BMW X4 Key Fob Problems: Dead Battery or System Issue?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2021 BMW X3 last month (I have some experience working on cars, but mostly basic maintenance). The symptoms were exactly like yours, key fob acting up and getting those annoying battery warnings. Took it to my regular workshop and turns out it was just a dying key battery. They replaced it with a new CR2032 battery, reprogrammed the key, and everything worked perfectly again. The whole thing cost me 37 Euro, including labor. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Does your key still work when held directly against the steering column? Are you getting any specific error codes? Is this happening with all your keys or just one? This could help rule out any other potential issues with the car's security system itself.

Thanks for the detailed response! Just had my car serviced at 188670 KM and this issue started right after. In my case, the key actually does work when pressed against the steering column, but it's happening with both keys. I've also noticed the central locking sometimes activates out of nowhere when I'm walking away from the car. No specific error codes showing up though, just that generic "key battery low" warning. I'll try the battery replacement first since that seems like the most logical starting point. Good to know it was a straightforward fix in your case. Just curious, did you notice any weird behavior with your central locking system before replacing the battery? Thanks again for your help!

Hey again! Yes, actually I did notice some strange central locking behavior before I got the battery replaced. My X3 would sometimes out of nowhere lock and unlock, especially when I was just a few feet away from the car, super annoying! Since you mentioned both keys are acting up and it started right after servicing, this reminds me exactly of what I went through. In my case, I initially thought it might be something the workshop had messed up during the service, but it really was just a coincidence with the timing of the batteries going weak. One thing I forgot to mention in my earlier reply, before I got the batteries replaced, I also noticed the range getting shorter and shorter. Like, I had to be really close to the car for the keyless entry to work, until it eventually stopped working altogether. Given that you're experiencing the same symptoms with both keys, I'd definitely start with changing those batteries. It's a pretty common issue around the 180-200k mark, which is right where your car's at. Just make sure to get good quality batteries, I learned that lesson the hard way when I initially tried using some cheap ones that only lasted a couple of months! Let me know how it goes after the battery replacement. I'm curious to hear if it solves your issue too!

Thanks so much for the follow-up! That's really helpful to know about the unusual locking behavior, it's exactly what I'm experiencing. The range issue you mentioned makes total sense too, as I've noticed I need to be practically touching the car now for it to respond. I'll definitely take your advice about getting quality batteries. No point saving a few bucks only to deal with this hassle again in a couple months! It's actually quite relieving to hear this is probably just a battery issue and not something more serious with the car's electronics. I'll get both key batteries replaced tomorrow and update you on how it goes. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's been super helpful! It's good to know I'm not the only one who's dealt with this kind of thing. Thanks again for all your help!