Experiencing trouble with your BMW key fob not inserting or locking into the ignition slot can be incredibly frustrating. One BMW 650i convertible owner recently faced this exact issue: their key fob simply refused to stay in the slot, constantly being ejected. Even though the car would still start, the inconvenience of having to re-insert the fob every time they stopped, just to clear the “key in ignition” message, was a major annoyance.
Turning to the dealership for help proved unhelpful and expensive. The BMW dealer reportedly dismissed the problem, claiming no knowledge of such issues and demanding a hefty $175 diagnostic fee just to look at it. This lack of support, even with a partial warranty, left the owner searching for solutions elsewhere.
Fortunately, a breakthrough came from an unexpected source: an online BMW forum. While researching brake pad replacement, the owner stumbled upon a thread discussing similar key fob problems. Following advice from fellow BMW enthusiasts, they decided to try a somewhat unconventional approach – forcefully jamming the key fob into the slot.
To their astonishment, this seemingly brute-force method worked! After jamming the fob in, it clicked into place as it should, and the issue disappeared. The owner expressed immense relief and gratitude towards the online forum community for providing a solution that the official dealer couldn’t.
Adding to the positive outcome, the owner also found an independent mechanic (“Indy”) through the same online forum, who offered to replace their brake pads at a significantly lower cost than the dealership quoted. This experience highlights the value of community knowledge and DIY spirit within the BMW owner community.
While “jamming” the key fob might sound like a risky fix, it apparently resolved the issue in this particular case. If you’re facing a similar problem with your BMW key fob not locking in the slot, this simple trick might be worth trying before resorting to expensive dealer diagnostics or repairs. And if the problem returns, considering a DIY key slot replacement could be a cost-effective alternative.
