BMW X5 Key Fob Battery Remote Replacement E53, E70, F15, G05 (1999 – 2019)

Have you been getting low battery signals from your key fob and you are too busy to take it to the service repair shop for fixing?

Do you know that you can change your low-key fob battery yourself?  Or have you ever tried changing the battery of any of these models and messed it up? Then keep reading!

This post will show you all you need to know about replacing a dead battery with ease in any of these car key models.

For other models, see the all BMW Key Fob Batteries page.

Jump to Year: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, Comfort Access: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, Comfort Access: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

Model	Trims	Years	Key Fob Type	Key SubType	Rechargeable? Ease of change	Battery	Buy
E53 X5	3.0i, 3.0d, 4.4i, 4.6is, 4.8is	1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005	Diamond Shaped Key		Yes, Requires solder, soldering gun, and rechargeable battery with legs to replace	VL 2020 3v	Check on Amazon
E70 X5	3.0si, xDrive30i, xDrive35i, xDrive40i, 4.8i, xDrive48i, xDrive50i, M, 3.0d, xDrive30d, 3.0sd, xDrive35d, xDrive30d, xDrive40d, M50d	2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013	Rectangular Shaped Key	Comfort Access	No. Easy to change battery	CR2032	Check on Amazon
E70 X5	3.0si, xDrive30i, xDrive35i, xDrive40i, 4.8i, xDrive48i, xDrive50i, M, 3.0d, xDrive30d, 3.0sd, xDrive35d, xDrive30d, xDrive40d, M50d	2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013	Rectangular Shaped Key	Non Comfort Access	Yes, Requires solder, soldering gun, and rechargeable battery with legs to replace	VL 2020 3v	Check on Amazon
F15 X5	xDrive35i, xDrive50i, xDrive40e, sDrive25d, xDrive25d, xDrive30d, xDrive40d, M50d	2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018	Sleek Slant Shaped Key		No. Easy to change battery	CR2032	Check on Amazon
G05 X5	X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive45e, X5 xDrive30d, X5 M50d	2019	Sleek Slant Shaped Key		No. Easy to change battery	CR2032	Check on Amazon
G05 X5	X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive45e, X5 xDrive30d, X5 M50d	2019	Display Key		Yes. But larger li-ion battery not available yet	3.7 V, li ion rechargeable polymer battery 1.97 Wh, 535 mah

How To Replace the E53 BMW X5 (1999-2005) Key Fob Remote Control Battery

The E53 X5 model uses the older Diamond Key shape key remote with a single rechargeable battery. This is more complicated to replace as the battery must be removed with a soldering gun after tearing apart the key. The new VL2020 battery with legs is then re-soldered. This is easy to do, and the battery itself is cheap.

You will need:

• box cutter
• soldering iron
• soldering vacuum
• solder
• a pair of tweezers
• superglue
• a VL2020 battery

Step 1:

The first thing to do is separate the key in halves. Use a box cutter to trace the indents around the fob key. Keep scoring all the way around till you can easily separate the key in halves. It could take you about five to ten minutes.

Step 2: 

Separating the key in halves will give you access to the circuit board and battery. The battery is a rechargeable battery because it charges when in ignition. However, you’d need this process should the battery go off for any reason. Tap on the fob key casing holding the battery for a few seconds. Then use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the circuit board.

Step 3: 

The battery is attached to the circuit board by two solder points called the “legs”. You have to desolder the legs with a soldering iron and a vacuum.

Step 4: 

Melt the solder and suck it up with the soldering vacuum. Repeat this process until you successfully get the “legs” out.

Step 5: 

After desoldering, use a pair of tweezers to remove the old battery from the circuit board carefully.

Step 6: 

It’s time to fix the new battery. Your new battery should have two “legs” offset 90 degrees. You can also work with a single leg to make sure it fits into one of the solder points on the board.  Make sure the legs of the battery fit into the solder points on the circuit board.

Step 7: 

Now resolder the “legs” back into place. Solder a little solder on the connection point on the circuit board.

Step 8: 

Next, return the circuit board into the back casing properly with the back of the board facing the fob key casing; the battery should be facing you.

Step 9: 

Put super glue on the edge of the fob keys and return the two halves into place. Your key is all set!

Battery: VL2020

How To Replace the E70 BMW X5 (2006-2013) Comfort Access Key Fob Remote Control Battery

Scroll down for a video or keep reading to see how to replace the CR2032 battery inside the comfort access version of your X5.

You will need:

• a flathead screwdriver
• a CR2032 battery

That was an easy BMW X5 key fob battery replacement, wasn’t it?

