resolved and may want to keep this vehicle.

[JMCKUSICK]

48. Right,

Surely we can do better than make it worse.
Good luck...I'd be livid too!

[2naSalit]

10. With who's credit card?

I bought it because it was available at the price I could pay, cash, when there was not much else available. I really wanted something else but this was in my price range and doable at the time. I want to sell it but not having keys makes that a problem. Montana lacks a lot of goods and services, even with all the Toyota dealers around here, I would not be going to them for anything involving my Toyota and I don't.

The issue here is that only BMW can issue keys and they aren't all that concerned about it since I did contact them and they basically blew me off when I called. I had no idea the keys would just die and that I would have replace the whole key(s). Something I had to discover after the fact.

I mean, how fucking ignorant is it to make battery powered keys in which you cannot replace the fucking battery? Apparently that's just too much to ask.

[Bluethroughu]

36. Do you have one of the keys with you...sometimes if you

Put in near the bottom of the steering column or push the button with the fob, it will start the car...

You could ask a mechanic to put a key ignition in? Don't have an idea of cost though.

[Bristlecone]

55. It's an actual key with a proximity transponder inside.

It’s not like the fob you describe which works w a push button start. I think…..

[Bluethroughu]

63. I had a newer than yours, the dealership told me to do that.

On the side of the steering column, there was a few little marks, and you could hold it to that or push the button with the fob. I had to push the button with the fob, and it worked on the 2015 BMW and my 2021 jeep both, had the problem.

[getagrip_already]

5. Sorry to say.... you may have to explore after maket fobs

Go to a locksmith that works with car fobs, or check the internet. Even ace hardware will program new ones for certain makes and models.

But for a 20 year old car, even a bmw, you arent going to get any attention from a dealer or corporate. They just wont care.

And forget an attorney. BMW is under no conceivable law to provide any spare parts or service for that car. Anything they provide will be best effort only. No court is going to force them to repair, replace, or even provide spares.

The real problem wont be getting a new fob, it will be integrating it with the security system on the car. That will likely need a special set of software and cabling.

Good luck.

[Phoenix61]

7. Try your local lock smith. My local one got a friend a smart key for his car

And it was much cheaper than the dealer.

[bucolic_frolic]

8. Learn how to jump start the car like a car thief

I replaced a solenoid once. Seem to recall if you cross terminals on the solenoid and starter with a screwdriver, it will crank and start. Solenoid is the switch beside the starter motor, they are pretty integral.

Could a mechanic wire another brand of key ignition on the steering column? Don't know how much electronics on a 20 year old BMW.

[2naSalit]

12. Not doable.

Shit, the entire engine compartment is under a cowl, the battery posts for jump starts are posts placed outside the cowl. I don't know how to take it off. My mechanic won't touch the ignition and all the BMW servicers in the next county over want $175/hour just to look at it. And I can imagine the mark up if they ordered the keys.

The $350 is beyond my budget. We only have one locksmith in the county and I would 't ask him to do it. If the mechanic shops won't touch it... they all told me I had to go through BMW.

I have been trying to resolve this for months.

[dweller]

9. Does the key enter

The steering column or the dash to start the car ?
ie does it unlock the steering wheel with a turn of the key ?
🤔



✌🏻

[2naSalit]

15. Key goes into...

The steering column but turning it does nothing, can't open close windows or even unlock the other doors, nothing. It has a newer battery and I have had it serviced regularly like a good BMW owner yet I have this ugly-demon-nightmare-problem-from-hell.

[dweller]

19. But the key does turn ?

It unlocks the steering column ?
Just no power to anything ?
Is it an 04 325 ?
Have you tried reinitializing the key ?
Try this

1.) Doors have to be closed and windows up.
2.) Push and hold the un-lock button. Keep holding this the entire time.
3.) Stick the key in the ignition and turn it to pos 1.
4.) Turn the key back and pull it out of the ignition.
5.) Now press the lock button 3 times and release the unlock button,
6.) Your locks should cycle and they key is now reinitialized.

