Replacing the key fob battery in the BMW i3 – or, indeed, any car – needs to happen eventually. The batteries don’t hold charge forever.
In every vehicle, the key is vital for gaining access to the cabin and starting the car.
When the key battery dies, it’ll inhibit both of these. Luckily, the solution is simple: replace it.
This article will walk you through replacing the BMW i3 key fob battery.
Table of Contents
How do you know when the BMW i3 key fob is out of battery?
When the i3 fob stops working, you won’t be able to access the car as usual. You might have to press the button more times than normal, and the key’s range will start to decrease.
- To get into the cabin, remove the hidden integrated key by pressing the button at the bottom of the fob’s rear.
- Prise the door lock cover off using this.
- Unlock the door.
- Replace the door lock cover and the integrated key.
Note that you might set the car alarm off at this point. If this happens, continue following the steps below to start the i3. The alarm will then turn off.
You’ll also notice the display on the instrument cluster saying:
- “Hold remote control to steering column” when you come to start it.
- “Remote control battery is empty” will be displayed, meaning your key’s battery is dead.
How to drive your car without a key battery
If you still need to drive your BMW i3, but the key has run out of battery, follow these steps.
- Hold the tip of the key (the end with the BMW emblem) against the area marked on the steering column’s right-hand side. It’s a key icon between two arrows.
- If the i3 detects the key, the instrument cluster display will let you know.
- Put your foot on the brake and press the start/stop button. This puts the car into its drive-ready state.
- You must do this within 10 seconds.
- If the i3 doesn’t recognize your key, try again from step 1. Make a note to change the fob position narrowly.
It would be best if you got a replacement i3 key fob battery as soon as possible.
What battery does the BMW i3 key take?
The BMW i3 key fob needs a CR 2032 battery. These should be available from any automotive parts store or locksmith.
The CR 2032 is a 3-Volt lithium coin-cell battery. It’s non-rechargeable and used in quite a few applications these days.
As with all coin-cell batteries, be very careful to keep them out of reach of young children and animals. They can be deadly if ingested. You must also dispose of them properly – take them to a dedicated recycling or hazardous waste disposal company. It’s illegal to throw them in your household garbage.
How to replace the BMW i3 key fob battery
You’ll need the integrated key to replace the i3’s key battery.
Here are the simple steps for replacing the BMW i3 key fob battery.
- Press the button at the bottom of the fob’s rear. Next, pull the integrated metal key out of the vehicle key.
- Push the integrated key into the space created by removing it. It will fit under the battery cover.
- Lever the key fob battery cover off using the integrated key.
- Use a pointed object to push the circular battery out, pushing in the same direction as the integrated key was facing.
- Lift the battery out when possible.
- Replace the new CR 2032 battery into the key.
- Ensure the positive side faces upwards.
- Replace the battery cover and push the integrated key back into the vehicle key.
Should you use a screwdriver to access the BMW i3 key battery?
Some suggest using a small screwdriver (such as an electrical screwdriver) to pry open the key fob. So, is that a good idea?
While this might work, it’s very easy to damage the plastic components of the key accidentally. Instead, use the integrated metal key you removed to access the battery.
If you’ve lost yours, head over to BMW (or any authorized automotive locksmith) to get a replacement.
Here’s a capture from the BMW i3’s owner’s manual about changing the key battery.
