Key fob problems

[husyadaddy]

Hell all!

My 2001 E46 318ci is acting up the key fob is intermitantly working on locking/unlocking the car. Ive been told that the battery in the key key charges when in the ignition is this true? Any ideas as to why it is doing this?

Cheers

[MarkwG]

I believe they do, the same as my 5 series. It needs a reasonable run to recharge, but if the battery is knacked that won't help much. There is an inernet fix for the 5's key, might be worth a search to see if there's a 3 equivalent, I understand replacement keys from BM can be into 3 figures. If you have the spare it might be worth seeing if that responds differently?

[domster]

I had these probs on my E46 318 tourer recently. Basically key had died, got recharged but the local indie couldn't recode it (it was unlocking only), so looks like a new key with the duff one for an emergency spare (unlocks the doors manually). The main stealer can furnish with a new key but about 100 GBP or something for the key then maybe a recode. I am budgeting 180-200 GBP knowing bimmer main agents

[husyadaddy]

thanks for the help guys, shame its not better news haha! when locking with the key in the door lock am i right in thinking it is not alarmed?

[domster]

I think it will set the alarm itself after a few minutes, but can't remember. It certainly doesn't turn the alarm off when you unlock it with a key as it goes off a treat But Thatcham alarms have to have an auto set and I'm sure this would comply.

Sorry I can't be a definite help.