Found on a bimmer forum about 04 325 key problems

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1504546-2004-325i-Key-problem


✌🏻

[2naSalit]

25. Nothing happens...

I would be okay if any of the locks worked in any way but the car won't even consider starting. If it was fuses, I think my mechanic already checked that. I do no maintenance on this vehicle myself, I am not capable of that anymore. I have a good relationship with my mechanic, he's the only one who has worked on this car since I bought it in '18 and he sold it to the guy I bought it from.

As a pro driver for many years, I am picky about my mechanic and the mechanics of my vehicles. I only practice acrobatics on the track thank you very much and not in my personal vehicles.

So I have been researching and trying to find solutions that aren't some kind of Mickey Mouse attempt involving pulling things apart and "trying this" and usually ending up using duct tape for something. Not happening, I want to sell this thing this coming year. Which is why it's crucial to have functioning keys.

[2naSalit]

30. It's...

A 2004 x3i, 2.5 (4cyl supercharged).

The key turns and the lights go on on the dash.

I'll wait to see what BMW has to say. Meanwhile, I can only go to the grocery stores in town during daylight hours and hope I don't screw up the latch on the door of the 4runner because the hinge got messed up by a body shop who was supposed to replace all the door and window rubber but had the wrong part that didn't fit. When I went to pick up the car the door hinge was fucked up and the asshole offered to fix it for $500. So I took it to a different shop to get the rest of the body work done but they didn't have any openings until the end of January.

See how that works? I'm feeling a little like a chuck of dry ice in a bucket of water right about now. I have had to rearrange many plans due to lack of transportation, remember, this is Montana. If you're on foot, you're screwn.

[2naSalit]

26. No.

[2naSalit]

13. Anything more is...

More costly than this, I'm pretty sure. And any major alterations would sour any future sale, I wasn't planning on keeping this forever. I even had a buyer, had.

I'm thinking I might need to sue BMW for compensation as well as reimbursement of the $350.

I will attempt to contact BMW Germany , though. Thanks for the idea.

[2naSalit]

21. Plus...

Charging them a specific amount for each day that I cannot use my car since nobody offered to rent one for me and I don't have the cash nor a credit card for that. I'm a retired, disabled old woman on SS, my funds are usually spent before all the bills are paid.

[2naSalit]

27. I guess you have to ask about that...

I put it on the undrivable plan and told them why, they offered no other options.

I was hoping to sell this car to pay for finishing the restoration on the other. I am hoping to move far away and I don't want to have two cars to move. This has fucked up my plans royally.

Silly me, I made plans. I should know better after all these decades. Once I make a plan, I can be pretty sure it will explode in my face in the most unpleasant ways.

[2naSalit]

31. Thanks...

I don't mean to sound wenchy, I'm just so fucking tired of this shit and I don't have my primary car after months of trying to deal with this.

[SheltieLover]

14. Excellent ideas, Chin!

[SheltieLover]

28. Same to you.

[2naSalit]

20. I just spent the last...

Half hour filling out a complaint at BMW Germany. We'll see how long it takes for them to respond.

[dweller]

22. I edited my 2nd post above

Check it out


✌🏻

[2naSalit]

33. It's an x3i...

Not the model you suggest.

[dweller]

35. All you said at first was it was 20 yrs old

So I did a search for 2004 bmw key problems , and that came up about reinitializing the fob . (On the 325i)
But since you said dash lights come on that says more about the issue .
You also said battery in key fob could not be replaced , that’s an issue with 04 325i also .

I’ll look about a bit more on your yr/model


✌🏻

[2naSalit]

43. Thanks...

But I suspect you'll end up finding that I will have to go through the manufacturer as they have to program them and all that crap. I have been looking for alternatives before deciding to go with the dealer.

I've been working on this since 9:30 this morning and didn't even eat breakfast until 2pm between phone calls.

I need a break and a big bowl of green smoldering stuff.

[DENVERPOPS]

58. Everyone should know

that after ten years the Manufacturer doesn't have to stock the parts any longer for your auto, snowblower, etc.....

