Battery in key fob dead...how to replace?

[Cobra88]

How do I open my key fob for my 2007 x5? Looks like I need a new battery...and after the battery change, do I need to have it reprogrammed? It was working fine before....thanks.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If your BMW fob is like the ones they use for the MINI, there are two types. One is for the cars with "comfort access", where you just have to have the fob in your pocket to start the car. The other is for cars without.

On cars without comfort access, the battery in the fob is recharged when the fob is in the key-slot--so every time you are driving. Cars with comfort access have replaceable batteries.

On the MINI, I believe there is a trim ring that is pulled out to open up the comfort-access fob. The details are shown in the owner's manual. If your car still has one of those, I strongly suggest you check in there to make sure I'm not steering you completely wrong.

If your standard key fob stops charging in a MINI, you have to replace the fob and have it and/or the car re-programmed by the dealer. $$$$.

--DD