Lost your BMW motorcycle key fob or need to synchronize a new one? This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for synchronizing a new BMW key fob with Keyless Ride, specifically focusing on models like the R1200RT. Whether you’ve ordered a Bmw New Key Fob or are facing a dead battery in your current fob without the emergency key, this procedure will get you back on the road.
Understanding BMW Keyless Ride and Key Fob Technology
BMW’s Keyless Ride system offers convenient, key-free operation. The key fob, beyond its battery-powered transmitter for remote functions, incorporates a passive RFID chip, similar to the emergency key. This passive chip is crucial for initial synchronization and can also be a lifesaver when the fob battery dies and the emergency key is unavailable. The synchronization process relies on bringing this passive chip close to the Keyless Ride antenna on your motorcycle, allowing it to communicate and authenticate with the bike’s system.
Synchronizing Your New BMW Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide
The following steps detail how to synchronize your bmw new key fob. This procedure is based on experiences with a 2016 R1200RT but should be applicable to other BMW models with Keyless Ride.
Preparation: Tools and Precautions
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and take a few precautions:
- Tool: T25 Torx driver (usually found in your BMW motorcycle’s toolkit under the seat).
- Ensure your motorcycle’s engine and ignition are off for at least one minute before starting.
- Move your old key fob, phone, emergency key, and any other potential sources of radio interference away from the motorcycle to prevent conflicts during the synchronization process.
Step 1: Accessing the Keyless Ride Antenna
The Keyless Ride antenna on the BMW R1200RT is located behind the dash, within the ‘beak’ of the bike. Accessing it requires removing a few components:
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Remove the Windscreen: Carefully detach the windscreen using your hands or appropriate tools if needed.
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Remove the Plastic Cover: Beneath the windscreen, there’s a plastic cover. This piece typically has no screws and can be gently lifted and removed.
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Detach the Windshield Adjustment Cover: Locate and remove the two screws (#3 in the diagram of parts 1 & 2) at the top of the windshield adjustment cover (part # 46637728788).
Alt Text: Location of screws to remove on the BMW R1200RT windshield adjustment cover for key fob synchronization process.
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Release Push Pins: The lower part of the windshield adjustment cover (closer to the headlights) is secured by plastic push pins inserted through rubber grommets. Gently but firmly pull upwards on this lower section to disengage the push pins and free the piece. This piece includes the GPS mount, which will remain connected by wires. Carefully position the entire piece aside, ensuring the GPS mount is not strained.
Alt Text: Removing the top plastic cover of a BMW R1200RT motorcycle to access the Keyless Ride antenna for new key fob programming.
Step 2: Key Fob Synchronization Procedure
With the windshield adjustment cover moved aside, you now have access to the Keyless Ride antenna.
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Prepare the New Key Fob: Open the metal key portion of your bmw new key fob. Hold the fob by the metal key part.
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Position the Fob at the Antenna: Place the new fob directly against the Keyless Ride antenna, which is located behind the dash.
Alt Text: Close-up view of the Keyless Ride antenna location behind the dashboard of a BMW R1200RT motorcycle, essential for key fob syncing.
Alt Text: Proper placement of the new BMW key fob against the Keyless Ride antenna during the synchronization process.
Alt Text: Alternative angle showing the BMW new key fob held against the motorcycle’s Keyless Ride antenna for successful programming.
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Activate Ignition: Press the ignition button on your motorcycle.
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Observe Indicator Light: The ignition should turn on, and you may see a “key with a question mark” symbol on the display. This is normal during the synchronization process. You do not need to start the engine.
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Turn Off Ignition: Press the ignition button again to turn the ignition off.
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Remove Key Fob: You can now remove the bmw new key fob from the antenna area.
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Wait: Wait for at least one minute.
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Test the New Fob: Attempt to turn on the ignition using your new key fob as you normally would, keeping it in your pocket or usual operating distance.
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Verify Synchronization: The ignition should turn on without the “key with question mark” light, indicating successful synchronization.
Step 3: Reassembly
Once the synchronization is successful, you can reassemble the removed components in reverse order.
- When reattaching the windshield adjustment cover, consider using a small amount of liquid silicon lubricant on the push pins to ease their insertion into the rubber grommets. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants as they can damage plastic and rubber parts. If unsure, reassemble without any lubricant.
Addressing a Dead Key Fob Battery Without Emergency Key
This same synchronization procedure can be used if your key fob battery is dead and you do not have access to your emergency key. The passive RFID chip in the bmw new key fob will still function when placed close to the antenna, allowing you to start your motorcycle. Follow the same steps outlined above to access the antenna and synchronize the fob, effectively bypassing the need for a working battery in this emergency situation.
Conclusion
Synchronizing a bmw new key fob or dealing with a dead battery situation on a Keyless Ride BMW motorcycle can be straightforward with the right guidance. By following these steps, you can ensure your new key fob is properly programmed and regain access to your ride, even without a working fob battery or emergency key. This procedure provides a practical solution for common key fob related issues, getting you back on the road quickly and safely.
