Experiencing problems with your 2015 BMW key fob? You’re not alone. Many BMW owners encounter frustrating situations where their key fob suddenly stops working, even after a battery replacement. This article delves into a common issue faced by 2015 BMW owners – key fob battery problems – and explores practical solutions based on real-world experiences.
Like many BMW drivers, I recently faced the dreaded “key fob not working” scenario with my 2015 BMW. Thinking it was a simple fix, I replaced the battery with a fresh, unopened Sony CR2032 battery, which read a healthy 3.1 volts on my multimeter. To my surprise, the key fob remained unresponsive. I tried a second new battery, also a Sony CR2032, but still no luck.
Frustrated, I headed to my local BMW dealership, BMW San Francisco, and spoke with a service advisor. The options presented were less than ideal:
- Try a BMW Branded CR2032 Battery: Costing $9.00, this was the initial suggestion.
- Key Fob Diagnostic: If the BMW battery didn’t work, a $458 diagnostic was recommended to assess the remote.
- Key Fob Replacement: If the diagnostic failed to resolve the issue, a key fob replacement at a hefty $650 (on top of the diagnostic cost) was proposed.
Alternatively, they suggested bypassing the diagnostic and directly opting for a key fob replacement, bringing the total cost to a staggering $1100 versus $660. Faced with these expensive choices, I started considering aftermarket alternatives like the Bimmertech key fob, priced at $485. You can explore their options here: Bimmertech BMW Key Fobs. (Note: Ensure you input your VIN on their site to see the correct key fob options and pricing for your specific BMW model.)
A close-up view of a CR2032 battery being inserted into a BMW key fob, highlighting the common DIY battery replacement process for 2015 BMW models.
Before committing to expensive repairs, I decided to try the dealership’s first suggestion: the $9 BMW CR2032 battery. I inquired with the parts department if they frequently encountered customers in my situation – replacing a seemingly good aftermarket battery only to find it didn’t work. The parts specialist confirmed it was a common occurrence, happening at least once a month.
And indeed, using the BMW-supplied battery was the key! Suddenly, my remote was working again. Initially, I had received a key fob error message (the exact wording escapes me now), but the fob was still functional. I preemptively decided to change the battery. The original battery, when tested, still showed 2.9 volts and was working. It was the aftermarket batteries, despite reading 3.1v and 3.0v respectively on my digital multimeter (DMM), that failed to power the key fob. Interestingly, the 3.1v Sony battery, after my dealership visit, now read only 2.7v!
This experience highlights a crucial point for 2015 BMW key fob owners: not all CR2032 batteries are created equal when it comes to BMW key fobs. While aftermarket batteries might seem identical and even register the correct voltage, they may not be fully compatible with the specific voltage or current requirements of your BMW key fob.
The good news is that I avoided a costly diagnostic and key fob replacement, resolving the issue for just $9. While the logic behind why some CR2032 batteries work and others don’t remains a bit of a mystery, the practical takeaway is clear: for your 2015 BMW key fob, starting with a genuine BMW battery is highly recommended.
Have you experienced similar key fob battery issues with your 2015 BMW? Share your feedback and solutions in the comments below! Your experiences can help other BMW owners navigate this common problem.
