Before replacing the battery, try reprogramming the key. Hold the key next to the ignition slot without inserting it. Press and hold the top unlock button, the button nearest the key flat. Continue holding it, and press the center unlock button three times. If you key reprograms, you'll know it immediately.
@@robdude1969 Right! Trying reprogramming first will identify a dead battery, or other problem. I could not have been more surprised when my 20 year old spare key came back to life after being inoperative for so long. The battery had retained a partial charge even though the key had been nowhere near its charger (the key slot) in years.
hell yeah man, just picked up a 04 325i and the previous owner lost the original key but had an oem replacement and didnt work, tried this to reprogram it and it works! great help
You are the only video that shows that you have to let go of the unlock button right after you pressed lock Button 3 times it took me 35 minutes trying all the videos before I found yours
Thank you so much. I replaced my battery. Tested it and nothing i tested every button and component and they were working i had no idea you had to re-sync the key. Great feeling when my doors clicked. 💕💕💕
Awesome, Thanks Rob. New battery ordered, fitted and it didn't work. Then I thought... maybe the key needs to be reprogrammed. This is the difference, your video helped. Next problem: The key unlocks the trunk / boot, it unlocks the doors, but wont lock the doors. Thanks again.
Does the door lock just spin? Probably need to fix the lock parts inside. I have a video for that too. Another common problem. Easy fix. You got this! Pay it forward is a way if life. Love it! That’s why I make these videos!
@@robdude1969 Thanks Rob... you get me then. :-) No it's not the lock... one key works perfectly. I think it is the little button under the BMW logo. I'll see if this has a dry joint on the PCB in the transponder / remote. I also did something else that could be on interest to your subscribers... I found a BMW at a wrecking year... it was relatively new when it was wrecked. The key was in the ignition. I asked the guy if i could by the key. He said "It's of no use to anyone, you can have it". the keys looks brand new right... so I removed the top layer and the PCB with the battery onto my metal key shaft.... Programmed the ley like you said to do....wulha.... looks brand new... :-)
Oh My Gosh it worked!!!!......when i opened it up I did see the switch for my middle button was missing!!..i don't use my trunk button ever so I carefully cut the ends then sodered it to the middle button and it works perfectly!!!...wonder if they sell the switch?..but I'm glad to have a working FOB..unlocks and locks..and with better range!!...Thank You!!..My M3 is Happy!!
Hi Robdude. Thanks for this video. The battery removal and the programming or my 2 keys did go perfectly well. Just to share an idea, in order to seal the 2 key plastic parts together, I use the Tamiya extra thin cement (for plastic models). Just sand the parts that will receive the glue, apply the glue and put the parts together. 2 jours later, i applied the same glue à long the sealing line. It allows a waterproof sealing, and will offer an easier access to the battery if the battery needs to be reopened at a later stage.
definitely will try this, my e46 key never worked from the beginning very annoying to have to use the key to lock and unlock every time. mine did have the battery changed but it did not look like the previous owner installed the correct battery, maybe that’s my issue??
Can I get your help. My key was being temperamental with locking and unlocking the car. I assumed it was a battery problem so replaced it. Now reprogramming won't work? Is there any other issues that could cause this
2000 e 46 - opened case - checked battery and it reads 3.15V. Tried reprogramming with case back together as well as open so I could be sure the buttons on the board were working..............nada. Ran through the proceedure 20 times and nothing. Any ideas?
Great video and Thanks for sharing. I would have to say that cutting the case is not easy, even with a sharp exacto blade or box cutter. The plastic is very hard (2004 x3 key). I'd like to know what did you guys use for cutting tool? Thanks
Hey! Were there not two prongs on the replacement battery? I didn't see you solder both joints. Just wondering. I bought a VL2020 battery and it has two prongs similar to the OE.
Hi Great video I am on blood thinners and can’t use sharp objects and don’t have any tools Would you be willing to help if I sent you my key . I can cover the expenses if reasonable Thanks much
Currently too many projects to take on this kind of work - perhaps you have a phone repair place close to you that could do the repair for you. I am guessing a locksmith as well if you are unable.
They say the original battery was good for 10-15 years so you'll see a lot more people watching these types of videos as the last year BMW used the diamond key was 2010.
@@robdude1969the key for my 2002 E46 is original, never been opened. Key still works fine, so the battery is 18 years old, a non rechargeable battery would have lasted a 2-3 years at best. The induction ring in the ignition barrel charges the battery in the key, much like a rechargeable toothbrush when it sits in the charging stand.
