[Jegethy]

Hi folks,

I've been a reader here for a while but only just registered as I'm having trouble with my key fob and need some help.

My car is a 2011 F10.

I had an error on the dash telling me the battery was low, so I purchased a Duracell battery off Amazon and installed it only to find that I could no longer unlock my car.

I figured it was a dud battery, so swapped back to the old one which still had some juice and bought a Varta battery from a local store instead.

Same story. Can't unlock the car. I can use the physical key to unlock the car, but that triggers the alarm. I switched back to the old battery again and it worked.

Any idea what the issue is? Thanks.

[Qsilver7]

I had an error on the dash telling me the battery was low...

Which battery? To those of us not there to see the warning...this could be a warning that the car's battery is low or the car's REMOTE's battery. Do you have an image you can post (if you're not sure)...or does it specifically say REMOTE BATTERY? Could this be a warning from your car system's battery? (see pics below)

Any idea what the issue is? Thanks.

Based on the scenario you described...I'd say the issue it the battery that's being installed.

If the remote works anytime you install the old battery...but does not work when the new batteries are installed...I'd stay focused on the new batteries (still).

What name brand battery is the original? Can you find that brand in your area? Many of these threads (like yours) end with a specific battery brand being the solution.

Plus, make sure the battery is installed correctly (only writing this because I'm not there to actually see it...nor did you mention it).

[Jegethy]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Which battery? To those of us not there to see the warning...this could be a warning that the car's battery is low or the car's REMOTE's battery. Do you have an image you can post (if you're not sure)...or does it specifically say REMOTE BATTERY? Could this be a warning from your car system's battery? (see pics below)

Based on the scenario you described...I'd say the issue it the battery that's being installed.

If the remote works anytime you install the old battery...but does not work when the new batteries are installed...I'd stay focused on the new batteries (still).

What name brand battery is the original? Can you find that brand in your area? Many of these threads (like yours) end with a specific battery brand being the solution.

Plus, make sure the battery is installed correctly (only writing this because I'm not there to actually see it...nor did you mention it).

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The error said to replace the remote control battery.

The original battery doesn't appear to have a brand on it. The only text on it is:

Lithium Cell
CR2450
3V
SC

Both the Duracell and Varta batteries I tried are 3V CR2450 lithium batteries, hence my confusion. I've attached a photo of the battery just in case I've lost my mind and you can see something I can't.

[Qsilver7]

Thanks for the update. Just know that you are not alone...there are lots of threads on BMW forums about remote battery replacement having the same issue you're having.

Try another NAME brand (they tend to sell better so will probably have a fresher shelf life)..and if you have a 2nd remote...you might as well replace the battery in it, too...because if they are on their original batteries...both are the same age. And your car may be picking up the signal from the spare that the battery is low.

Also check to see if there is a clear protective sticker on the negative side of the battery. Manufacturers will sometimes put a bitter tasting sticker or protective sticker to prevent small children from swallowing them like candy. Also make sure the contacts are clean and adjusted properly when replacing the battery.

Good luck.

[7'er-addict]

I bought a set of watch batteries from Amazon and all of them died within a week, bought two from Walgreens and they work great. I mean, $18 for two batteries versus $6 for a 10 pack. You get what you pay for I suppose.

[Jegethy]

I'm at a bit of a loss with this one. I've now tried 6 different batteries. 4 well known brands and 2 no-name ones from Amazon, and none of them have worked.

I only have the one key, so it's not due to interference. I'm starting to wonder if it's an issue with the key fob itself.

[7'er-addict]

Does the car still start with the fob against the side of the steering column?

[SWFLf10]

That is very strange. I’ve replaced mine with energizer batteries from Amazon on both my key fobs on my 5 and 6 series with no issue.

[Jegethy]

Originally Posted by 7'er-addict

Does the car still start with the fob against the side of the steering column?

I haven't tried doing that with one of the new batteries installed because I can't open the door with the key fob, and opening the door with the physical key sets off the alarm.

The old battery has enough juice to unlock the car and start the car for now but I'm still getting the change battery warning on the dash.

I've now tried Varta, Duracell, Energizer and Panasonic batteries, plus two no-name brands. I've also tried bending the contact pins gently to ensure they make good contact. Very confused.

[ezaircon4jc]

As Qsilver7 said, you did remove any protective sticker, yes? I don't mean to insinuate you're a boob or anything...

[Jegethy]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

As Qsilver7 said, you did remove any protective sticker, yes? I don't mean to insinuate you're a boob or anything...

Nope, no sticker on them. They've all been individually blister packed.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Jegethy

Nope, no sticker on them. They've all been individually blister packed.

There still may be a sticker.. I've seen it on blister-packed batteries.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Jegethy

I've now tried Varta, Duracell, Energizer and Panasonic batteries, plus two no-name brands. I've also tried bending the contact pins gently to ensure they make good contact. Very confused.

Wow...still no luck? I was going to suggest trying a Panasonic battery since in many of the threads, that brand solved the issue...but I see from your quote that you already did.

Just to verify since you are still having issues...are you putting the battery in the correct way...with the positive and negative contacts being correct? Only asking because if you read through the 2nd link below...that was that owners solution...they were inserting the battery backwards.

For what it's worth...don't feel like you're alone...this seems to be a not uncommon problem across multiple BMW forums. Here's some threads with BMWs that have the same issue:

• https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/r...emains.737632/
• https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/r...rking.1134569/
• https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1987566
• https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1750372

[Jegethy]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Wow...still no luck? I was going to suggest trying a Panasonic battery since in many of the threads, that brand solved the issue...but I see from your quote that you already did.

Just to verify since you are still having issues...are you putting the battery in the correct way...with the positive and negative contacts being correct? Only asking because if you read through the 2nd link below...that was that owners solution...they were inserting the battery backwards.

For what it's worth...don't feel like you're alone...this seems to be a not uncommon problem across multiple BMW forums. Here's some threads with BMWs that have the same issue:

• https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/r...emains.737632/
• https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/r...rking.1134569/
• https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1987566
• https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1750372

Thanks for posting those links. I put the Varta battery back in, warned my neighbour that the car alarm would likely go off and went out with the intention of opening the door with the physical key and holding the fob to the steering column in the hope that it would fix it...

I walked up to the car, pressed the key fob button, and the doors unlocked.

No idea what happened as the Varta battery didn't work before, but now my battery has been replaced and the dash warning has gone away.

Thank you to everyone who responded!

[Qsilver7]

Thanks for the update…good to know things worked out.