Remote keys not locking

[micron750]

Any info would be good as the keys lock up if you use the door lock but won't lock it remotely,the car is a 528i se estate,we only just got the car today i knew about the problem as the car was a real bargin i wasn't bothered.............the light on the key flashs rapidly i have thought about changing the batterys in the keys although its the same with both sets any ideas's?

[Sticks.]

Don't know if this is worth a try http://www.programyourkeys.com/BMW_5-Series_Key_Re...

[MarkwG]

If it's an e39, the first thing I'd try is disconnecting the car battery for 20 minutes or so: that should reset it to factory, & initialise the alarm & keys. If the car's been sitting a while, the keys may not have enough oomph to trip the alarm, so running the car may recharge at least one of them.

[micron750]

MarkwG said:

If it's an e39, the first thing I'd try is disconnecting the car battery for 20 minutes or so: that should reset it to factory, & initialise the alarm & keys. If the car's been sitting a while, the keys may not have enough oomph to trip the alarm, so running the car may recharge at least one of them.

Thats been done buts thrown up another fault the airbag lights now on????

I've tried resetting the keys but its not made any differance ok the car locks fine when the keys in the door lock so it looks like its new keys although i'll think its cheaper to just live with the problem.

[skoff]

I have a similar problem with my E39 touring, though I have the 'diamond' key that is thoretically sealed, so might be a different problem to yours. My key works intermittently so I think it might be the rechargable battery in the key that is on the way out. I have another spare key that has never worked, so I replaced the battery in it (soldering iron required) and will try to code it to the car this week.

The other thing that could be wrong is the receiver, apparently they stop working from time to time, but replacing the battery in the key as the first option is by far cheaper as a first thing to try.

The electric bits on E39s can be a bit tricky and unreliable. I think the airbag light will either go out after 3 complete power cycles of the car (switch on, switch off and leave it for 20 minutes or so), or will need a trip to the dealer / indie.