Before replacing the battery, try reprogramming the key. Hold the key next to the ignition slot without inserting it. Press and hold the top unlock button, the button nearest the key flat. Continue holding it, and press the center unlock button three times. If you key reprograms, you'll know it immediately.
Yes! Excellent advice. Then, if that doesn’t work maybe that battery is dead. Good luck everyone!!
@@robdude1969 Right! Trying reprogramming first will identify a dead battery, or other problem. I could not have been more surprised when my 20 year old spare key came back to life after being inoperative for so long. The battery had retained a partial charge even though the key had been nowhere near its charger (the key slot) in years.
@@tsmgguy such great news!! Congrats.
@@tsmgguy p
hell yeah man, just picked up a 04 325i and the previous owner lost the original key but had an oem replacement and didnt work, tried this to reprogram it and it works! great help
Awesome! Congrats!
You are the only video that shows that you have to let go of the unlock button right after you pressed lock Button 3 times it took me 35 minutes trying all the videos before I found yours
Im grateful i did not have to change my battery. I followed your reprogramming procedure and was successful. Thank you
Awesome.
Holy crap this worked!! The reprogramming tutorial was amazing. Thank you. Reminded that the doors need to be closed!! Thank you again!
Very happy for you!
Diagonal zip ties and one tiny zip tie for the end worked great for my reassembly. Left overnight, looks like new.
Nice! I’m feeling looseness on another one of mine. Might have to try out your suggestion soon! Cheers!
Thank you so much. I replaced my battery. Tested it and nothing i tested every button and component and they were working i had no idea you had to re-sync the key. Great feeling when my doors clicked. 💕💕💕
I sooo agree! Personal accomplishments are the best right?!?
Awesome video. This saved me a ton of money by not having to go to the dealership.
$313.00 to be exact.
Awesome, Thanks Rob. New battery ordered, fitted and it didn't work. Then I thought... maybe the key needs to be reprogrammed. This is the difference, your video helped. Next problem: The key unlocks the trunk / boot, it unlocks the doors, but wont lock the doors.
Thanks again.
Does the door lock just spin? Probably need to fix the lock parts inside. I have a video for that too. Another common problem. Easy fix. You got this! Pay it forward is a way if life. Love it! That’s why I make these videos!
@@robdude1969 Thanks Rob... you get me then. :-) No it's not the lock... one key works perfectly. I think it is the little button under the BMW logo. I'll see if this has a dry joint on the PCB in the transponder / remote.
I also did something else that could be on interest to your subscribers... I found a BMW at a wrecking year... it was relatively new when it was wrecked. The key was in the ignition. I asked the guy if i could by the key. He said "It's of no use to anyone, you can have it". the keys looks brand new right... so I removed the top layer and the PCB with the battery onto my metal key shaft.... Programmed the ley like you said to do....wulha.... looks brand new... :-)
@@baliboy awesome that you got a brain transplant for your key!!! Good luck on the locks.
Didn’t even have to program it 🙏 can’t thank you enough this is the best tutorial for this out here
awesome!!!
worked a treat - on re programming keys - nice video
Thanks for this tutorial definitily gonna try this on my BMW 325i batteries in the keys never changed 22 year old car good tutorial 👍
Great job making the video, it was very informative.
Oh My Gosh it worked!!!!......when i opened it up I did see the switch for my middle button was missing!!..i don't use my trunk button ever so I carefully cut the ends then sodered it to the middle button and it works perfectly!!!...wonder if they sell the switch?..but I'm glad to have a working FOB..unlocks and locks..and with better range!!...Thank You!!..My M3 is Happy!!
Also i Recommend Getting the Desoldering Wick..i had to do a little cleaning because they are so close to other circuitry ...Get One!
Awesome news! I love hearing people have success in fixing their own stuff! Cheers
Hi Robdude. Thanks for this video. The battery removal and the programming or my 2 keys did go perfectly well. Just to share an idea, in order to seal the 2 key plastic parts together, I use the Tamiya extra thin cement (for plastic models). Just sand the parts that will receive the glue, apply the glue and put the parts together. 2 jours later, i applied the same glue à long the sealing line. It allows a waterproof sealing, and will offer an easier access to the battery if the battery needs to be reopened at a later stage.
Good to know Tamiya does the trick. I have to do another key for my Mini Cooper next. Will try Tamiya glue.
I'll try your steps on reprogramming it...I've tried different ones, but none has work 😒
Absolute legend worked first time. Thanks so much 👍👍👍👍
Glad it helped!
Thank you. You saved my day.
