BMW iX1 Key Fob Failure: Fix Needed for Remote Access

Hey there! I actually faced a similar issue with my 2019 BMW i3. The symptoms were nearly identical, key fob became unreliable and I had to use the physical key. Turned out it was indeed the antenna connection, but not the bumper one, it was the cable connection to the main control module that had come loose. Fixed it last month at the service center. The mechanic showed me that several connector pins were corroded, affecting the signal transmission. They had to replace the entire cable harness and reprogram the key fob. Not a major repair in terms of complexity, but definitely something that needed professional attention since it involves the car's security system. My suggestion would be to have it checked at an authorized service center since they'll have the right diagnostic tools for these newer electric models. The issue isn't typically serious if addressed promptly, but leaving it unfixed could lead to complete key fob failure. Hope this helps, Mark

Thanks for sharing this, it's really helpful! I've been worried about taking it to the wrong place, but hearing about your experience with the service center makes me feel better about going that route. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the repair, or have you noticed any other quirks?

Glad I could help! Yes, everything's been working perfectly since I got it fixed, no more fumbling with the physical key, which is such a relief! The key fob's working like a charm now, just as it should. About the cost, I paid 95 € for the repair, which turned out to be a faulty cable connection in the bumper antenna area. Once they sorted that out, the problem was completely resolved. Honestly, it was worth every penny just to have that peace of mind and get back to the convenience of keyless operation. It's been about three weeks since the repair, and I haven't noticed any other issues. The diagnostic tools they used really helped pinpoint the exact problem, which meant they could fix it right the first time. Sometimes these electrical gremlins can be tricky to track down, but the service center knew exactly what they were doing. Let me know how you get on with yours!

Just wanted to update you, I took your advice and got my iX1 checked at the service center today. You were spot on about the diagnostic tools making a difference! Turns out my issue was also connection-related, though in my case it was actually a loose wire harness near the steering column. The repair took about two hours, and I paid a bit more than you did, around 150 €, but honestly, it was worth it. The key fob's working perfectly now, and they even gave everything a thorough check while they were at it. Such a relief not having to use the physical key anymore! Really appreciate your help with this. It's nice to know someone else went through the same thing and came out fine on the other side. The mechanic did mention these issues are fairly common in newer models, so I'm glad I didn't wait any longer to get it fixed. Thanks again for the guidance!