Battery: CR2032
Fob Type: Comfort Access

Here’s a video on how to replace the CR2032 battery inside the comfort access version of your X5:

How To Replace the E70 BMW X5 (2006-2013) Non-Comfort Access Key Fob Remote Control Battery

Scroll down for a video or keep reading for a detailed guide on how to replace the VL2020 rechargeable battery inside the non-comfort access version of your X5:

You will need:

• box cutter
• soldering iron
• soldering vacuum
• solder
• a pair of tweezers
• superglue
• a VL2020 battery

Step 1:

Press down the slot in front of the key and pull out the valet key. Now score around the edges of the valet key with a box cutter. Keep scoring all the way around till you can easily separate the key in halves. It could take you about five to ten minutes.

Step 2:

Separating the key in halves will give you access to a circuit board. The battery is a rechargeable battery and it charges when in the ignition. However, you’d need to replace the battery if the battery goes off. The battery is attached to the circuit board by two solder points called the “legs”. You have to desolder the legs with a soldering iron and a soldering vacuum.

Step 3:

Melt the solder and suck it up simultaneously with the soldering vacuum. Repeat this process until you successfully get the “legs” out.

Step 4:

After desoldering, use a pair of tweezers to remove the old battery from the circuit board carefully. Now install the new battery. Your new battery should have two “legs” offset 90 degrees. Line up the “legs” of the battery to fit into the solder points on the circuit board. You can also work with a single leg to make sure it fits into one of the solder points on the board.

Step 5:

Now resolder the “legs ” back into the circuit board. Solder a little solder on the connection point of the “legs” on the circuit board.

Step 6:

Return the circuit board into the back casing properly with the back of the board facing the fob key casing.

Step 7:

Put super glue on the edge of the fob key before attaching the two halves to each other.

Battery: VL2020
Fob Type: Non-Comfort Access

Here’s a video on how to replace the VL2020 rechargeable battery inside the non-comfort access version of your X5:

How To Replace the F15 BMW X5 (2014-2018) Key Fob Remote Control Battery

This car key model was used in the years 2014 to 2018. This Sleek Slant Shaped key fob is an easy one to change the battery. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide or scroll down for a full tutorial video on BMW X5 key fob battery replacement.

You need:

• a CR2032 battery
• flathead screwdriver

Step 1:

Press the little button at the side of the fob key and pull out the valet key.

Step 2:

Now flip the key over and check for an open slot beside the valet keyhole. Pry into the slot with the valet key or a flathead screwdriver and the battery cover will pop off to reveal the old battery.

Step 3:

You’d have access to the battery as soon as the cover comes off. Use the same flathead screwdriver to pop out the old from the prongs that hold it in place.

Step 4:

Install the new battery into the battery hole with the positive side(the part with texts) facing up. Install the bottom first and then slide the upper part under the prongs.

Step 5:

Replace the battery cover with the slanted part first. Then pop the other part of the cover back in. Finally, return the valet key.

Battery: CR2032
Fob Type: Sleek Slant Shaped

For model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 the Sleek Slant Shaped key fob is an easy one to change the battery on:

How To Replace the G05 BMW X5 (2019+) Key Fob Remote Control Battery

If you don’t get the newer display key, this is an easy key fob to change in the G05 X5. Scroll down for a video or keep reading for the complete guide on your BMW X5 key fob battery replacement.

What you will need:

• a flathead screwdriver
• a CR2032 battery

Step 1:

Press the valet key on the side and pull out your valet key. Removing the valet key will reveal small indentation lines at the center above the fob key.

Step 2:

Now use a flathead screwdriver or the valet key to follow the indents line slowly and the battery cover will come off. You’d have access to the dead battery as soon as the battery cover opens up.

Step 3:

Use a nail cutter or the flathead screwdriver to pop out the old battery. Install the new battery with the base in the first and slide the other part of the battery into the battery hole.

Step 4:

Now replace the battery cover with the base (the slanted part) first. Then return the valet key to its slot.

Your key is all set!

Battery: CR2032
Fob Type: Sleek Slant Shaped

If you don’t get the newer display key, this is an easy key fob to change in the G05 X5:

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of battery does a BMW key need?

If faulty, most BMW Keyfobs require CR2032 batteries to replace the old ones.

Can I replace my BMW key battery myself?

Yes. In most BMW key fobs, all you need do is use a valet key or screwdriver to remove key battery covers. However, there are some more complex models. This is why we have developed these detailed guidelines for each key fob in this BMW car series.

How much does it cost to replace the BMW key fob battery?

Most BMW key fob replacement processes only require basic items like a flathead screwdriver and a CR2032 battery that you purchase from physical auto stores or department stores. You can also order from online stores like amazon for the best prices and request them to deliver to your home.

Bottom Line

Whatever key fob model you use, follow these simple guidelines and change the dead battery to a new one as soon as you receive any low battery signal. Follow these steps on the BMW X5 key fob battery replacement, and thank me later!