The 3-series is one of BMW’s oldest sedans. It has has nearly every major key fob that BMW has produced. The past major internal name models have been the E36, E46, E90, F30. For other models, see the all BMW Key Fob Batteries page.
| Model | Trims | Years | Key Fob Type | SubType | Rechargeable? Ease of change | Battery | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E36 3 Series | 316i, 318i, 318is, 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, M3, 318tds, 325td, 325tds | 1990-1997 | U Shaped Key | No. | CR2016 | Check on Amazon | |
| E46 3 Series | 316i, 316ci, 318i, 318ci, 320i, 320ci, 323i, 323ci, 325i, 325ci, 328i, 328ci, 330i, 330ci, M3, 318d, 320d, 320Cd, 330d, 330Cd | 1998-2005 | Diamond Shaped Key | Yes, Requires solder, soldering gun, and rechargeable battery with legs to replace | VL2020 3v | Check on Amazon | |
| E90 3 Series | 316i, 318i, 320i, 320si, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 335is, M3, M3 GTS, 316d, 318d, 320d, 320d ED, 325d, 330d, 335d | 2006-2012 | Rectangular Shaped Key | Comfort Access | No. Easy to change battery | CR2032 | Check on Amazon |
| E90 3 Series | 316i, 318i, 320i, 320si, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 335is, M3, M3 GTS, 316d, 318d, 320d, 320d ED, 325d, 330d, 335d | 2006-2012 | Rectangular Shaped Key | Non Comfort Access | Yes, Requires solder, soldering gun, and rechargeable battery with legs to replace | VL2020 3v | Check on Amazon |
| F30 3 Series | 316i, 318i, 320i, 320i ED, 328i, 330i, 335i, 340i, ActiveHybrid 3, 330e, 316d, 318d, 320d ED, 325d, 328d, 330d, 335d | 2013-present | Trapezoid Shaped Key | No. Easy to change battery | CR2450 | Check on Amazon | |
| F31 3 Series | 328i, 320d, 330d, 320i, 316d, 318d | 2013-present | Trapezoid Shaped Key | No. Easy to change battery | CR2450 | Check on Amazon | |
| F34 3 Series Gran Turismo | 320i, 328i, 335i, 318d, 320d, 325d | 2013-present | Trapezoid Shaped Key | No. Easy to change battery | CR2450 | Check on Amazon |
How to replace the F30 3-Series (2013-2019) key fob battery
This model uses the easy to change BMW Trapezoid Shaped Key. This takes a simple CR2450 coin battery type. You don’t even need any special tools to change this one. Here’s a video showing how to change or replace the battery:
Buy CR 2450 Replacement Battery on Amazon
This key is also used in the F31 3 Series 328i, 320d, 330d, 320i, 316d, 318d (2013-present)
and the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo 320i, 328i, 335i, 318d, 320d, 325d (2013-present)
How to replace the E90 3-Series (2006-2012) comfort access key fob battery
Battery: CR2032
Buy CR 2032 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to replace the E90 3-Series (2006-2012) non comfort access rectangular key fob battery
The rectangular remote has a rechargeable VL2020 battery inside that is recharged when the key is in the ignition. It may die eventually though and need to be replaced. To change this battery, pry apart the key and de-solder the two points that connect the battery to the circuit board inside:
Buy this battery on Amazon, make sure to get one with 90-degree connection points:
Buy VL 2020 Replacement Battery on Amazon
How to replace the E46 3-Series (1998-2005) key fob battery
This requires a solder iron, and a VL2020 rechargeable battery to replace this key fob. Also a box cutter or utility knife is handy to cut open the key fob. Watch my video on how to replace the E46 key fob battery:
Buy VL 2020 Replacement Battery on Amazon