2001 bmw 330i key problem

hi, my car key is crazy :screwy:...it unlocks but I have to lock it manually, can you please help....what can b wrong with it? local dealer sucks... any ideas what could possibly be wrong? [email protected]

I suspect that the battery in the key is nearly dead. It happened with one of the keys on my 2004 325CI. If you have the problem with most other cars, it's as simple as purchasing a new battery from Autozone or Radio Shack and installing it yourself ... $5 or so and you're good to go. Not so (at least with mine) ... BMW keys are designed with replacement in mind, but replacement of the entire key ($200+) not just the battery.

Key replacement is a great alternative if you're willing to spend the $. If not, there's an article elsewhere in "Automotive Forums" with pictures that shows how to disassemble a BMW key, where to order the battery from, how to solder it in, and how to clue it back together. I followed the steps, ended up buying two batteries (neither fit correctly tho' both were the same number as the original), and reassembled the key. The key looks the same, but still doesn't remotely lock or unlock the car ... :frown:.

Steve
Dallas, Texas

press: trunk release and lock buttons together if battery and key eeprom are working the led will come on for one sec.

also battery has to be between 3.2 and 2.6 V for transmitter to work properly

if voltage falls below 2.2V you will not be able to unlock vehicle.

I do have same problem.
please help me out