Glad I could help!
definitely will try this, my e46 key never worked from the beginning very annoying to have to use the key to lock and unlock every time. mine did have the battery changed but it did not look like the previous owner installed the correct battery, maybe that’s my issue??
Good luck!
Wow - great video, worked like a charm. It did take me a while to get the key apart though. But it works now for first time in two years. Thanks!
I picked up a 325ci and the battery only holds a charge for a minute or so. I will be doing it again too. Glad it worked for you.
Nice video man. Perfectly explained and very helpful. Thank you
Worked like a charm. Appreciate the video
Awesome video. Worked like a charm.
Glad it helped! seems I have to repair a Mini Cooper key now too....
Thx for sharing, this was a great video, the best I've seen yet!
Really nice video. Thank you!
Thank you very much! Brilliant!
Can I get your help. My key was being temperamental with locking and unlocking the car. I assumed it was a battery problem so replaced it. Now reprogramming won't work? Is there any other issues that could cause this
2000 e 46 - opened case - checked battery and it reads 3.15V. Tried reprogramming with case back together as well as open so I could be sure the buttons on the board were working..............nada. Ran through the proceedure 20 times and nothing. Any ideas?
This is exactly what I needed. I just need to find the right glue for this purpose.
my e6000 has held up well. some folks like sugru as well. I’m ready to do another one. maybe I will try that too.
You need not desolder ..just prise it out and slot the new one in and apply a little glue to.hold it in place
What if the e46 had an aftermarket key fob installed would this still work if i bought a new factory key ?
Great video and Thanks for sharing.
I would have to say that cutting the case is not easy, even with a sharp exacto blade or box cutter.
The plastic is very hard (2004 x3 key). I'd like to know what did you guys use for cutting tool?
Thanks
I used x-acto hobby knife
Ich hab mit einer Diamant Trennscheibe den Schlüssel aufgetrennt. Ich habe das in einem Zahnlabor gemacht. Dort gibt es sünne Diamant Trennscheiben
How much do you charge to fix my battery
Is there a way you can determine if the key has indeed a dead battery before I start tearing it apart and mess it up?
good question. Perhaps you should try the re-bind / programming process a few times first.
Hey! Were there not two prongs on the replacement battery? I didn't see you solder both joints. Just wondering. I bought a VL2020 battery and it has two prongs similar to the OE.
soldering starts at 1:45 - sorry the clothes clip blocks the second solder point a bit, but there are two pins to solder.
Question, if I were to do this to my key, and buy uncut and unprogrammed keys from Amazon .. can program the uncut keys using this technique?
maybe try asking the seller on amazon. Please post your findings.
Did you try? Did it work???
Great info
Excellent
Hi
Great video
I am on blood thinners and can’t use sharp objects and don’t have any tools
Would you be willing to help if I sent you my key . I can cover the expenses if reasonable
Thanks much
Currently too many projects to take on this kind of work - perhaps you have a phone repair place close to you that could do the repair for you. I am guessing a locksmith as well if you are unable.
@@robdude1969 Thank you kindly for your response and advice
They say the original battery was good for 10-15 years so you'll see a lot more people watching these types of videos as the last year BMW used the diamond key was 2010.
nice... they say it recharges too... how???? I call BS
@@robdude1969the key for my 2002 E46 is original, never been opened. Key still works fine, so the battery is 18 years old, a non rechargeable battery would have lasted a 2-3 years at best. The induction ring in the ignition barrel charges the battery in the key, much like a rechargeable toothbrush when it sits in the charging stand.
@@davidduncanson3847 have you tried re-linking the key?
My car won't kickstart at all, but at least now it's locked after 4 months being expoaed
Thank you
Nice job
Thx 👍
Awesome video.... !!!!!!!
Don Young thanks. I have to make one for my Mini Cooper key now too. Planned obsolescence is lame.
Thanks a lot
Thanks works great
Do u still have your bmw?
They charge when you drive
But they don’t last forever. How old is your e46? My 2005 is 16 years old. That’s a lot to expect from a little battery.
@@robdude1969 2002 bmw 330xi oem key from dealer never change it
You put your bmw emblem upside down
Should the sticky side be up?!?!? Lol.
@@robdude1969 rotate it 180°
There are doods on ebay that do the re-furb as a service £17gbp a pop ...
they are turning a profit! may be worth it if you aren't up to the task. seems cheap enough.
@@robdude1969just another option ....all the best
@@EllisBurton3339 agreed! Soldering can be a challenge if you have never done it.
nice video xd
Good job bro!
Tanks men