BMW 3- Series Battery KEY Replacement & Re-Program KEY
October 20, 2011 by
Filed under luxury cars
BMW 3- Series Battery KEY Replacement & Re-Program KEY NOTE: The key used in the video – BMW 325i. Sorry for the crappy video quality. I just used a cheap webcam. I called a BMW dealer in Monrovia, CA and asked for a key for my BMW 325i. They charging me $260.00 for a Key. I didn’t get that deal because it’s too expensive. So I searched the net and found some great deal that costs about $120 -BUT STILL EXPENSIVE. Then I decided to try something different. I done this thing by myself and it just costs me less than $10.00 because I already have some of the materials on my tool box. The only thing that I did buy is the battery which is the Duracell 2025 Lithium Coin Cell Battery – 3V. It’s also available in other brands like Energizer. This isn’t rechargeable battery but who cares? If it drains out then change it. That’s why in this video I didn’t seal it permanently. This video also have a tutorial on how to re-program the BMW 3-series Key.
Saved me $200. This worked perfectly. Make sure you get the correct replacement battery. It’s a Panasonic vl2020 3v. And when reconnecting key, make sure to hit lock 3 times quickly.
thanks this video realy helped me many thanks!!!!
thanks this helped so much on my e46 m3. saved me tons of money!!!
Is the same battery used for the 2001 BMW X5? I need to replace my battery. Please let me know. kevin.d.williamson@gmail.com
you’re the best thanks you!!!!!!
awesome! this video saved me from a major disaster!
can i do this with another key from another car? and program into it?
Cant believe this worked! U saved me $400!!!!
Many thanks to your video. By following your step by step instructions my remote now works perfectly. Outlay: $22 for new battery (2 in a packet) instead of $645.00 for a new key which the BMW dealer wanted to charge!
what type of battery did you install in the video? I could only see duracell package. The battery in my key is a panasonic VL 2020 3volt rechargeable. Does the battery have to be a recargeable type?
hey man i found on ebay a battery rechargable for this, but it is vl2020. I do not if this can fit to my 2000 x5 key. Can u give me a hand with that?
Worked like a “Gem” first time. Thank you.
did everyting in d video perfect and tryed the programming methods but key stil wont work….any ideas?? thanks
i bought the car with the key not working. thort it was the battery and enquired in a few motor stores which all pointed me in the direction of bmw. spent ages searchin through forum which all said the battery cud not be changed. saw this video and the comments below prompted me to try reprogramming. worked 1st time on the 1st method. thanks very much… saved me at least 100 pounds as im sure bmw would have just made me get a new key.
thnx!!!
While this video is very nice, most people who have dead batteries DO NOT need to do this. If you don’t use your key for a long time, the battery will die. When you use the key again, the battery will charge but the key has lost its programming and doesn’t work. So the person thinks the battery needs to be replaced when all you really need to do is to reprogram it just like the end of the video shows. Saves a lot more time than this video.
While this video is very nice, most people who have dead batteries DO NOT need to do this. If you don’t use your key for a long time, the battery will die. When you use the key again, the battery will charge but the key has lost its programming and doesn’t work. So the person thinks the battery needs to be replaced when all you really need to do is to reprogram it just like the end of the video shows. Saves a lot more time than this video.
Thanks for the video worked out nice and smooth…saved me 150bucks
Assume tutorial. Worked great for me. Hardest part was to cut the key fob apart and to get under the metal tab that is soldered onto the battery. I used a putty knife to get the tab up off the battery so that the needle-nosed pliers could grab it. From there, it was easy to pop off the solder by rolling it like it says in the video. The #1 method worked for my 2001 330xi keys in reprogramming. Thanks so much!!
did he cut the key my bmw 325ci 3 seres is not working and dont know if it recharges if eanyone knows please tell me
Yes, excellent guide. If you have both remote keys, under 2nd programming option – after programming the first key, you need to hold the unlock and press the lock 3 times. Do not put it into ignition and turn into position 1.
The original battery in my key was 2020, which is not available anymore, the direct replacement is the 2016. Also thicker 2025 fits in fine.
@jamescreameriii Major props Mr Kopi. This video save me some money. Bought two batteries for 10 Dollars and was able to do it myself. Did not even have to reprogram my keys. They just worked. But i must admit, one key can only open by remote control but cannot close all doors so i still close it manually. WHY?? Let me know it u can. I will give this key to my wife as back up cos she rarely rides my BMW. The other key opens and closes via remote control, and i am a happy man. Thanks bro.
Major props Mr Kopi. This video save me some money. Bought two batteries for 10 Dollars and was able to do it myself. Did not even have to reprogram my keys. They just worked. But i must admit, one key can only open by remote control but cannot close all doors so i still close it manually. WHY?? Let me know it u can. I will give this key to my wife as back up cos she rarely rides my BMW. The other key opens and closes via remote control, and i am a happy man. Thanks bro.
Major props Mr Kopi. This video save me some money. Bought two batteries for 10 Dollars and was able to do it myself. Did not even have to reprogram my keys. They just worked. But i must admit, one key can only open by remote control but cannot close all doors so i still close it manually. WHY?? Let me know it u can. I will give this key to my wife as back up cos she rarely rides my BMW. The other key opens and closes via remote control, and i am a happy man. Thanks bro.
@jamescreameriii Major props Mr Kopi. This video save me some money. Bought two batteries for 10 Dollars and was able to do it myself. Did not even have to reprogram my keys. They just worked. But i must admit, one key can only open by remote control but cannot close all doors so i still close it manually. WHY?? Let me know it u can. I will give this key to my wife as back up cos she rarely rides my BMW. The other key opens and closes via remote control, and i am a happy man. Thanks bro.