Chosen Solution
Locksmiths say they can fix it then never show up. Afraid to ask dealership to fix because of how much it could cost, but it is probably less than buying a new car. The car is 2005 BMW 325i with 150k miles. EWS3 with aftermarket key fob. Seems bonkers to me that changing a battery could cost me hundreds in repairs. Is this what BMW does now?
Hi @theosnames Try programming the key fob and check if that works
You lost the chip that talks to the security system. In aftermarket keys you have to program a chip with the same code as the original for it to work. These chips aren’t usually secured inside the key and can drop out if your not careful. It looks like a small piece of black plastic rectangular in shape. Open the key again and check. If you see a space similar then it’s missing.
Don’t know about BMW key fobs, but my Toy fobs will start the car if I hold them next to the start button if the battery is dead. Since this is an issue since you changed the battery, have you verified the LED lights when you push a button. If not the battery might be in backwards. It is also possible you got a bad battery. Happened to me once or twice.
