BMW i5 Key Fob Problems? Common Issues & Solutions

Hey there! I've got some experience with EVs (intermediate level enthusiast). I had a similar issue with my 2022 BMW i4 (also have an iX in the garage). Key fob problems can be frustrating! Mine showed the exact same symptoms, keyless entry stopped working and got dashboard warnings. Took it to my regular workshop, and yep, it was just the key battery. The replacement was quick, about 20 minutes including paperwork, and cost me 37 Euro for the battery swap. They used a genuine part to ensure everything works properly. Before suggesting more specifics, could you share: Are you still able to start the car using the physical key? Does the warning message appear constantly or intermittently? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? This info would help me share more relevant details from my experience.

Thanks for your detailed response! Yes, I can still start the car with the physical key. The warning shows up every time I start the car. No other electrical issues so far. My last service was just 2 months ago at 82109 KM. Really hoping it's just the key battery like in your case, that sounds like a much simpler fix than I was worried about. Did you notice any warning signs before your key completely stopped working? I'll probably book it in soon just to be safe.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i5. Yes, I remember having some warning signs before my i4's key totally gave up. For about two weeks before the complete failure, I noticed the key would work intermittently, sometimes I'd need to get really close to the car for it to recognize the key, which wasn't normal. Since your symptoms match mine exactly (working physical key, consistent warning message, no other electrical issues), I'm even more convinced it's the same battery issue I had. With my i4, I also noticed this happened around the 80,000 KM mark, pretty similar to where you're at. Just to save you some potential hassle, when you book it in, ask them specifically about the key battery replacement. My first appointment they didn't have the right battery in stock (these EVs use a specific type), which meant I had to come back. Bit annoying, but at least it's a quick fix when they do have the part. Have to say, besides this minor problem, these new BMWs are pretty reliable. My key's been working perfectly since the battery replacement, no issues for the past 8 months. Let me know how it goes when you get it sorted!

Thanks so much for all this helpful info! It's really reassuring to hear your experience was so similar to mine, especially with that detail about the key needing to be closer to the car before it stopped working completely, I've actually noticed that too but didn't think much of it at the time. Really good tip about making sure they have the battery in stock beforehand, definitely going to mention that when I call to book. I'll probably try to get it in next week since I'd rather deal with it now than risk getting stuck somewhere with a dead key. I agree about the reliability, this is my first issue since getting the car, and if it's just a battery, that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. I'll update you once I get it sorted. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's made me feel a lot better about the whole situation!