Remote locking problem.

Hi All, new to this website as I am having a rather strange problem with the remote locking system on my 2005 X5.

A couple of weeks ago I came out of my house and tried to open my car with the remote but it wouldn't work. Thinking there was a problem with the key I got the spare but that didn't work either. I assumed a problem with the locking sensor and booked my X5 into my local BMW garage.

To cut a long storey short before it got to BMW I established that if I am within approx 1/2 a mile of my house the system will not work. Outside this radius the remote locking system works fine!!

I am guessing that perhaps some form of radio signal is blocking my remote signal. I live in the country side with my nearest neighbour 100 yds away and I am not aware of any new radio/telephone masts being erected locally which may have given a clue. The service guys at BMW haven't got an answer at the moment.

I am wondering if anybody else has had such a problem and whether anyone knows what frquency range the remotes work on. BMW are getting back to me on this question.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

I have seen 315 MHz and 433 MHz quoted for operating frequencies. Any "secret" military bases nearby?

Originally Posted by bob474

... anyone knows what frquency range the remotes work on. ...

Well, since this is an international forum...East Sussex could be anywhere on the globe. Your location/country of origin would have helped us to answer your question in fewer words.

As stated, BMW uses the 315 MHz & 433 MHz radio frequencies for its FZV central locking system. If you're in the USA/North America...it's 315..if you're in Europe...its 433. If you're on another continent...then you can run your VIN at the link below.

Click this link and type the last 7 digits of your car's VIN...then answer the simple math equation...and your car's build sheet will come up. Scroll down the list and you'll see either 315 MHz or 433 MHz listed as your radio frequency: http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/

Thanks Zulu 95 for info and no military of any sort in the area!!

Apologies QSilver7, East Sussex is in the south east of England. Thanks for the vin link, but couldn't find the freq, but as I am in Europe, I guess the it is 433 Mhz. However for now it's all a bit academic, as interestingly a couple of days ago, instead of not working within 1/2 a mile of my home, the remote worked everywhere except within 50 metres of my house and now today it is working fine again even in my driveway!!!

I guess what ever was interfering with it has been either turned off been relocated. I did wonder if something in my house may have caused it, but electronically nothing has been added or changed, and I would question how it could initially reach so far from house anyway.

Thanks again guys for taking time to respond. No doubt if it reoccurs or I find the answer to this mystery I will be on here again!

Merry Christmas

snap same thing has recently started happening to me with my x5
went through the same rig ma roll as you.

only happens now and then, when it plays up i just open with the key alarm has a fit turn the key and all is well again.

i live out in the gudz as well, funny enough my phone signal has been pants from when it started happening

might need to sale up and move closer to the town haha

Hi Thornton 1968,

Glad to hear I was not the only one. My girlfriends car was also slightly affected as you had to stand really close to get remote locking to work. Coincidently my wireless house alarm also gave up the ghost at the same time, but is also working fine now!!

May be those loons with tin foil hats know something we don't !!

All the best for 2013

would nae surprise me haha all the best m8

Check this site. http://www.metageek.net/forums/showt...z-Interference It seems that some amateur radios may cause problems.
I still think sneaky-beaky special ops types using special comm links had an op going on.

plenty of TA / SAS weekender types about these days haha