So don't expect this car manufacturer to be of any help.................

[dchill]

32. This link seems to have a lot of good info:

carolinasbmwmoa.org/is-bmw-key-fob-rechargeable/#How_do_you_start_a_2011_BMW_with_a_dead_key_fob

(Sorry if this doesn't apply or help.)

[2naSalit]

73. Thanks...

There seems to be a process that I can try to reprogram the key but I have to wait out a few days of crappy weather, mostly a nasty wind chill, and have my pal come up to recharge the car battery, been sitting since Sept. but it's a new battery, and then I can try this other stuff, which I hope works.

Thanks for taking the time to offer some help!

[JustAnotherGen]

34. No advice

But love that you drive cars to death.

Prior to my 2017 beetle turbo - I had an 11 year old Altima that I gave to my brother to haul his kids around in to practices and such. It died at 260K on the dot.

My husband had to junk his truck last spring - 2001 Yukon.

We buy new and drive to death here.

[2naSalit]

41. I can only afford...

To buy somewhat used then drive to death even if I had to put work into it initially. My other is a '92 4Runner, the paint is still shiny, no rust and structurally sound. I lived in that thing twice, once for a few weeks the other for ten months. I'll be buried in that thing when I die.

It's the easy choice for a keeper, it's not expensive to fix and uses cheap gas and everything still works on it. Still have all the knobs and everything, upholstery is good, no tears or stains.

The BMW was an interim car so I could put the 4runner in the shop for extended periods. In the past couple years I have taken care of replacing everything nuder the hood that needs it, just a few small body issues and we're stylin'. Had to save my pennies for all that but I'm near the light at the end of the sewer pipe and I was ready to sell the BMW until this key thing happened.

Drive it to death or pass it on to my heirs indeed!

[erronis]

77. My best car was a 1992 4Runner (SR5). 380,000 miles before the crankshaft broke.

I rode it hard and flipped it twice. Got my kids to school for 10 years and drove up and down the east coast too many times.

I can't imagine buying a BMW or Mercedes / Lexus / etc. that have so many special requirements (and few exchangeable parts.)

Good luck into the New Year!

[2naSalit]

78. Yeah...

I think I can squeeze at least another 150K out of it if I'm nice to it. By then I'll be too old to climb into it let alone drive it. SR5. I love it.

I bought the BMW because it was in my price range, didn't need a lot of work at the time and I had to put the 4runner into the shop or storage, didn't want to kill it and it needed too much work. Now that it's done, almost and the BMW is becoming a pain, time to sell it off.

I lived up on the plateau outside YNP for 12 winters with it and it never gave bad trouble. I had to replace timing belt and such but it has always been worth fixing. One of the best car/trucks ever made.

Have a happy new year!

[LeftInTX]

39. Going to the media is an option, but I don't know if it would get much traction in Montana, but

if any outlet picks it up, it kinda gets sent around the country since most stations have internet news sites these days.

[2naSalit]

47. It's a thought...

That is not beyond me to try. I will have to look at who would be my best bet.

[OAITW r.2.0]

40. Hi TS....here's an idea. See if there is a market for supplying FOBs for your particular. mod year, engine size, etc.

Might be a market already selling bootleg devices. Send them your fob, they replicate the ROM on a new device with, hopefully, a replaceable battery.

[2naSalit]

44. Hmm...

That's a thought. I'll look into it tomorrow, I've been fucking around with this ordeal since breakfast today and I'm out of fucks at the moment.

[OAITW r.2.0]

59. I know that feeling!

[2naSalit]

60. ...

[Littlered]

42. I have found Facebook groups to be a wonderful resource.

There are a lot of bmw groups. There are also some good online forums as well.

[2naSalit]

45. Thanks...

FB and all those social media places are not my thing, but thanks.

I'll look at some BMW web groups though.

