This is the scary part, the manual even acknowledges this potential problem, please make sure to test key fob functionality by pressing buttons at least three times....

well, what if it doesn't work?

I can still unlock door with physical key, and then start by inserting key fob into dash, even if battery is completely dead, right? I hope to get to the store tonight or tomorrow, but hope the battery doesn't die before then.

Also, to prior poster, manual says to use CR2032, not CR2025, what gives?

(I appreciate your photos though, helpful in showing how its done).

 

Actually think I said Bluetooth first, so my mistake not yours (and thanks for the support ) - and was going to make the same exact point, whatever the technology, fact of the matter is that the i-key has more energy drain than a typical fob.

 

one thing i have noticed on here, most people complaining about little things like this compare it to their old/current BMW... just an observation though

 

They are replaced. Take a look at TSB. There is a distinguishing symbol that is present on affected keys and the replacements. It is located in that area where it says "Siemens VDO" when you take the door key out.

I almost exclusively use the passive mode to enter car and still on stock batteries as well.

 

I've had mine for a year and while the range has diminished somewhat, still works fine.

+1 on the ikey being kept in pocket vs. in a port...defeats the whole purpose.

your ikey battery life might be lowered if you keep it somewhere where it is constantly being activated (near RF signals like...wireless devices, even tvs, etc)

 

my ikey is still good, and I havn't change the battery yet. I had the car since nov 2005.

I think it is the battery that you are using in the ikey.
don't buy thsoe cheap battery, and get some better ones.

 

I've had my ikey and car since Nov 2006. I got in an accident and the car was in the shop between dec 12th through the first week of feb, so I wasn't able to use it. Don't know how much the shop used the key to move the car around and whatever, but probably not daily.

Otherwise, I've driven my car daily, had the fobs replaced in a few months back with the recall.

But so far, I haven't had to replace the batteries or noticed a drop in range at all.

 

ok, to confirm, I almost NEVER use the buttons on the fob, and the fob is not being stored in a place where the buttons could be pushed continously.

I keep the fob in my desk drawer, i highly doubt it is sending RF signals there.

And the specified battery is not .99, but it cost me a lousy $4.79 plus 6% Michigan sales tax.

That is really lame.

I checked my service history, I got my replacement fobs less than 3 months ago.

I hope I just got a bum unit, and the fob won't cost me $15 a year in batteries.

 

You can find these batteries fairly inexpensive online.

http://www.infinitelights.com/cr2025batteries.html

 

I've had the same battery in my fob for 7 months and no issues at all. ???

 

guess I got ripped off...but by the time you pay shipping, its only about a dollar less, unless you buy 20 of them, then you get free shipping.

 

Can someone confirm the battery number for me? The key light has been flashing on my dash for the last few days and it's time for a new one.

Can I just go to my local Radio Shack or Fry's to find these rather than online?

 

In the owners manual for the 2007 coupe it says to use a CR2025.

I just opened my ikey and can confirm that the 2007+ sedan uses a CR2032.

 

Thanks!

I'm a 2006 coupe infiltrating the sedan section...shhhh.
I'll go look in my owners manual tonight.

 

I'll forgive you...this time...and probably the next time too. lol