It’s a common question among BMW owners: how long will the battery in my key fob last? While there’s no definitive answer due to various influencing factors, understanding these elements can help you anticipate when a replacement might be needed.
Several circumstances can affect the lifespan of your BMW key fob battery. Environmental conditions play a significant role; extreme temperatures, whether very hot or very cold, especially when the key fob is not in use, can degrade battery life. Usage patterns are also crucial. Frequent use of the remote naturally drains the battery faster. Moreover, unintentionally pressing buttons while the fob is in your pocket can unknowingly deplete power, reducing its overall lifespan.
Fortunately, BMW has consistently incorporated low battery indicators into their vehicles for many years. Going back to models from the 1990s, such as the E38 and E39, a warning system has been in place for key fobs with replaceable batteries. Even older BMWs were equipped to alert drivers to a low key fob battery. For instance, the 2013 F06 650ix GC also provided a clear warning when its key fob battery was nearing depletion. These systems typically display a “check control” message on the dashboard, informing you it’s time to replace the battery in your key fob.
Experiences vary, but key fob batteries generally offer a reasonable service life. For example, the battery in a 2013 BMW 6 Series key fob lasted approximately 8 years before requiring replacement. This timeframe suggests you can expect several years of use from your BMW key fob battery under normal conditions.
In conclusion, while the exact lifespan of a battery for your BMW key fob is variable, understanding the factors that influence it and knowing that BMW provides low battery warnings can help you stay ahead of potential issues and ensure you’re never caught off guard by a dead key fob battery.
