The battery for your key depends on the key fob. But the most common BMW key batteries are 3v coin batteries like the: CR2032, CR2450 and the rechargeable VL2020.

BMW car keys must be programmed, this is usually done at a BMW dealership. When I lost a key, it cost roughly $400 to have the dealership program a new key. I had to give them a copy of my drivers license and registration as well. Not cheap.

If you have a key fob with a rechargeable battery, the VL2020, your key will charge when it is placed into the ignition of your BMW vehicle. The VL2020 can eventually go bad, and to replace it you’ll need a soldering kit. Check out one of our videos to see how to replace a rechargeable key battery.

The year isn’t so much as important the type of BMW key fob type. Different vehicles and even the same model will often use multiple or different fob types. See our table above with pictures of every fob type. It’s likely for 2011 you have a CR 2450, but double check above.

BMW Key Fobs – Everything You Need To Know

BMW offers a whole menu of advanced features, like doors that unlock and lock with touch or drive profiles that remember the position you sit in.

And how about those key fobs, huh? They’re small but equipped with the power of convenience. You never want to lose or break one, but sometimes it happens. If that’s the case, keep reading to figure out what you need to know before replacing it.

Types of BMW Key Fobs

Key fobs have dominated the car sales key market for a good bit now. Even in 2019, 91% of model-year vehicles featured keyless ignitions.

BMW and its luxury vehicles were ahead of this trend, however. BMW vehicles have offered sales of key remotes for the last 20+ years. And with the 2021 debut of its digital key, there’re no signs of its position changing. Digital key aside, the standard fob model menu is as follows:

Turn-in-Key Ignition

This version comes with a metal blade that you push into the ignition and turn to the start position. It still features a lock and unlock function along with a hold-release truck button. Plus, the panic alarm is always handy, so you don’t ever have to search for the car in the parking lot.

Keyless (Non-Comfort Access) Entry

A Non-Comfort Access key fob doesn’t require a traditional metal blade to start your BMW. The remote has an unlock and lock button, a trunk release feature, and a panic alarm. BMW models with these devices have Push-to-Start ignitions, but you’ll have to insert your key fob into a slot near your steering wheel.

Comfort Access

You don’t need to remove this BMW Key Fob to unlock, lock, or start and stop your vehicle. The only button you need to press is the ignition.

Comfort Access vs. BMW Keyless Entry

BMW Comfort Access and keyless entry are similar, but a few key functions differ. Both key fobs include:

• Remote lock and unlock
• Push-button ignition

However, Comfort Acess has a proximity function. This feature means that if you’re within 5ft of your vehicle, your car door automatically unlocks by touching the handle. Additionally, you can lock your doors by tapping the handle’s top.

Opening your trunk is also accessible. Comfort Access keys with Automatic Tailgate lets you pop the gate with a tap of your foot. A sensor under specific models registers the tap and automatically opens and closes your trunk. Furthermore, Comfort Access means keeping your BMW key fob in your pocket when starting/stopping your vehicle.

FAQs

How Do I Get A BMW Key Fob?

Rather than share a single device, you can get additional fobs for all your different family members. You can select a series key and purchase a replacement (which we’ll discuss below), or check out the steps below. If you already have an inventory of working devices, it’s easy to change and sync additional devices for your BMW. The steps are as follows:

1. Take your working device inside the car, closing all windows and doors. Have the unprogrammed fobs on your person as well, so you don’t have to search for them later.
2. Insert your working device in the ignition and turn to position 1. The dashboard will light up, but your engine should remain off.
3. Put the device back into the original position and remove it.
4. Hold down the unlock button on your working device. Simultaneously, hit the BMW logo button three times, then let go of the unlock button.
5. Go back and repeat the process for all additional remotes.

How Much Is A BMW Key Fob Replacement?

The cost of a replacement key fob will depend on your vehicle and where you purchase your fob from. You’ll have the option to choose a reputable online company for a replacement fob or head to your local dealership.

A dealership can charge anywhere between $400 and $650 for a lost fob. But, at least you won’t have to go to the dealer to program it. All new ones are already pre-programmed for your specific model.

Although the price is far from free, you’ll potentially save in other ways. According to Kelley Blue Book, a dealer typically won’t program a remote unless you purchased it from them. Plus, a dealer typically requires your car to be present for programming service. A pre-programmed BMW remote will save you from having your vehicle towed to the dealer’s automotive shop.

If you don’t want to make the Mon.-Fri. 8:00am early hours trip to your dealer site, search for legitimate sellers on the internet. Legitimate sellers program your BMW key. Since the service is remote, you won’t have to worry about making it to work by 9:00am after your BMW dealership pitstop.

Wherever you purchase your replacement fob, make sure you search for the best deal and take advantage of free shipping offers.

Can I Replace The BMW Fob Battery Instead?

Replacing the battery is a service you can do yourself, so long as you have the correct battery. You’ll then need to re-program the key for your BMW series.

Amazon Basics 4 Pack CR2032 3 Volt Lithium Coin Cell Battery

• IN THE BOX: 4-pack of CR2032 3 volt lithium coin cell batteries; replacement for BR2032, DL2032, and ECR2032
• DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for watches, calculators, key fobs, Apple TV remotes, and other small electronics
• DESIGNED TO LAST: 8-year leak-free shelf life

Check Price

How Do I Replace My BMW Key Fob?

To begin the process, contact your local dealer during their business hours. After you contact them, ask for their rates and compare them with other BMW automotive dealerships nearby.

When you shop around, you’ll need to prove vehicle ownership to get a new key. A replacement FOB will need to come from BMW, as it prepares keys based on your vehicle VIN.

Don’t want to take your vehicle to the BMW dealer at 8:00am Mon.-Fri.? There’s an official online service or two that simplify the process of getting a new BMW key fob. Use menu service filters to search for the correct BMW key. When you contact them, you’ll have to prove ownership and provide your vehicles’ VIN.

Used BMW key fob sales may look tempting, but re-programming them overrides tight security features. So, unless you want to share your beemer with a stranger, don’t choose available second-hand options.

Can You Start A BMW With The New Key Fob?

Programming new fobs for BMW vehicles is handled ahead of time (which is why your VIN is required), saving your hours.

How Do I Program A BMW Fob?

You don’t! BMW service will program your new fob for you, but you’ll have to activate it. Instructions for activation are generally:

1. Turn your car to the unlock position with the existing fob.
2. Hold it against your wheel’s key marking, or insert it into the fob slot.
3. Hold the ignition button until the warning is gone.
4. Release the ignition button and press it to power up the engine.

These steps can vary between vehicles, so search your owner’s manual for your specific requirements. If you have any issues, contact your dealer right away.