BMW Keyless Entry Dead? Battery Warning Signals Alert

Hey there! I actually had this exact same issue with my 2017 BMW 7 Series 730d last month. The key battery was totally dead, but there was also a problem with the key's internal circuit board. Initially thought it was just the battery, but when the new battery didn't solve it, turned out the moisture had damaged some connections inside the key fob. Took it to a certified shop because my old mechanic couldn't handle BMW's security system properly. They had to reprogram the key and fix the circuit board. It wasn't just a simple battery swap, the whole key needed attention. The system memory errors cleared up after they sorted everything out. Not super serious in terms of car mechanics, but definitely needed proper diagnostic equipment to fix it right. There's a backup method where you can hold the key against the steering column to start the car even with a dead key battery, that's what got me to the shop.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! I had almost identical problems on my 8, good to know I'm not alone. The certified shop route seems like the way to go then. Quick question though, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole fix? And has everything been working smoothly since they repaired it? Just want to get an idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise and if it's a lasting solution.

Hey again! Glad to help follow up about my 7 Series situation. Yes, everything's been working perfectly since I got it fixed! The keyless entry works like a charm now, and that annoying battery warning message is completely gone. The total bill came to 37€ for me since they only needed to replace the key battery and do a quick reprogramming, I got lucky compared to what I initially feared! Much better than I expected, especially since I was worried about needing a whole new key fob. Trust me, seeing that qualified mechanic was definitely worth it. The car recognizes the key straight away now, no more holding it against the steering column or dealing with those frustrating warning messages. Been about a month now and haven't had a single problem with the system. Considering how expensive these cars can be to fix, I'd say I dodged a bullet by getting it sorted quickly before any bigger issues developed. Let me know how you get on with yours!

Thanks for all the details! Just wanted to update you on what happened with my car. I took your advice and went to a certified shop yesterday. Turns out my issue was a bit more complicated, they found some corrosion on the key's circuit board plus needed to replace the battery. The whole thing cost me about 150€, which was more than yours but still reasonable considering they had to fix the circuit board. They took care of everything in about two hours while I waited in their lounge area. The mechanic showed me the corroded parts and explained everything clearly, which was refreshing after my previous experiences. Car's working perfectly now, no more warning messages and the keyless entry is responding like new. The mechanic also gave me some tips about preventing moisture damage in the future. Really glad I asked here and followed your suggestion about going to a certified shop. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!