Yup had the exact same problem with a e39 key. You will probably have to end up reprogramming it more and more often unless you get a new battery.
Printable View
Apparently there are 2 types of key for the R53 and mine had a rechargeable that is not suitable to replace - I think it can be done but a lot of reports suggest the keyfob is liable to break as you open it as they were never designed to be open. Obv I'm only going on what I've read but there are a lot of similar reports - most post's advised buying a new fob if the battery gives up the ghost.
No issues since thankfully :)
Is this your key type?
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2qtczyt&s=7
If so it has a rechargeable battery. A little
trick that works wonders is to place or
Tape the key on top of an electric tooth brush charger!! The key (like an electric tooth brush) is charged by induction, while it is in the ignition slot. Putting it on top of the tooth brush charger will give it a good boost, trust me, it works!
If this is your key then you have a replaceable battery:
http://www.transponderautoparts.com/...uuton-shel.jpg
If a car is factory JCW would that show as an option on vin decoder?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not the early ones. They were retrofitted with JCW trickery. The cut off time between the dealer and factory kit is sometime around late 2005. The dealer fit out came with either 2-0bhp or 210bhp. Enter the vin on www.bmwvin.com to check the factory fit out ones.
Guy told me it's a 210 JCW, it's 05 but when I check the vin it doesn't show any JCW info at all.
Car was fairly rough when got to see it, the bumper was loose and both front and back had been painted so I thought they might not be factory. It also had JCW sparco seats , car would cost me to much to put right.
Just wondered if it should show up on vin decoder.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4c105eb163.jpg
Just collect this today.. girlfriend is happy out. Thanks for all the info !
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
UK car, congrats!