[AP]

wireless charging? I know thats technically possible now but I've not seen anything in the manual either for that.

[Estimated Prophet]

Originally Posted by Screamin

I've quickly reviewed this in the owner's manual and didn't see anything specific.

It is on page 31 of the 2012 manual.

[Gilgorm]

Originally Posted by Screamin

I was just at the dealer and this came up. Sales Rep said just hold it close the steering column and it will charge. I've quickly reviewed this in the owner's manual and didn't see anything specific.

Your sales rep needs to familiarize himself with what he is selling. Any Comfort Access car uses non-rechargeable batteries.
Based on his assumption, you should invite him over to your house so he can sit in your car foolishly holding the key for an hour or two or more while your batteries recharge or perhaps he would suggest duct tape next time.

The keyfob can be "detected" but not charged if held to the steering column.

[OzDriver]

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

... you should invite him over to your house so he can sit in your car foolishly holding the key for an hour or two or more while your batteries recharge or perhaps he would suggest duct tape next time.

[charmin]

It is really so simple....

If you have Comfort Opening i.e. you don't need to insert your fob anywhere... but just have it in the car, then the fob has a REPLACABLE battery, a button cell that fits in the fob and lasts about 2 to 3 years, often they will replace the battery free of charge at many BMW dealers.... this battery does not recharge no matter where you put it.....! if the battery is almost flat then on some cars, putting it next to the steering column may help the low signal from the fob start the car, the receiver is located around there.

If you do not have Comfort Opening then you will have a rechargeable battery fitted in the key fob, this charges when you are driving, and only when you are driving and only when it is inserted in the fob slot...... the rechargeable battery should last many, many years and cannot be changed (easily), a new fob or forcing it apart and following a fix off U tube or somewhere is necessary, not easy.

If you have an old rechargeable fob that hasn't been used (charged) for some time you will see a charge symbol appear on the dash, it needs putting in the slot and drive the car for at least 30 mins to an hour to charge it up.

If you have a fob (battery type) with a flat battery the symbol will also appear on the dash, just fit a new battery... £3 ish

You cant recharge this type of fob.

Rechargeable fobs simply do not have a any access to inside the fob, whereas replaceable battery ones have a flap you lift up with a small screwdriver...

Hope this helps..

[RSBro]

Make sure and take your FOB out of the car. When I first got mine, I left it in the little seat by the cupholders. Apparently, the signal from the FOB will still transmit to your car even when off, running the battery down.
Now I take it out and the FOB has lasted much longer. This is what I've read and worked for me, anyway...

[M5Beast_NYC]

Originally Posted by ImSW1

Yes. Only option is a new battery.

Sean

+1.

When i bought my car i had the remote battery warning. The dealer replaced the batteries on both my remotes. No recharging feature as previously metnioned.

[BMW FOREVER]

For the F10, the comfort access option doesnt matter. Whether you have the option or not, there is no slot in the car to charge the battery

[Bery]

I am new to this forum and not sure I can start a new thread- my problem is related to this thread.
For my 2010 520D ( 27k miles) both remotes open the doors of the car OK but when I press the start button the car will not start and the message on the dash is that I should hold the remote by the steering wheel- this starts the engine. The batteries on both remotes are OK.
An independent BMW garage could not help- the diagnostic report showed all sorts of issues but none related to this issue, so could not help

Any ideas?