Is my key waterproof?

[Colin_P]

I've just bought a 2007 X3, and given that you can't replace the battery in the key, was wondering if it's waterproof? It would make visits to the beach so much easier if it is...

 

[sash]

i believe they are splash proof not waterproof but stand corrected.

 

[Webmaster]

I read somewhere after 3-4 hrs in a chlorinated pool the fob worked, dunno about salt water though.

 

[Mike-R]

How can you not replace the battery?

Thats a super stupid design if thats the case.

 

[Gunner-Win]

How can you not replace the battery?

Thats a super stupid design if thats the case.

I stand under correction, but AFAIK it's because the key battery is rechargeable and gets charged at BMW at certain intervals. Just like your cars service intervals, so the battery has them as well.

I'm just not sure exactly how it works. :skit:

 

[Mike-R]

How can you not replace the battery?

Thats a super stupid design if thats the case.

I stand under correction, but AFAIK it's because the key battery is rechargeable and gets charged at BMW at certain intervals. Just like your cars service intervals, so the battery has them as well.

I'm just not sure exactly how it works. :skit:

But surely you can pop the key open and replace it with the same battery.
I know E9x recharges the battery when its in the slot, not so sure of the X series.

 

[Bazza]

The key charges while it's in the ignition. That's why BMW recommend alternating the keys every year or so to prevent your spare from going flat. Or so I thought until I opened my key, there's nothing connected between the key blade and the chip inside the key, so unless BMW have somehow invented wireless charging, it must be magic.

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After having a look around, it seems that they are waterproof...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=676320

 

[Woodies]

I've just bought a 2007 X3, and given that you can't replace the battery in the key, was wondering if it's waterproof? It would make visits to the beach so much easier if it is...

You should have also got a plastic service key with the car? Best thing for surfing with. New car comes with 2 remote keys and plastic service key

I was also told the normal keys charge while driving for the E46. My E92 doesn't charge the key as i just replace the battery.

 

[Quick///M]

I jumped in the pool with my key in my pocket, nothing happened key still works :rollsmile:

 

[Colin_P]

so unless BMW have somehow invented wireless charging, it must be magic.

Wireless charging is possible - it's the same principle that transformers use, there are some wireless cellphone charging cradles out there AFAIK

After having a look around, it seems that they are waterproof...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=676320

Thanks for that - I should have been able to find that myself, but hopefully I'm not the only one who has learnt something new.

 

[Bazza]

so unless BMW have somehow invented wireless charging, it must be magic.

Wireless charging is possible - it's the same principle that transformers use, there are some wireless cellphone charging cradles out there AFAIK

I know, but the cellphone needs to have a specific cover on which is connected to the battery, the inside of the key has nothing like this.

 

[Spiro]

you get a key in the key set that is plastic, called a Wallet Key / Divers Key, you throw your original into the boot, and keep the plastic one with you on a neck chain or divers bag..

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[Ratslaaf]

It's called induction charging - you would see some kind of coil inside the key if this is the case. Same as electric toothbrushes that are rechargeable.

 

[Maljan]

Eventually the battery inside the key _will_ die. Don't ask me how I know that.

 

[DieselFan]

There is a post on the forum of how exactly the key charges in the ignition.

The batteries can be replaced. You cut in the grove where the key is joined with a Stanley knife. Open the key up replace it with the appropriate battery, RS sells the exact Panasonic battery. And you glue the key back together. It's not the most ideal solution. But it can be done.

I have opened mine and then misplaced my new battery.