key fob range - the e90's only flaw?

Does it bother anyone that the e90's key fob only works from a distance of about 10 feet? In my mind, this makes the roll-down-all-the-windows-by-holding-the-open-doors-button feature totally worthless because I'm already in the car by the time it works. Zero coolness factor.

It was 95 degrees today and I wanted to open the windows from my friend's inside apartment -- no dice, I was 20 feet away. Forget if you locked your car when you're almost in the store and you have to walk close enough to spit on it to get a lock confirmation.

Is this a safety or anti-theft feature, so that you don't accidentally unlock it when you're away from the car? It's hard to imagine this is an oversight by BMW. Maybe it has something to do with comfort access and the close proximity required to open a door.

If there was a panic button, it would also be worthless.

try pressing the key onto your chin. this works well w/ the e46 keys. not sure if this would work w/ the e90 keys though.

My range is a good 25' + ... methinks something ain't right with yours.

And the holding-to-your-chin trick definitely works.. basically radiates the signal from your body somehow and extends range. I've done this for years with several cars.

When I had my e90 the key fob worked from ~80 feet away. Maybe yours is defective

Edit: Oh crap..I just noticed you have CA - I didn't.

Originally Posted by KevinC

My range is a good 25' + ... methinks something ain't right with yours.

And the holding-to-your-chin trick definitely works.. basically radiates the signal from your body somehow and extends range. I've done this for years with several cars.

its not a tumor

I had the same problem up until tonight. The damn thing wouldn't work further than 15 feet away. Well I found in the manual it says that those of us with CA can change our battery and don't need to order a new FOB like those without CA would have to do. So I went out to Walmart, bought a replacement battery for $4, poped it in and now I get a range of 30 to 45 feet. It's great! I can hear my car lock (Factory alarm installed) from inside my bedroom when the car is out in the garage.

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

I had the same problem up until tonight. The damn thing wouldn't work further than 15 feet away. Well I found in the manual it says that those of us with CA can change our battery and don't need to order a new FOB like those without CA would have to do. So I went out to Walmart, bought a replacement battery for $4, poped it in and now I get a range of 30 to 45 feet. It's great! I can hear my car lock (Factory alarm installed) from inside my bedroom when the car is out in the garage.

Hmm sounds good...will report back later on whether or not this works. Or maybe I'll insist the dealer change the battery during my oil change.