Help Needed

[E36_325i]

Hi All

Forgot my key in my pants pocket & it went through the wash :hammerhead:
Now my car doesnt unlock or demobilize. I took the key apart & dried it thoroughly with a hairdryer but nothing :dunno: The light on the key still blinks when I push the button (put in new batteries as well)

The manual mentions something about 'If the alarm is activated & you open the door with the key then it deactivates the system & the remote wont work' Is there no manual override?

Not sure if thats what i have done or if the key is stuffed now, I had to have the car towed from langebaan to durbanville as I was away when this happened.

Does anybody know anything about this? I need to get my car back on the road asap.

Its a 1995 E36 325i with the standard BMW alarm system.

Thanks Alot

 

[kevin23]

i had a simular problem with my e36 m3 when my key battries went flat. I unlocked it with the key and opend the door and the alarm screamed. When i put the key in and turned it on the alarm stopped screaming and i was off to the shop to get battries but i don`t know if it will work if the key got wet

 

[E36_325i]

I tried that as well, As soon as you open the door the alarm goes off, put the key in the ignition & all the dash lights come on (alarm still going off) but it doesn't swing :cursin:

i had a simular problem with my e36 m3 when my key battries went flat. I unlocked it with the key and opend the door and the alarm screamed. When i put the key in and turned it on the alarm stopped screaming and i was off to the shop to get battries but i don`t know if it will work if the key got wet

 

[rick540]

First things first.

I did this once with my old 328i but recovered from the mishap.

1) Take the key apart and wash it in distilled water to get rid of the remaining soap which is conductive. Dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer, reassemble. (if you don't have distilled water, running warm tap water is ok)

2) Google the E36 key initialization process (It'a also in your owners manual) After this the key should work again.

3) Make note to self to check all pockets before washing.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Distilled water does make sense! Good luck!

 

[E36_325i]

I will try this as soon as I get home, Just called BMW & they said I cant even order a new key because my old one isn't working, they say I have to order new locks aswell. Really hope the distilled water works, Thanks Rick :thumb: