BMW Diamond Shape Ignition Key Fob Battery Removal

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Key Fob Stopped Working?? Not to worry, in this Video, We will show you steps and tools needed to remove/replace they key Fob Battery. The Removal/Replacement for battery should apply to most diamond shaped key fobs found in many BMW models from 2000-06 such as M5 M3 540i 528i.
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[@davidrsmith2417]

The original Panasonic VL2020 battery (with welded-on 90 degree solder tabs) is Rechargeable lithium, 20mm diameter x 2.0mm thick. Your ordinary CR2020 (or 2016) is NOT rechargeable so it will be dead in 1-3 years. Also, when some people remove the original battery, they actually break the tiny spot welds on top and bottom of the coin battery without unsoldering the actual battery tabs. So when a regular coin battery (without any solder tabs) is used as a replacement, the battery connections are not very secure as they are just the tabs lightly touching the battery. Also, if you drop or otherwise jar the key fob, it is possible to dislodge the battery and lose connection. The PROPER method is to buy a proper VL2020 battery that comes with the welded 90 degree spaced solder tabs in place. Then de-solder the original battery and tabs, install the new VL2020 battery and resolder its tabs. A fresh (!) VL2020 battery can recharge when it is plugged into the car with the car running. This new battery should last for more than 7-10 years.

[@spencerward6171]

i wish i read this before i watched the vid lol

[@tsmgguy]

If BMW had meant for the battery to be replaced, the key case would be easily opened. My original key remotes are working 22 years after I purchased my 2001 325i. They're definitely rechargeable.

[@izelleshaelianie143]

I have a 2006 bmw 530xi with this same key and having the same issues one day it just stopped working I can’t use the buttons to lock or unlock the car or activate the alarm system since I bought the car a few years ago the key always would take multiple times of me pressing the button to do anything anyone know what the issue might be

[@partypussexy4824]

How do i recharge it? Do i have to remove The battery from The fob?

[@drv87dv]

IT WORKED! Used a Duracell 2016 battery! It didn't work right away though. It took a few hours for the key board to accept the battery by letting it sit. But woke up in the morning and it works like new! Haven't had any problems.

[@robertking8585]

@shorsheesure This is NOT David, but I can assure you if you have the "Diamond Key" that requires, cutting open to get to that battery, the Bimmermerchant method will work. I drive an E39 it works for me.

[@bookertpryor]

No mention of the difficult removal process

[@crazipali]

The battery should be replace with a 2020 Rechargeable since it does get recharged while it's in the ignition. They are only $6-10. I wouldn't recommend a normal non-rechargable type battery. Might explode or heat up internal components. Good video though!

[@doodlez2439]

Model number of battery you recommend brother??

[@donmurdoch6440]

With a soldering pencil ✏ and some light tension the tabs come out quite easily. Going back in however takes some care on reheating the solder. One tab at a time and its done ✔

[@melissamelko8146]

lmaooo 4:35 "its one in the ,morning and my dogs neighbor is barking"

[@DreamsAreReal25]

Thought I was the only one who heard that. lmao. He's forgiven, he taught me how to replace a key battery. lol Thank you guy.

[@prosinger21]

+Melissa Melko I put it down to nerves...lol..

[@christopher6940]

I'm dead lmao

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Freakin barking dogs.....ughhhh!

[@JIBeats]

Melissa Melko Lmao

[@MrCuckoobox]

Thanks for the Vid.......You might want to double check that battery to make sure it will work for "the long haul." I recall reading somewhere that on these style BMW keys have "rechargeable batteries" which charge themselves when you put them in the ignition. If you put a non rechargeable battery it may or probably fail by leaking or exploding given enough charging cycles.

[@bimmermerchant]

I've read and heard about that statements but find no truth to it. While inspecting the internal components of the key fob, I don't understand how the 3v battery would charge automatically? There is NO charging wires that go from the key to the battery. No way does the battery charge via air waves either. I feel this 'self charging' statement belongs with the 'transmission oil is lifetime' made by bmw to put fear into owners and have them go and pay $250 for a new key. However, time will tell.

[@tommybarling5421]

bimmermerchant It charges by radiowaves

[@robertking8585]

@bimmermerchant. I know it's been more than a year since you posted this. However, induction charging is what you have with electric tooth brushes? There are no wires to charge the tooth brush it uses a technology called "induction". That's the same method BMW uses with their key FOBs, the only reason they made the battery in-accessible was to sell the owner a NEW KEY. We live in a throw away society that we can't afford. Crazy

[@jnse78]

@@bimmermerchant The battery is charged while it's in the lock, by induction, exactly as a battery powered toothbrush.

[@harwoods11]

when you realised that your key fob was not opening the door locks, did you check to see if the door lock control on the centre consol was working and if the main interior lights were working? I needed to replace the control unit behind the glovebox.

[@fmulhare]

As others have pointed out the original VL2020 battery is re-chargeable and I am not sure that the one you put in is. It should work for a while though. I too tried cvs etc and they did not have 2020's.. I eventually got it from Amazon.

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks for your feedback

[@kishoreda]

Many thanks I was in frys electronics I was not sure that 2016 was gonna work, you saved my time cool now I can buy 2016 and try.

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

did it work ?

[@MrAlpinab7]

Great! The only thing i'm worried about is that the key is going to look awkward after the gluing process is complete...but it's worth a shot!

[@TheDemockery]

The Panasonic VL2020 battery that you removed is a RECHARGEABLE battery. These keys are part of a rechargeable system. If you place a non-rechargeable battery in your FOB, you risk damage or fire. DO NOT replace the VL2020 with a non-rechargeable battery. You can purchase the VL2020 or equivalent online and replace the battery with the correct unit.

[@jennyd5728]

I have a 2004 bmw 530i, diamond shape key, do I need the Panasonic VL2020? Where can I go to replace?

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

@@jennyd5728 buy it online and watch youtube how to replace it. Or you can buy the battery then take it to BMW local shop ( not dealer)... they can do it for u ... but give it a try first...if u can't do it then take it to the shop ...

[@jennyd5728]

@@BabyGangsterIsMe I was told by an owner who does car keys that most of the times replacing the battery ( specifically this type of keys) doesn’t work. He recommended making a new set of keys, which is around $200.

[@gzus1482]

@@jennyd5728 of course he would say that. 😂

[@jennyd5728]

@@gzus1482 Have you done it, just replace the battery?

[@marcuspd477]

You seem to have put in a non-rechargable battery. You do realise the key is charged whilst in the ignition and the Panasonic battery you removed is rechargeable?

[@davit9505]

yeah that what i was wondering!that battery is rechargable!!!maybe the purpose is the key

[@sterlingwitherspoon5709]

Correct

[@HarleyN93]

can you replace the plastic cover to the key fob mine is all scratched up and i thought whilst im replacing the battery can i replace the cover aswell?

[@bimmermerchant]

Yes, you can replace cover from a different key to your key fob.

[@soumanekon]

Hi, you didnt weld the battery?

[@BayBiRDProductions]

What kind of glue is used for bmw key fob battery replacement

[@eruwilton6530]

You're a legend! Thank you

[@victorramirez231]

Should It work when I juat put the battery to test it or should I weld it

[@bimmermerchant]

welded after testing it

[@kentonlorenz6277]

You have the instructions somewhat correct, I believe there are some fobs out there that just meant to be replaced, "planned obsolescence". I followed another U-Tube instruction video for the same thing which was similar but neither video I watched were key fobs of this type. First to open the key you have to split the case as they show it but you maybe should heat it with a hair dryer? or something, I had to go around and around the seam on mine and pry like an SOB to get it to open. The box knife is a good idea but I would limit the blade to maybe 1/16" protruding out of the handle, I did not do this and eventually the knife cut it open but it went to deep in a coupe places, the case does not split that easily, once in there are problems also, the battery as shown in one of the videos is soldered to the battery both sides, and the the other video show how to get the contacts loose from the battery, the second video shows the contacts actually spot welded to the battery, and why I say the process is not the same as my key and everything else, other than being a 330CI convertible 2004. I have not tried this fob yet and was worried you could have a electrical short trying to charge a non-charging batter which I do not think button batteries normally come able to re-charge, then I thought about it. There is no way the Bob can charge a battery, it takes two connections to charge, so you can say the key part of the fob might be a ground or negative but then where and how does the positive get to the fob? There is not any other conductor or contact on the fob to provide a positive input, and again you never want to charge a battery unless it is a rechargeable type. Sorry for the long dissertation but thought it important, and fact there is not a way to recharge the battery it is safe to do the process as shown because the battery does not recharge so it might work, save a couple hundred bucks for a new fob. Sincerely Kenton

[@bimmermerchant]

Thank you for your input. We appreciate opinions regarding this matter.

[@MrDutchentre]

Any tips on gluing it back together? What glue did/do you use? Did you put it in a vise? I've found that gluing it to be a difficult part of the process. Thanks

[@bimmermerchant]

used crazy glue, I would recommend using epoxy glue for plastic. Its easier to apply and has a cleaner look when its complete.

[@robertking8585]

I cut my key fob open and replaced my rechargeable battery with a "rechargeable" 2020 however my problem was the induction charger in the instrument panel was the problem NOT the battery in the fob. So..... I opened the fob and replaced the 2020 with a 2016, a non-rechargeable" battery but it's been working for the passed 2 years, so I really don't care. A little patience lot of prayer and I'm good to go. Beats allowing the steeler from ripping me off for a couple hundred bucks. Go for it what got to lose?

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks for you input.

[@robertking8585]

I might suggest if I had to do over again I would purchase the 2020 rechargeable battery with the attached offset +/- polls and re-solder the solder points rather than replacing with a non-rechargeable 2016 which requires cutting the weld points of the old 2020 battery. The induction charging assembly does work however it will NOT recharge a 2016. My induction recharging system is working again, so when this 2016 does bite the dust. AND IT WILL make no mistake about that, I will go back to the 2020 and re-solder and should be good to go. But I surely can't complain with the results I got out of my 2016 non-rechargeable!

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks for sharing your information. Very detail and informative.

[@MrDutchentre]

Robert King, any tips on gluing back together? What glue did/do you use? Did you put in a vise? Thanks

[@michelle-js1fq]

+bimmermerchant hey man I opened mine and the back part that is welded it came off completely with the battery

[@AmonChipoya]

hy smith i need you help my car wont but its able to start what could be the problem its uk made 2000 model 325i bmw have tried to change mass air flow senser and padle nothing it all started after the air flow sansor was misplaced please help

[@bimmermerchant]

Don’t understand your question

[@teddymikkelsen1967]

Jeg har anvendt batteri CR2025 og det virker også i min Gl. BMW nøgle 😉👌

[@Djjoey503]

2016 battery where i can fine those ? Thank u bro

[@bimmermerchant]

You can fine those batteries at any local drug store. I found mine at Walgreens.

[@arjans2742]

Be patient when opening the key, with a sharp knife get it open. Remove the battery and put a CR2016 or CR2020 back, Plus + facing up. And gleu it all togteher again. Thanks for the note the battery is not a rechargeable one, just a normal regualr battery, is ideed saving some serious money.

[@jnse78]

The battery in the key IS a rechargable battery...

[@alimouchli]

After battery changed, do I have to reprogram the key?. They still not working what can i do?

[@LatinSuspect4LIfe]

My key stopped working completely, it doesn't charge and my car don't start, I need to charge my key, which resulted in failure, in order to reprogram my key I need to replace the battery, and once it's charged, I can program it with my car, get in your car, have all doors closed and unlocked, put the key in, turn it to position 1, take it out right away, the press and hold the unlocking button while at the same time pressing the locking button 3 times, your car should lock and unlock your car as a sign that it's sync with your car, so hopefully by doing this my car will start.

[@faridshams458]

@@LatinSuspect4LIfe did it start

[@dontecoleman8323]

I have a e 38 740il and I feel that most people are skeptic followers when it comes to bmw they ether try to over price parts or simple magnance of the car just to make money off its owner or just pkan old make excuses to get out of buying fixing or learning any thing bout the car in actual facts

[@cmartinezg1209]

very nice I have two dead key fobs Im use in VL2020 batterys cause there rechnargeable you used a nonrecharge battery witch can explode

[@soumanekon]

Cristian Hi,did you change the battery yourself?

[@69zaabata]

hi, i tried it does n`t work

[@edmondmakishti3334]

i like it same thing has mein key too...save 190$.. vell done...

[@ToffiTube]

hey I need help my key fob stopped working on my 2001 x5 so I baught a new one and 4 months later same problem not working what should I do

[@franchesca2952]

ToffiTube Try to 're sync it. put the key in the ignition to position || for 5 sec. then hold the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times with in 5 second

[@marlonpearce31]

Thanks....but this is really funny....But my dogs neighbours is....😅😂😂

[@bimmermerchant]

hahaha....you caught that. Good, that means you were listening and paying attention.

[@rowdybeaman1436]

Thank you!

[@bimmermerchant]

You are welcome. www.bimmermerchant.com

[@dansbrown1313]

Thanks

[@bimmermerchant]

Ur welcome. Be sure to subscribe.

[@yoshigastelum]

I have the same issue can i do this on key for my bmw 525i 2001?

[@bimmermerchant]

Yoshira Gastelum Yes, same process can be used to replace battery.

[@yoshigastelum]

Unfortunately it didn't work with mines. I don't know if maybe its that the battery that isnt 2020 but i put the one you put on yours

[@joselalo2010]

Yoshira Gastelum I tried it tonight on my 2001 525i and it didn't work either. I'm assuming its just because of the unit. Any suggestions???

[@robertking8585]

I assure if you followed the Bimmermerchants suggestions it will work on a 2001 525i. I know it works because I drive a 2001 525i and mine works, but you may have to re-program your key, I had too. But it works with either 2016 or 2020 unless your induction system isn't working then 2016 is your only option and you will most likely need to reprogram the key.

[@seanwilks7712]

Robert King How you reprogram?

[@MrGaryGG48]

This video is very informative but one thing I've seen in several of these DIY videos today is that every person presenting the video is touching everything with their fingers. The static charge in your body and the skin oil on your hands is not something you want to expose your circuitry to. If you're going to work on even something as simple as an electronic key, ground yourself and be sure you've washed and dried your hands. I used to install the static protection systems for Hewlett Packard "in another lifetime" and there is a long and detailed set of reasons for it and processes to be followed. Assemblers, technicians, and engineers all have to ground themselves before entering the production areas and ensure that they've discharged themselves every time a production area is entered. You can approximate these process a bit more simply by touching a grounded metal surface near your work area before touching one of these electronic circuit boards. It's not as effective as the real process but it's better than nothing and will reduce the damage that might be inflicted on these circuit boards. If you can feel the static zap when you touch something, that voltage causing the shock is at least 100 volts, if not more. That charge is being inflicted on the circuit board you're trying to fix! Today I've been watching these key repair videos as well as several on repairing instrument clusters. No one seems to be aware of these concerns and they should be. There's nothing wrong with fixing these things ourselves and saving a ton of money, as well as learning interesting things about our cars that at least I know I've not seen before. I really appreciate the effort these folks have put into these videos. I'm learning a lot. Thank you all... and keep up the good work.

[@bimmermerchant]

Thank you for sharing that information. We will take that into consideration next time we work on an electronic circuit board.

[@yaboorie]

Would this work for e53 key fob?

[@bimmermerchant]

+ray huh Yes

[@brianobrian6637]

I'm sure it's been touched on but didin't want to sort through all the comments. Your dogs neighbor has one hell of a bark too. Anyway, so being lithium & non rechargeable, I have heard on the forums & elsewhere undoubtedly what you have. Any issues or adverse affects ? I just feel if it would cause the car to go up in flames we wouldn't question doing it as there would be 1 too many pics, vids & comments posted! I'm more concerned about a short or something. So, here we are a few years latter, What's the verdict ?

[@bimmermerchant]

Car didn't go into flames and key i still working to this day

[@debbieangel1909]

Cool thanks

[@bimmermerchant]

Any time!

[@sahile.guillen7150]

wow this video is awesome , and I am the same way when I need something done I need then and there , but anyway I think I have the same issue but I am extremely scared to do it lol but great to know there's a reference video . thanks for making it

[@robertking8585]

@SAHIL you ain't got nothing to lose my friend. It's that or the Steeler who will be more than glad to take your money or credit card. LOL

[@sahile.guillen7150]

Lol

[@faridshams458]

@@sahile.guillen7150 so did they end up taking your money

[@Djjoey503]

Thank u

[@bimmermerchant]

No problem.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Align those darn "groobs"! LOL! Great vid though.

[@bimmermerchant]

It was late.

[@DayJaOwen]

Omg !! Don't listen to this fool ! The battery does not just "SLIDE " out !!! I broke the inside And now I'm #$@*÷$

[@Andy-wk2ct]

1st those batteries are rechargeable and are being recharged via magnetic field generated by transponder coil when your car is in the ignition. You cannot replace it with this battery. 2nd the battery doesn't just slide out but is thermally bonded to the metal tabs. 3rd you can get the correct battery for about $10 4th if you damage the circuit board (while taking the battery out), your car will not start 5th BMW diamond keys are not very reliable and it is not a bad idea to get a new one when battery goes dead. Pretty soon, you might not be able to start the car.

[@BernardBethea6339]

+Adrian G ok give us bmw owners $ 300 plus to replace a key

[@robertking8585]

@Andy G. so which steelership do you work for? However, getting 1 out of 4 of your statements absolutely right is pretty good, "you can get the correct battery for about 10 bucks" off ebay. Cool! So are you saying take a chance and cut for 10 or are you saying spend $300 to keep the economy going? You can't have it both ways. It takes courage to cut into the key but comparing $10 to $300 in this recovery aand the fact the freaking key is not working, Duh... it's worth thinking about, right. Most of us bought our bimmers when they were cheap at the turn of the century, today you may be more inclined to think about it. Go E39. Thank you bimmermerchant.

[@0scarflores568]

Now try to start the car it won’t work

[@Goliath2012Thai]

Who let the dog out?

[@salcanales4114]

Just buy another key !! Time is money

[@weebray]

Thanks for your wise advise Sal - it was really needed here.

[@jorgoscf]

do you realise that you dont show the most important bit which is placing and connecting the battery? 6.5 minutes of I'm gonna go ahead do this go ahead do that to show nothing.

[@jonahmitchell3101]

Most useless waste of time video award goes to this guy

[@georgefigueroa]

Fuck you idiot.show how to remove battery also!fuck you

[@edmondmakishti3334]

i like it same thing has mein key too...save 190$.. vell done...

[@jaxnaturals]

DO NOT use that battery. The OE a VLl2020 in the fob which is a rechargeable battery. The 2016 is not and not made for recharging!

[@haisley63]

Nobody said how fucking hard it is to cut this key open

[@bimmermerchant]

It does test your patience, but worth it at the end.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Yeah. One of the crapiest things BMW did was to make those batteries non-serviceable. 2 small screws and they could have made this more user friendly.

[@TheeKiddJordann]

🙄

[@josemedeiros007]

Good job making the video and battery replacement tips.

[@bimmermerchant]

Thank you for your feedback. thank you for watching our videos.

[@Gruhah]

Thanks for this video. Walmart sells the Panasonic 2020 rechargable battery to solder in for a oem fix.

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks for the update

[@MinisterBenjaminIvey]

Thanks so much. I did this tonight and it works great. On the back of the other side of the battery is spot weld too. Be very carefull. I was able to fix it. Don't rush take your time.

[@nicolasberg57]

CR2020/BR2020/VL2020 are lithium coin-cell batteries with nominal 3.0 voltage. They come in several versions: CR2020 is a manganese-dioxide lithium non-rechargeable battery, BR2020 is Carbon-monofluoride lithium non-rechargeable battery and VL2020 is a lithium rechargeable battery

[@sergiodiarte098]

Just remember to use the same 2020 battery. It is rechargeable. The battery charges when it's in the ignition.

[@radianm6]

Well then why did mine die?

[@Stormcrow667]

@@radianm6 batteries do expire... even rechargeable ones

[@radianm6]

@@Stormcrow667 all good now after new battery

[@stocktrader1929]

The battery is a rechargable battery. If you use the store 2016 battery, you will have circuit issues because the ignition will be trying to charge the battery wirelessly.

[@steverabbits]

6 and 1/2 minutes of my life wasted

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

you bought wrong battery...it will work but it should be recharable battery...

[@josephmoreno7156]

4:40 "My dog's neighbor is barking" Forget about the fact that the battery is not rechargeable and may fry your BMW computer, I need to meet your dog's neighbor!!🤣

[@bimmermerchant]

Thank you for watching. Yes our dog's neighbor is popular and loves attention. Please share our channel with anyone that may benefit from it and wants/needs a laugh😂

[@josephmoreno7156]

I will definitely do that! Thank you for your videos. I am going to be watching more.

[@h.p.stiglingh7396]

Hi. I am from carletonville south africa. This battery idea works. I proofed it.

[@bimmermerchant]

Hello, thanks for the update. How did you prove that it works?

[@h.p.stiglingh7396]

@@bimmermerchant i took out old battery and put new lithium 2025 in and tested key on the car.

[@adamwiley6202]

Thanks bro preciate it especially the # of the battery 👍🏼

[@bimmermerchant]

Glad we could help

[@dave2317147]

the open of the back to replace battery is all we need !!! you jump it

[@jinx750i]

Tell ur “Dog’s neighbour to stop barking” 🤣

[@CoolKD2005]

Do NOT use a battery like this. The original battery is a rechargeable battery. The key charges when in the ignition . The battery you need is a Panasonic vl2020 90degrees pin configuration.

[@bimmermerchant]

thank you for sharing that information

[@evadiva5495]

Ok, although this worked, it somehow triggered something so that when I used it, a few seconds later, every single window would open up, like some electrical spasm!!! LOL! ARGHHHH! I think I'm going to have to break down and order one now. Thank you for this video though.

[@raymondchen6720]

evadiva5495 did you hold down the unlock button for a few seconds?

[@kcsandelectronistzsolt7084]

Hy. Its not a good idea to put a normal battery instead of rechargeable battery. If you want to charge the key, put it in ignition and immediately start to charge, without to turn the ignition. In most cases you have to reset (relearn) the key after changing the battery. The battery must be soldered to have a good contact without power interruption. After any interruption you have to reset again. A normal battery may damage the circuit board, the chip and can explode.

[@bimmermerchant]

+Key copy shop and electronist Zsolt Thank you for your feedback. Its been over a year since we've installed a normal battery into key fob and everything is working properly. Hasn't exploded or leaked any acid as some people claim. I would agree with you that soldering battery to bracket will make a good contact.

[@PrestonRahn]

Did everything but it didn't work for me on my 2005 330xi.

[@alsdjfknbo]

Preston Rahn some people stated that you need to reprogram the key. Just not sure how to do it.

[@johnathonblows3416]

hey guys I have a e36 BMW no locks barrels on the doors I can only unlock or open the doors with the key remote but the remotes batteries died and I can't excess my car please help

[@bimmermerchant]

why don't you replace your remote batteries?

[@johnwillis8080]

didn't work for me.

[@diseld7956]

It didn't work on mine

[@joelwongchansiew4523]

May I know the battery code type?

[@juandelgado8412]

I had that problem my key stop working the next week my car didnt start and BMW told me those keys don't use battery that why my car loose communication with the car. They charge me $300 for a new key and now i have the same problem.

