Keys - Battery dead

[salkop]

Anybody know how i can either change the battery in my exist key or get a new key without having to pay BMW $220 for a new key. :(

Seems crazy that the only way to fix a key that no longer remotely locks/unlocks the doors is to buy a new key for $220/key. It's a $5 battery!!!! I have a 2004 X3.

[Hattori Hanzo]

How do you know the battery's dead? Have you tried to reprogram the key?

[Andrew*Debbie]

Here is a key battery DIY.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=451510

[Coffeeman]

I was told that the key batteries were re-chargeable. They are supposed to charge when in the ignition. This is why I rotate keys about every six months, to keep them both charged.

[X3bmw4ever]

My SA told me the same as COFFEEMAN stated. Rotate the keys every so often so that they stay charged. Never had a problem with the keys for my 2005 X3.

[HT417]

My SA mentioned driving about 30 miles to charge a dead one.