[Littlered]

50. You are very welcome.

Here are a couple forums to get you started.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/

https://www.bimmerforums.com/

[AverageOldGuy]

46. Google:

replacement BMW fob

[Wicked Blue]

49. I got a new fob for my Toyota

at an Ace Hardware for less than the dealer price. Programmed and all.

[2naSalit]

51. Where was that?

I question whether any of the hardware stores here do that, but I'll check.

[Wicked Blue]

52. Bethesda, MD. But apparently there are other Ace stores

that do car keys. Look online.

[dweller]

53. Not seeing x3i, but x3

Key fob programming diy here
https://www.programyourremote.com/classified/x3-browse-466.aspx


✌🏻

[2naSalit]

56. Okay...

I noticed they don't specify on the BMW sites either. I'll look at it, thanks!

[2naSalit]

72. I was looking at the site today...

The info is the same reprogramming others have offered, I was just too pissed to look at it until now. (Really, this is pretty mellow for me, other time all I can think of are awful choices until I calm down.)

So I tried it but the battery needs to be recharged as it's been sitting for so long. And the weather is an issue for the next few days so I have to wait that out then get my trusty pal up here with his charger and then we can try this reprogramming process. If that doesn't work, I'll ship the original off to that guy in LA whole repairs them.

Thanks for your help and patience!

[Marthe48]

54. Some things

Are the front wheels on the car turned at all to either side? We had a car that wouldn't start and almost called AAA for a tow. This was years ago and I don't remember what kind of car. My husband turned the steering wheel, hard to do with no power, but as soon as he got the wheels straight, the key worked. I know the same thing happened to someone else and our experience solved their problem.

We had a 2008 Prius with a key fob. The battery in one of the fobs died and there was no way to open the fob. A new fob was going to cost 350.00 and also would have to be programmed. My husband got a razor and made a slit in the soft rubber around the buttons on the front of the fob. He was able to get into the fob and put a new bettery in. He either found a video on You Tube or our mechanic did program it for free.

Last year, I was still driving the Prius. The protective cover on the fob buttons was gone, nothing but a tiny push button left. I was able to get a universal fob on eBay and transferred the guts of my old fob to the new one. It worked and I didn't have to get it programmed. I don't know if you could get a new fob and transfer the memory board and so on to a new case, with new batteries.

There might be some BMW chats or boards online that might cover your situation. There could be aftermarket solutions mentioned. After my husband passed away, I joined a Prius board and it was really helpful. I also post in the Automotive forum on DU and the people who read that one have been very helpful.

Your situation really sucks. I saw someone post that bmw isn't going to care about cars as old as your car is. More of the throw away mentality.

[electric_blue68]

61. Don't know just about anything like this, but want to wish you good luck, hopefully finally a speedier, and less...

expensive solution!

[Rincewind]

64. Contact a locksmith.

4 1/2 years ago, I bought a mini van (used) that only had one key fob. I contacted a locksmith and bought two, that they programed for me, for just a little more than the dealership wanted for one fob.

[Niagara]

65. What a nightmare, 2naSalit

I certainly hope that your temporary state of frustration is short lived and that there is an affordable and simple solution available.

[2naSalit]

66. Thanks...

My frustration is months in the making, I just finally got to the point where I've had it yesterday.

Fortunately, DU often has good ideas after I have run out of them, thus this OP. Never fails, there are always good ideas offered, like several above, whenever I ask for them!

That's why I am soooo thankful for DU.

I'll wait out the holiday, I guess, and see what I can make happen then. I am still pissed at BMW.

[justaprogressive]

67. Are you sure

power is getting to the starter?

You have F.I. yes? Do you hear the fuel pump prime, and/or the solenoid wind?

A possibility is that the ignition switch itself has worn out... HTH

[2naSalit]

68. It's not the ignition switch.

Thanks, though.

All ideas welcome even if they have already been checked out.

[justaprogressive]

69. Your car has two vital

underbody ground straps. Many people online have referred to these exposed connections as being a

major culprit in starting issues.

So, do you hear EITHER the pump prime or the solenoid wind?

I submit that the ECU recognizes the key handshake or the the dash lights wouldn't come on!