[@bimmermerchant]

Juan Delgado Find another reliable bmw independent shop to assist you with your problem. Many shops out there don't know what they are doing but are good at charging a hefty price

[@juandelgado8412]

Tnk you

[@imprezapeej]

I have just done this exact thing with a 2016 battery and alas mine did NOT work afterwards..!? so i take it that my key is now USELESS..! :-(

[@franchesca2952]

Peter Evatt Try to 're sync it

[@imprezapeej]

KZbin "E46 key pairing"

[@johnsick80]

Lol my dogs neighbour, ye i got the same problem with my second key

[@bimmermerchant]

It was late and hard to focus with all that barking...Dogs Neighbor....is that even a word??

[@Mr.ZachBach]

With the dead key fob did the car not start either?

[@bimmermerchant]

car started fine with dead battery in key fob

[@frankruiz9476]

badassssss!!!!!!

[@jaycris1980]

I just did mine today. That battery doesn’t just slip outta there. It is soldered in.

[@bimmermerchant]

Due to the belief that installing a regular 3v battery into key fob will result in damage to internal components, i welcome anyone with actual experiences about this topic to share their comments and let us know what happened. So far, statements posted have started with 'i've read that installing.....' or 'I've heard that installing......' No actual experience. As stated before, I will share my experience if in fact the 3v Non-rechargeable battery that i've installed in my own unit causes damage to key fob. As of now, I've encountered no issues with battery on my long drives.... Im confident that together, we will shed some truth to this topic.

[@martynh5410]

bimmermerchant The correct replacement battery is a Panasonic VL2020 3V rechargeable battery. I would steer away from a regular non-rechargeable battery. The VL2020 is a Lithium battery and the full technical data is available on Panasonics web site.

[@robertking8585]

I can testify that my 2016 non-rechargeable battery has been working for more than 2 years wwithout replacement, so compared to all the "conspiracy theories" including "overheating-internal combustion" a non chargeable 2016 works fine. However, in saying that, the 2020 rechargeable is the best way to go, that's if your "induction charging system" is operating correctly. In my case I had to fix the real problem my inductor was NOT inducting. However a faulty induction system is a whole different issue. Yes the magic of induction rechargeability is a reality in the 21st. Century. The days of plugging into an outlet or dragging an AC cord are behind us thanks to a dead dinosaur. Without fossil fuels there would be NO RECHARGEABILITY. And without an internal combustion engine you can't take delivery. LOL

[@chiefr31]

STOP DESTROYING YOUR KEYS!!! THIS KEY IS RECHARGEABLE!!!!! Buy a Sonic Care Electric toothbrush , they come with induction chargers. Place the key on the charge for a few hours and voila your key is CHARGED!!!!!!

[@robertking8585]

