XSeries-forum

Good morning all
I have a 2009 E70 which I put in service mode for hand brake had to leave car jacked up one side for over a week awaiting parts unlocked car with key fob now both keys won’t lock or unlock car but starts fine no fault codes ,checked all fuses all ok would it be key fobs need repairing if so how please thank you

My 2009 e70 has the same problem, albeit how it arose i don't know.

Research suggested the diversity aerial, it isnt. Even a BMW main dealer couldn't pinpoint the problem. I've got used to just using the key

Have you tried this:
How to Program a BMW Key Fob:
If you need to reprogram your BMW key fob, here's a general procedure (note that this may vary slightly depending on the model):
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, then back to "off".
Remove the key from the ignition.
Hold down the unlock button on your key fob.
Press the BMW logo button three times on the key fob.
Release the unlock button.
If you have multiple key fobs to program, repeat steps 3-5 within 30 seconds of the first one.

That’s the E53 version and with the later push button start system may not work. Worth a punt though

Later cars need INPA/ISTA as you need access to the Service Function menu…it may be possible via coding tools on other utilities like BimmerCode or BimmerUtility.

Note:
Execution in diagnosis system:
->Service functions->
‐>Body->
‐>Locking and security functions‐>
‐>Remote control key

I had a mobile locksmith attend the car when i first bought it, it had only one key. He supplied a new key and cut the blade.

In my case both keys were then reprogrammed to the applicable car system but neither will trip the door locking, hence i investigated the diversity aerial, or an electrician did. The prognosis was somewhere in the loom there is a break. But not in any of the known hot spots, so i have just got used to using the key.

Its less of an irritant now than it was originally.

As it was working before hopefully its something simple , I take it its out of service mode now , both keys wont be faulty at the same time so its unlikley to be a key issue , they do however charge while driving though but should soon come back to life within a few miles if they were going to . It may need a resync as said but I think it should be fixable quite easily even if it has to go to bmw .
Maybe try putting it back into service mode again then back out and see what happens is all I can think off and maybe take the battery earth of for an hour then back on and see if it resets itself

If you have an E70 2012 the key does not recharge. They are no rechargeable battery.

Dave willow wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 7:53 pm If you have an E70 2012 the key does not recharge. They are no rechargeable battery.

I thought that only applied to cars with Comfort Access - aka keyless entry. Those are definitely replace the battery every 12 months. The ‘standard’ plug it into the dash type key should be rechargeable.

Yes you are correct I for to mention comfort access.
Thanks X5sport.

Well after two weeks I had to go out in car 45 minutes away key fob won’t lock car now then when I got home I locked car with key and as I walked away I pressed key fob and so it’s started to work again now I would say car drive has charged the key but I went in doors got spare key and that one is working now as well , is there a part of the car battery that needs charging though this intelligence system ?? I know my battery is very good but was on charge when waiting my brake parts.

It sounds as if it was somehow still in a half service / half working mode, or even in ‘transport’ mode. Why I have no idea. If it’s cleared itself then it’s sorted, but still a concern. Unless an error code shows up the the log, I guess we’re stuck.

Im curious what service mode is and how it is accessed?

This is an OBC feature or from a third party reader?

I had two tyres fitted last week and the guy done a full scan and reset and no errors I have done one since no errors so as said wondering if it was stuck in service mode ??

No idea but glad its sorted itself out

Thank you all