BMW i5 Key Fob Issues: Remote Functions Not Working

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2022 BMW i4. I have some experience working on cars, but electrical problems are tricky. My remote locking went crazy and the keyless start stopped working too. After trying the usual stuff like replacing the key fob battery, I took it to my trusted workshop. Turned out it was a loose connection in the antenna cable near the front bumper. The whole diagnosis and repair took about an hour, cost me 95 Euro. Such a relief it wasn't anything major! Now everything works perfectly again. Which trim level is your i5? Also, are you getting any specific error messages on the display? This info would help me tell if it's exactly the same issue I had. BTW, these issues seem pretty common with BMW's newer electric models. My has an iX and dealt with something similar.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got the M Sport trim level, and yes, I'm getting error code CB-4021 on the display. Just hit 5204 KM at my latest service last week, so it's quite frustrating to deal with this so early. Really hoping it's just a loose connection like in your case. The dealership quoted me a much higher repair cost, so I might check out some independent workshops that specialize in EVs. Did your warranty cover the repair?

Hey again! Yeah, that's exactly the same error code I got with my i4! Sorry to hear you're dealing with this so early in the car's life. My i4 had around 15,000 KM when it happened. Since your i5 is a 2024 model, this should definitely be covered under warranty, mine wasn't covered because I bought my i4 used and the warranty had expired. Independent workshops are great (that's how I saved money on my repair), but since yours is still under warranty, I'd push back on the dealership. They should handle this at no cost to you. The CB-4021 code is specifically related to the antenna communication system, so it's almost certainly the same issue I had. Quick tip though, before you take it in, check if there's any visible damage to the front bumper, even minor scratches. Sometimes even a small impact can cause these antenna connection issues. The dealership might try to claim impact damage to avoid a warranty repair (they tried this with my 's iX). Let me know how it goes. Really curious if it's the same simple fix as mine was!

Thanks for the detailed advice! That's really helpful about checking the bumper first, I just went out and gave it a thorough inspection, and there's no visible damage at all, so they can't use that excuse. You're absolutely right about pushing back on the warranty coverage. I've just called the dealership again and firmly mentioned that I know this is a known issue with the CB-4021 code being antenna-related. They're suddenly being much more cooperative and have scheduled me in for tomorrow morning, fully covered under warranty! Really appreciate your tip about the independent workshops too, I'll keep that in mind for future repairs once the warranty expires. Will definitely update you once it's fixed. Thanks again for helping me avoid what could have been an expensive repair!