I happen to agree with bimmermerchant, I have been using a non-rechargable Panasonic #2016 battery in my BMW E39 key for almost 3 years now, other than "loosing" memory from time to time, it flawlessly opens my doors, starts my car! Even during memory loss, the key will manually open the door and manually start my 525i E39. I will ad that, if your key suffers a loses of memory it's no big deal, reprogramming is simple, unless you want to pay the moron down at the Stealership to reprogram yo key and listen to he or she tell you why you need a replacement key at the tune of $200+ ...go ahead believe the crap you can't fix your key fob. Who's got time, right? Just blow $225, it's good for the economy. We need to separate folk lore from reality here folks. Yes the fob comes with a rechargeable battery from the manufacturer, yes the battery recharges when you drive the car, but is the fob really sucking up so much energy that it actually needs to be recharged at all? My owner's manual says if I do not use my key fob for an extended period of time (year or more) that I may have to put the key in the ignition to recharge it, why? Why would they tell us that we have to recharge an unused key? Simple answer, the unused rechargeable battery loses it's charge over time? Duh! So how do we explain that my Non Chargeable # 2016 which can not recharge itself by way of the ignition continue to lock and unlock my car after almost 3 years? Life's many mysteries, right? Why, why why???? So it boils down to simple surgery, if and when your key fob goes on the blink. Hmmm, you can go to the Stealer and shell out $225, or cut the puppy open and replace the battery yourself. The only scary part, You got to Cut'r open you got to replace the permanent original. No Big Freaking Deal! Can you do it, only if you have a 5th grade education. Ha! It's not a big deal people... you can cut open your sealed key fob as I did and replace the rechargeable 2020 with an exact fit non-rechargable 2016 for pennies on the $$$ and be happy, or shell out $225 and the price is going UP so think fast. Something tells me somebody is BS'n somebody, right? Don't have the brass ones to cut that key fob open? or buy the "folk lore" there's your choices. Now you know why those over thinking knee jerk Germans lost WWII. They over think this stuff, then scare "we" into thinking, You cut open that key you'll be sorry. It's simple 101 physics you learned in high school if you made it that far. Here's the scoop for you nay sayers who haven't grown some brass ones yet. The key fob does not use any suggnificant amount of energy to lock and unlock your doors, you sure as hell don't use it to start or run the car! So how much battery energy are we talking about here? micro amps, maybe ...but not enough to warrant a trip to the Stealer. it uses NO ENERGY while starting and running the car and virtually NONE to lock and unlock, I'm on my 3rd year with a non-rechargeable. The only time your fob-energy is used, is when you activate your actuator in the door! Duh. The key fob only uses a millisecond of energy per click, what are we talking about here, a 100th of a millisecond per click? This is not rocket science we are dealing with? Get a grip people, the stupid fob doesn't use measurable energy when clicked DUH!!!!! Don't let the commercial BS scare you guys and gals, just cut the freaking key open and replace your battery with a cheap non rechargeable and enjoy your clicker for another 100,000 miles of starting, driving, locking and unlocking your car. What a bunch of morons to buy into "...your ignitition is going to explode if you mess with your key fob". I can think of many more amazing things that humans do every day, ...would you believe or even fathom, people actually still vote Democratic, imagine that? Think about it, do you think BMW would sell you a key that had the potential to explode because you are a moron? No but they will sell a moron what every they think they will believe. The key FOB Battery works the LOCKS not the ignition. This is really easy stuff to deal with, Deal with it, don't buy into the folk-lore. The key fob will NOT explode if you change your battery for a conventional cheap knock off #2016. I got my battery at Harbor Freight, got four 2016 non-rechargeables for $2.96 after coupon.

[@chiefr31]

I beg to differ. The batteries in my brothers and I keys have been progressively getting worse for the last 2 years. I had sonic care tooth brush charger and charged the keys one at a time for overnight. They keys are now working great. From longer distances and without pushing the button more than once. If it no longer charges this way then I may resort to cutting open the key. For now the tooth brush charger does the trick for keys on 2 different e60's. Sent from my iPhone

[@markusschnabel9811]

I tried your instructions on a 2003 X5. It turned out my battery was attached to the clip, Could not even force it out.

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

break it

[@faridshams458]

@@BabyGangsterIsMe try turning it off and back on

[@alivemultibrandstore1699]

hi is it same for e53??

[@bimmermerchant]

correct

[@rajakhalil4628]

That is one sweet wagon.

[@bimmermerchant]

+Rajay Khan Thanks

[@brasilamericano]

Thank you ver much ! You help me alot!

[@bimmermerchant]

Glad we could help. Be sure to visit our website for all your pre-owned bmw parts www.bimmermerchant.com

[@raymondchen6720]

I know I’m pretty late but did you have to reprogram anything?

[@bimmermerchant]

No, just replaced battery and all good

[@franchesca2952]

Lol. I just want to post this because my key fob wasn't working sonic thought the battery was dead. so. I tried to 're sync my key on my 2003 bmw 325I. it started working for Me. so if some people might want to try this before cutting your key. put the key. in the ignition to position || for 5 second. then hold the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times with in 5 seconds

[@bimmermerchant]

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@franchesca2952]

Helped for.me I hope it helps for others too