BMW iX Key Fob Failure: Dead Battery or System Issue?

Hey! I have some experience with EVs, as I own a 2020 BMW i4 (also have driven the i3). I had exactly the same issue last month, super annoying when you're trying to get in your car! The key fob battery was completely drained. Got it fixed at my regular workshop, they replaced the battery in about 15 minutes. Cost me 37 Euro for parts and labor. Quick tip: There's actually a backup method to start the car even with a dead key fob, hold the key against a specific spot on the steering column (check your manual for the exact location). What year is your iX exactly, and which trim level do you have? That might help me give you more specific advice about the key system. Has the warning message changed at all since it first appeared?

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got a 2022 BMW iX that's currently at 112152 KM, and just had my latest service done recently. I tried that steering column trick you mentioned, super helpful! But I'm still getting those warning messages on the dash. Bit concerned since it's not just the key system acting up, but also showing that battery warning. Tried getting a new battery for the key fob from a local shop but no luck so far. Really hoping it's just a simple fix like yours was. You mentioned 37 Euro for your repair, that sounds way better than what I was worrying about! Going to try scheduling a dealer visit soon if these warnings keep up.

Hey again! Thanks for the update on your iX situation. I totally get your concern, especially with those persistent warning messages even after trying the steering column trick I suggested. You know what? When this happened with my i4, I initially thought changing the key fob battery would fix everything too. But here's the thing, even after I got that new battery, I still had some warning messages for a couple of days. Turns out there was also a small issue with the key fob's internal chip that needed to be reset by the dealer. The 37 Euro I mentioned was just for the basic battery replacement. In the end, I had to pay a bit more (around 150) because they needed to reprogram the key fob to sync properly with the car's system. Kind of annoying, but it fixed all the issues completely. Given that your iX is showing both key system and battery warnings, I'd definitely recommend getting it checked at the dealer rather than just trying another key fob battery. Better safe than sorry with these high-tech systems, right? The good news is, even with the reprogramming, it's usually a pretty quick fix. Let me know how it goes at the dealer, curious to hear if you run into the same thing I did!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! Your experience definitely makes me feel better about the whole situation. I'll skip trying another local shop and just head straight to the dealer, sounds like these key fobs need proper programming anyway. The fact that you also had lingering warning messages even after changing the battery is really helpful to know. I was worried something major might be wrong, but hearing that yours was resolved with reprogramming gives me hope. Even if it ends up costing around 150 like yours did, that's way better than what I was imagining! Will definitely get it scheduled with the dealer this week. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's helped me understand what I might be dealing with. I'll update you once I get it sorted out!