This makes me think it is NOT the key at the root of the problem.

...Fixed my own cars for 50 years.

[2naSalit]

71. It did...

The first couple times it wouldn't start but after another turn of the key it does nothing. I quit messing with it as I don't have a battery charger on hand and it is obviously not going to respond.

It's been sitting since September. Chances are that I need to charge the battery, which is not more than two years old. That means getting my pal up here with a charger as the way it's parked, no other vehicle can get close enough for cables to reach.

Nothing about this is simple.

I'll be looking for these other little things to check out regarding other sources of keys and weird magic switches in hidden places mentioned in responses from last night too. I'm just so burned out on this problem, if there was a cliff nearby and I could push 4200lbs, I'd have rolled it over the edge by now.

[2naSalit]

74. Sorry to take so long...

Getting back to you.

I have followed up on some of the suggestions here and at the other thread I started in Auto enthusiasts page yesterday.

It seemed that the more I tried, at turning the key, less would happen. When the problem first became a problem, everything was acting like it was going to start but it wouldn't turn over. The next turn of the key, all the lights came on and one strike of the starter drive and then nothing. Third turn of the key and every one since... nothing.

I had just had it in for unrelated repairs and maint. about a week prior. ( I think they replaced the starter.) I thought it was, it wasn't starting and I had it towed to the shop, a local who works on all foreign cars and has been my mechanic for this car exclusively since I bought it and he worked on it for the previous owner. We have a fair percentage of hioty-toits in our small community and they have their cars worked on by the same guy.

They don't mess with electronics unless it's a complete - like plug in type - replacement module or something.

What I learned in this time is that it's possible to reprogram the fob IFF there are no other issues inside the fob. Otherwise you need a replacement or someone who can repair the original. Turns out a fellow DUer offered up a web site that was helpful.

At that web site, the guy repairs electronic and keys for BMWs, many years and models. Mine has a GM5 electronics module and it seems to be the guy's specialty. I spoke with him today and if this reprogram thing doesn't do the trick, he can repair it for a whopping $70, which is totally within my budget.

So that's the action plan, wait out this crappy weather for a couple days, charge up the car battery and try the reprogramming thing. If that doesn't do it then send the key to the fixit guy in LA and have a repaired key within two weeks.

(I was a professional driver for a good 20 years overall, from limos to semis and some heavy equipment... I have a clue about mechanics. My pals likes to buy antique cars and trucks, he takes me with him to assess the vehicle and he only buys it with my approval. I'm also a little savvy with computers and electronics but I don't work on them! ...)

Thanks for your time and brainpower! Have a happy new year!

[dweller]

75. That activity with the starter

sounds like a starter problem , or solenoid , and you said you thought they replaced the starter ?
🤔




✌🏻

[2naSalit]

76. Everything was fine...

After the last shop visit for a good week and then this happened. There have been times, in past few years, that it just wouldn't do anything when I turned the key then after a couple hours everything was fine. There were times when the door lack wouldn't work and I found, in some cases, it was because of a security system nearby that seemed to disable that feature while I was in the vicinity. Once I got away from the wave type security system over a parking area, everything was fine.

It was earlier this year when the door locks worked less reliably and eventually this nonstart thing and the door locks are not functioning except manually. So I whittled it down to the key or the module but I'm going with the key first. It has to be electronic and, after browsing that fixit guy's site, it is not uncommon for stuff to go awry inside the electronics of the key and the modules, though the gm5 only makes the door locks work, he said. So if the locks were still working, as they were, until this start thing happened, I'm going with the key thing.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get back on it in a few days.

[hunter]

70. Our local car dealers are worthless for problems like that.

They just want to sell you a new car. I'm not going to buy a new car just because I lost or damaged an electronic key.

Now I've got a locksmith who has, so far, made three of these stupid electronic keys for us.

In the first two cases I went to the dealers first, who either quoted me outrageous prices or told me to come back later because the keys were back-ordered. Having learned my lesson I went straight to the locksmith the third time.