Key Signal Strength

[spielnicht]

I'm comparing this to my F10 or my wife's G01...which is likely just unfair, but locking and unlocking my Z4 is PITA as it takes multiple presses and you need to be very close to the car. I've tried both keys (one basically brand new) and same results. I just learned that these charge while in the ignition. Considering that the car goes weeks without being driven, is that the cause of the not-so-stiller signal, or is it just old technology and that's that?

[pungo]

On the Z4, the antenna is in the mirror, so kinda small, while many of the more modern BMWs have the antenna in the glass, so larger.
Try the chin trick, it actually works quite well

[spielnicht]

Oh I did not know that but makes sense now. I'll give the chin trick a go - haven't done that since the days of owning my 2003 SAAB 93.

Originally Posted by pungo

On the Z4, the antenna is in the mirror, so kinda small, while many of the more modern BMWs have the antenna in the glass, so larger.
Try the chin trick, it actually works quite well

[bosstones]

Yup...chin trick. 17yrs of use on my Moupe and atill works like a charm.

[zoomnad]

Learn something every day! I thought I was being scammed but I looked it up and there it was and why it works. I don't unlock my car till I'm in front of it for that reason. I can't wait to try my "chin trick"!

[Happyvirus]

Originally Posted by pungo

On the Z4, the antenna is in the mirror, so kinda small, while many of the more modern BMWs have the antenna in the glass, so larger.
Try the chin trick, it actually works quite well

Could my half/working mirror be the cause of my remote key not working?

[pungo]

Originally Posted by Happyvirus

Could my half/working mirror be the cause of my remote key not working?

Could be, but more likely the GM5 module.
What does half working mean?
Do you have more than 1 key?
Do the keyfobs lock/unlock the trunk?
Use ista+ to diagnose...

[Happyvirus]

The rotating dimmer(?) knob is broken. The garage opener works.
I can't find my other key, so I have just the one key and lock/unlock them manually.
It could be that the keys can't hold a charge - I tried the toothbrush charger trick and took a few long drives (not a daily) to see if the key remote worked, but they don't.
What are signs of gm5 module being bad? The physical lock/unlock key on the vehicle works, remote does not.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by Happyvirus

The rotating dimmer(?) knob is broken. The garage opener works.
I can't find my other key, so I have just the one key and lock/unlock them manually.
It could be that the keys can't hold a charge - I tried the toothbrush charger trick and took a few long drives (not a daily) to see if the key remote worked, but they don't.
What are signs of gm5 module being bad? The physical lock/unlock key on the vehicle works, remote does not.

AFAIK, the 1st gen Z4s did not have a garage door opener in the mirror option, so if that is true, the mirror is from a different vehicle or was modified so who knows what was done and if that's the cause of you issue(s). A least get a spare key to rule that out

[Happyvirus]

Man my mind is combining things in my head and mixing two vehicles with different issues.

No garage opener, but the dimming function works.

The ball knob is loose due to a broken tab on the ring.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by bosstones

Yup...chin trick. 17yrs of use on my Moupe and atill works like a charm.

I'm a forehead guy myself. Greater range IMESHO.

[XMetal]

I'm not sure how I feel about using my head as an antenna on a daily basis. I need every little one of my diminishing brain cells