E93 Keyfob Not working Non-CA

wallyjamil · 11-07-2021, 02:22 AM

Hey everyone this is my first time posting on the forums. I've always been reading posts here, and it has been very helpful but never made an account, up until now.

I need some help with an issue I have on my 2009 325i E93 Non-Comfort Access. The keyfobs have always been a bit of an issue, sometimes it would work (unlocking, locking, and opening the rear boot) and sometimes it wouldn't. Unfortunately, they both keyfobs stopped working completely for the past 4 months, and I have been unlocking and locking my car with the metal key provided. Both keys do still turn on the ignition, the central locking does work by pressing the lock button in the middle of the dashboard, the radio works fine. I once tried putting in a diversity antenna from another car in the rear of the vehicle, but it did not help. I also tried plugging in a new rear view mirror as I read on the forums here that the key receiver is in the rear view mirror but that did not solve the issue either. Could someone please help me out I don't know what to do?

Thank you in-advance.

Kris53 · 11-07-2021, 11:27 AM

Sounds like the key battery is expired. Search you tube and you can find diy video to replace and you can also google which battery type you need.

ctuna · 11-07-2021, 11:42 AM

If you think the battery's are shot you can try charging the Fobs
on a wireless phone charger or tooth brush charger.
A local auto store should have a Fob tester.

The wiring to the Diversity antenna breaks or gets corroded some
of the time. Breaks usually at the pivot point .

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=903551
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510527

Lots of stuff on ytube about this such as

wallyjamil · 11-08-2021, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the replies guys I appreciate it.

I replaced both key fob batteries with a 90 degree VL2020 battery and it didn't help still the same thing. Im a little lost with what to do. Would taking it to a mechanic diagnose what the issue is? BMW diagnostic was $260 the last time I needed something looked at and I would obviously not want to have to pay that but I don't have much of an option.

What if I use INPA and/or NCS expert?
I have no experience in either of the programs but always willing to learn.
If I buy all the required cables would INPA and/or NCS expert be able to tell me whats wrong with my keyfobs not unlocking or locking my car?

ctuna · 11-08-2021, 12:14 AM

diagnostic manual ista/inpa
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...xo19teM9vkTF-C
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...lkXEhlQYy4i9Nb
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-P-actually-do
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...1&d=1590283589
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...kBbC27TJLX3BGe
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...WekqhcC6hsgK2c
primary links
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573
https://www.nathansbmwworkshop.com/b...or-dean-videos
ista problems
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1661945
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581663

Go to coding subforum for more info.

Serf27 · 11-08-2021, 01:37 AM

I had a similar issue on my e70. CA stopped working and I could only open the car with the fob buttons and start the car with fob in ignition. I ordered a new module, but it turned out to be a fuse.

Have you checked those?

Replying to your question on paying for diagnosis, a diagnosis fee is often cheaper than throwing random parts at the car.
A diagnosis is one of the last things I’ll pay for, but if it can save me time and money with an issue, then it is worth it.

11-07-2021, 02:22 AM	#1
wallyjamil Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2009 325i E93 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Victoria iTrader: (0)	E93 Keyfob Not working Non-CA Hey everyone this is my first time posting on the forums. I've always been reading posts here, and it has been very helpful but never made an account, up until now. I need some help with an issue I have on my 2009 325i E93 Non-Comfort Access. The keyfobs have always been a bit of an issue, sometimes it would work (unlocking, locking, and opening the rear boot) and sometimes it wouldn't. Unfortunately, they both keyfobs stopped working completely for the past 4 months, and I have been unlocking and locking my car with the metal key provided. Both keys do still turn on the ignition, the central locking does work by pressing the lock button in the middle of the dashboard, the radio works fine. I once tried putting in a diversity antenna from another car in the rear of the vehicle, but it did not help. I also tried plugging in a new rear view mirror as I read on the forums here that the key receiver is in the rear view mirror but that did not solve the issue either. Could someone please help me out I don't know what to do? Thank you in-advance.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-07-2021, 11:27 AM	#2
Kris53 New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: BMW 335 Coupe e92 Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Sounds like the key battery is expired. Search you tube and you can find diy video to replace and you can also google which battery type you need.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2021, 12:04 AM	#4
wallyjamil Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2009 325i E93 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Victoria iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies guys I appreciate it. I replaced both key fob batteries with a 90 degree VL2020 battery and it didn't help still the same thing. Im a little lost with what to do. Would taking it to a mechanic diagnose what the issue is? BMW diagnostic was $260 the last time I needed something looked at and I would obviously not want to have to pay that but I don't have much of an option. What if I use INPA and/or NCS expert? I have no experience in either of the programs but always willing to learn. If I buy all the required cables would INPA and/or NCS expert be able to tell me whats wrong with my keyfobs not unlocking or locking my car?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2021, 12:14 AM	#5
ctuna Lieutenant General 1926 Rep 13,134 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	diagnostic manual ista/inpa https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...xo19teM9vkTF-C https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...lkXEhlQYy4i9Nb https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-P-actually-do https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...1&d=1590283589 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...kBbC27TJLX3BGe https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...WekqhcC6hsgK2c primary links https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573 https://www.nathansbmwworkshop.com/b...or-dean-videos ista problems https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1661945 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581663 Go to coding subforum for more info.
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11-08-2021, 01:37 AM	#6
Serf27 Brigadier General 2856 Rep 4,325 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Sitting in a BMW. iTrader: (-1)	I had a similar issue on my e70. CA stopped working and I could only open the car with the fob buttons and start the car with fob in ignition. I ordered a new module, but it turned out to be a fuse. Have you checked those? Replying to your question on paying for diagnosis, a diagnosis fee is often cheaper than throwing random parts at the car. A diagnosis is one of the last things I’ll pay for, but if it can save me time and money with an issue, then it is worth it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote