fob advice

skidkid · 03-25-2014, 12:27 AM

I only have one key for my car and it still works but you have to be less then 10 feet. Ive seen posts about changing the battery to refresh the fob. I'm a bit nervous to try it since its my only key. Any advice?

WAMz4 · 03-25-2014, 12:54 AM

I think the best way to charge the key fob is with a road trip. Not just across town, but a start off in the morning, pack a lunch and be home for dinner road trip. Of course for you, that may be a couple times around the island, so you could probably just stop at home for lunch on your way by.

jdoublehcubed · 03-25-2014, 07:54 AM

I just noticed that the lock button on one of my fobs stopped working, so now I need to buy a new fob.

feels like $250 just evaporated.

ncnmra · 03-25-2014, 10:46 AM

I've left my key in my car overnight when I had an E46 ZHP with krappy battery. Left it on in the "first" position. It seem to help.

If your button is pooched, it may be time for a replacement, but I hear you; the fact that you can't open these things up is a massive FAIL in my mind on BMW's part. My car sits for 5 months in a garage, and it doesn't get much driving, so I'm expecting to have to replace the battery soon.

1SerieStud · 03-25-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncnmra

I've left my key in my car overnight when I had an E46 ZHP with krappy battery. Left it on in the "first" position. It seem to help.

If your button is pooched, it may be time for a replacement, but I hear you; the fact that you can't open these things up is a massive FAIL in my mind on BMW's part. My car sits for 5 months in a garage, and it doesn't get much driving, so I'm expecting to have to replace the battery soon.

You state that they can't be opened, then you say you expect to replace the battery soon? How exactly do you plan on doing that if it can't be opened? I'm not trying to be funny, I ask because I'm having fob range issues as well and I'm curious to know what the most affordable option is.

SCHMOUPE · 03-25-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

You state that they can't be opened, then you say you expect to replace the battery soon? How exactly do you plan on doing that if it can't be opened? I'm not trying to be funny, I ask because I'm having fob range issues as well and I'm curious to know what the most affordable option is.

FOB range issue is a known issue with all of these cars. New key will have the same shortcoming. Just learn to live with it or use your head as an antenna!

psygnosis · 03-25-2014, 12:35 PM

I find the range varies a lot from day to day and trip to trip.

1SerieStud · 03-25-2014, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCHMOUPE

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

You state that they can't be opened, then you say you expect to replace the battery soon? How exactly do you plan on doing that if it can't be opened? I'm not trying to be funny, I ask because I'm having fob range issues as well and I'm curious to know what the most affordable option is.

FOB range issue is a known issue with all of these cars. New key will have the same shortcoming. Just learn to live with it or use your head as an antenna!

lol I already do this...night time vs day time seem to affect how it works...it has to do with the reflection of the signal; also window tint may be affecting it.

3point0 · 03-25-2014, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCHMOUPE

use your head as an antenna!

I do it too, can't help but think I'm doing something stupid but then my hand still inexplicably lifts to my head. If I've gone too far I'll walk back with the key still next to my head and keep pressing the damn button.

SCHMOUPE · 03-26-2014, 10:31 AM

So here is an even stranger one. Mine particularly doesn't work in certain towns. For example I live right by Hudson river and the FOB just doesn't work in my town or the few other towns right next to water. If I drive inland further, it starts working. I'd love to hear an explanation on that!

skidkid · 03-26-2014, 11:41 PM

Has anyone bought a new fob off of eBay and had it cut?

Prodenver · 03-27-2014, 06:25 PM

I found if I touch the key to my skin while pressing a button - usually the back of my hand - the range improves considerably.

elerner61 · 03-28-2014, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCHMOUPE

So here is an even stranger one. Mine particularly doesn't work in certain towns. For example I live right by Hudson river and the FOB just doesn't work in my town or the few other towns right next to water. If I drive inland further, it starts working. I'd love to hear an explanation on that!

I've always felt there's some strange sh*t going on in Nyack/Piermont. I think it's a hippie voodoo thing.

SCHMOUPE · 03-28-2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elerner61

I've always felt there's some strange sh*t going on in Nyack/Piermont. I think it's a hippie voodoo thing.

HAHAH I am a bit further south tho but that could explain it well

Huz-Z · 03-28-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodenver

I found if I touch the key to my skin while pressing a button - usually the back of my hand - the range improves considerably.

I was tempted to offer a silly response but I'll deviate from that for today.

I expect that BMW must have done this intentionally. The wife's Merc can be unlocked from rediculous distances. Perhaps BMW felt that if the FOB's range were too far, you could unintentionally and unknowingly unlock the vehicle and permit someone to get inside and damage something, steal an item etc.

bdc · 03-28-2014, 10:25 PM

I touch the key to my neck just under my jaw and this seems to increase the range. I read this tip on a previous post.

03-25-2014, 12:27 AM	#1
skidkid New Member 4 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4si Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Honolulu, Hi iTrader: (0)	fob advice I only have one key for my car and it still works but you have to be less then 10 feet. Ive seen posts about changing the battery to refresh the fob. I'm a bit nervous to try it since its my only key. Any advice?
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03-25-2014, 12:54 AM	#2
WAMz4 First Lieutenant 45 Rep 384 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Roady Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Denver CO iTrader: (0)	I think the best way to charge the key fob is with a road trip. Not just across town, but a start off in the morning, pack a lunch and be home for dinner road trip. Of course for you, that may be a couple times around the island, so you could probably just stop at home for lunch on your way by. __________________ The Internet said it. I believe it. That settles it!
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03-25-2014, 07:54 AM	#3
jdoublehcubed Mechanical Engineer 96 Rep 1,025 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MR, Imola Red Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (1)	I just noticed that the lock button on one of my fobs stopped working, so now I need to buy a new fob. feels like $250 just evaporated.
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03-25-2014, 10:46 AM	#4
ncnmra Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I've left my key in my car overnight when I had an E46 ZHP with krappy battery. Left it on in the "first" position. It seem to help. If your button is pooched, it may be time for a replacement, but I hear you; the fact that you can't open these things up is a massive FAIL in my mind on BMW's part. My car sits for 5 months in a garage, and it doesn't get much driving, so I'm expecting to have to replace the battery soon.
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03-25-2014, 12:35 PM	#7
psygnosis Major 23 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: '04 Z4 3.0i Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I find the range varies a lot from day to day and trip to trip. __________________ Straightaways are for fast cars, Corners are for fast drivers.
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03-26-2014, 10:31 AM	#10
SCHMOUPE Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupe [0.00]	So here is an even stranger one. Mine particularly doesn't work in certain towns. For example I live right by Hudson river and the FOB just doesn't work in my town or the few other towns right next to water. If I drive inland further, it starts working. I'd love to hear an explanation on that! __________________ Gruppe M CAI / Euro Headers / Rogue Engineering X-pipe / RE Diablo Exhaust
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03-26-2014, 11:41 PM	#11
skidkid New Member 4 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4si Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Honolulu, Hi iTrader: (0)	Has anyone bought a new fob off of eBay and had it cut?
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03-27-2014, 06:25 PM	#12
Prodenver Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: '06 Z4 3.0si Coupe Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Littleton, CO iTrader: (0)	I found if I touch the key to my skin while pressing a button - usually the back of my hand - the range improves considerably.
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03-28-2014, 10:25 PM	#16
bdc New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Knoxville, TN iTrader: (0)	I touch the key to my neck just under my jaw and this seems to increase the range. I read this tip on a previous post.
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