The German car giant loves it’s key fobs to start it’s cars. It’s been doing keyless start and entry for 20+ years. BMW key fob batteries need replacement every 3-5 years depending on usage. I got 5 years from my first battery for my X3 before needing to replace it.
Sedan Models
SUV / X-Series Models
Key Fob Remotes
BMW has made about 10 different types of key fobs over the years. Find videos on how to change the battery for each on the individual car page, or below the table.
- U Shaped Key
- Diamond Shape Key – Battery: VL2020
- Rectangular Shape Key (comfort access) – Battery: CR2032
- Rectangular Shape Key (non-comfort access) – Battery: VL2020
- Trapezoid Shape Key – Battery: CR2450
- Sleek Slant Shaped Key – Battery: CR2032
- T Shape Key (comfort access) – Battery: CR2032
- T Shape Key (non-comfort access) – Battery: VL2020
- i Key
- Display Key
I created a guide to show how to change the battery in BMW comfort access key remotes vs non-comfort access fobs.
| Picture | Key | Years | Buy Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| U Shaped Key | early 90s | ||
 | Diamond Shape Key | 90-early 2000s | VL2020 Check on Amazon |
 | Rectangular Shape Key (Comfort Access) | 2000s | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
| | Rectangular Shape Key (Non-Comfort Access) | 2000s | VL2020 Check on Amazon |
 | Trapezoid Shape Key | 2011-2017 | CR2450 Check on Amazon |
 | Sleek Slant Shaped Key | 2017-Present | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | T Shape Key (Comfort Access) | 2002-2008 | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | T Shape Key (Non-Comfort Access) | 2002-2008 | VL2020 Check on Amazon |
| i Key | 2013-Present | ||
| Display Key | 2016-Present |
How to change the battery in the diamond shaped BMW key fob
Buy VL 2020 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the Rectangular Shape Key (comfort access) BMW key fob
Buy VL 2020 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the Rectangular Shape Key (non-comfort access) BMW key fob
Buy CR 2032 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the Trapezoid Shape BMW Key Fob
Buy CR 2450 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the Sleek Slant Shaped Key BMW key fob
This BMW Key Fob and Battery were popular in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 F-Series Models like the 3, 5, 7 series and the X3.
Battery: CR2032
Buy CR 2450 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the T Shape Key (comfort access) BMW key fob
Buy VL 2020 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to change the battery in the T Shape Key (non-comfort access) BMW key fob
Buy CR 2032 Replacement Battery on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
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.