BMW XM Keyless Entry Failure: Causes & Solutions

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW X6 (also have an X5). I have some experience working on cars but mostly basic maintenance stuff. When my key fob started acting up, I got those same warning messages. Took it to my regular workshop and turned out it was just a dead battery in the key fob. The mechanic replaced it in about 10 minutes, cost me 37 Euro total. They also cleared those error codes and everything went back to normal. Could you share what specific warning messages you're getting on your dash? Also, how long have you had these symptoms? This info would help confirm if we're dealing with the same issue. One important thing the mechanic mentioned was that it's better to replace the key battery before it dies completely, as it can sometimes cause those error codes to stick.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got 135159 KM on my XM, and just like your case, these issues started popping up recently. The dash mainly shows "Key not detected" and "Check control system" warnings. It's acting up when I try to lock/unlock the car, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Battery replacement sounds like a simple fix, certainly hope that's all it is! Did your mechanic mention if this is a common issue with newer BMWs?

Ah yes, those are exactly the same warnings I got! And looking at your mileage, it makes sense, my X6 was showing similar symptoms around the 130,000 km mark. Actually, my mechanic did mention this is pretty common with newer BMWs. He told me they're seeing more and more of these cases, especially in models from 2020 onwards. Something about the newer key fobs being more power-hungry because of all the extra features they pack in. Just to add to my earlier reply, after the battery replacement, I learned that you can actually check the key fob battery status in the vehicle settings menu. Would've been helpful to know before it started acting up! My mechanic showed me how to do it, and now I check it every few months just to stay ahead of any issues. The unusual working/not working thing you mentioned? That's exactly what mine did too. Super annoying when you're trying to get to work in the morning! But yeah, new battery sorted it all out. Just make sure they clear those error codes after replacing the battery, mine needed that to fully reset everything back to normal. Let me know how it goes after you get it checked out!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! Just got back from my mechanic and you were spot on, it was the key fob battery. Cost me about the same as yours and took no time at all. The mechanic showed me that battery status menu you mentioned, really handy feature I never knew about! Definitely going to keep an eye on it from now on. All those warning messages are gone now, and the keyless entry is working perfectly again. Pretty relieved it wasn't anything more serious. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, saved me a lot of worry! And good to know this is actually common in newer BMWs, makes me feel better about the whole thing. Thanks again for the help!