BMW Key Fob Dead? Common Remote Issues & Solutions

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2007 BMW 5 series diesel. I have some basic car maintenance experience, mostly doing oil changes and simple repairs. My remote key also stopped working suddenly, and I also had to use manual entry. Turned out to be a faulty cable connection to the antenna module. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. The repair wasn't too complicated, they had to replace some corroded wiring and a connector. Cost me about 95 Euro for the whole fix, and everything's been working perfectly since then. Could you share more details about your error codes? Also, when did the problem start, was it gradual or sudden? This might help narrow down if you're dealing with the same issue I had. The 6 and 5 series share quite a few components, so I might be able to offer more specific advice.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My odometer shows 85869 KM, and actually my car was just serviced last month before this issue started. The problem came up suddenly after a rainy day, just stopped responding completely. Getting error code 2A1B which keeps popping up on the dash. Been driving BMWs for years but this is a new one for me. Haven't noticed any other electrical issues besides the key, and everything else runs fine. Might try checking those cable connections you mentioned before taking it to the shop. Good to know it wasn't too expensive of a fix in your case!

Hey again! Actually, after reading about your error code 2A1B and the fact that it started after rain, I'm even more convinced we had the same issue. My problem also started after some heavy rain, which makes total sense now, water probably got into those connections. Just wanted to add that when this happened to my 5 series (which had about 90K on the clock at the time), I initially tried checking the connections myself. Found some green corrosion around the antenna wiring connector, but didn't want to mess with it too much since these BMW systems can be pretty sensitive. One thing I learned during my repair, the mechanic mentioned that these problems are pretty common in our generation of BMWs, especially after they've been exposed to various weather conditions for several years. The connection points can get weak over time and moisture just speeds up the corrosion. If you're handy with cars, you might be able to spot the corroded connections yourself, but honestly, given how critical the immobilizer system is, I'd recommend getting it checked by a pro. Better safe than sorry with these electronic systems. Let me know how it goes, really curious if it turns out to be the same issue!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! You're probably right about getting a professional to handle it. While I'm comfortable with basic maintenance, I don't want to risk messing up the electrical system. The fact that your issue also started after rain and had similar symptoms makes me feel better about the potential fix. Just called my mechanic and booked it in for tomorrow morning. Thankfully it sounds like it won't break the bank! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's incredibly helpful to hear from someone who's dealt with the same problem. I'll definitely update once I get it sorted. Fingers crossed it's just those corroded connections like in your case!