Hi all....

2004 R53

I rarely drive the car so battery died from no use.

A few weeks ago I jumped the car off and ONE of my TWO keys were no longer responding. No biggie I still have one left right?
Well, Jumped the car today, drove it for an hour, Noticed previously GOOD key wasn't locking / unlocking door. (Note: BOTH Keys unlocks doors and lowers windows when put in door, and also starts car)
So now neither key works as door / window remote..
I tried the reprogramming thing (One click ignition, hold Unlock while clicking lock three times) - No response whatsoever.
Changed batteries in both keys.... Nada.

Checked Fob transmitter signal on the energizer battery display at Advance Auto Parts and both keys ARE sending signal.
So, what are the odds the receiver.... I've seen zero posts in my research regarding the receiver going bad. (Where is this thing?)

Could the BCU be bad? I haven't had ANY other electrical problems and if the BCU went bad wouldn't I?

To add, my keys have never really done a great job of remotely lowering the windows / sunroof. Holding down unlock would open them, but it would be real finicky and stop so I would have to hold the button down again to finish the job.

What should I check next?

Any hints on what I should do from here?

Thanks for any help you guys can give. I did as much research as I could and found nothing that helped my situation.

 

The receiver is in the headliner near the rearview mirror. Here's a case where replacing it fixed a problem: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-receiver.html

The programming procedure you've seen only applies to 2005+ style keys. If the programming was somehow lost on your 2004, it needs to reprogrammed by a dealer.

 

Thanks RKW, just ordered a used Remote off of Ebay.
Any info on how to uninstall the old one / install new?

 

I don't have personal experience with swapping it. The mirror comes off by simply twisting the base 90 degrees. After removing the mirror and bracket, you should be able to find the receiver box up in the headliner. I'd imagine that you only need to unplug the wire and plug it into the replacement.

 

Same issue just started on my 2006. I'll try the reprogramming trick and see.

 

For a 2006 style key, some have had a problem with the rechargeable key battery dying. If one key works but not another, that might be the issue. The battery isn't designed to be replaced and you'd have to cut the case open and solder in a replacement battery.

 

Both my keys stopped working, and reset did nothing. So probably the receiver?

 

I'm not willing to say "probably" (because it's so rare), but it is a possibility. The receiver for 2006 is located in the mirror itself.

 

Hmm. this all started after a mirror swap, maybe I just didnt plug it in all the way. Had removed the original mirror and put on one that I wrapped but it didnt look good, so I went back to the stock one.
Will double check all the connectors. Thanks!

 

OK so, just to update....

Bought a remote receiver off of Ebay and swapped mine with it.
Still nothing from my keys.

So, to recap:

Car sat for a while so I changed the battery out after months of jumping it again and again.
Few weeks ago I jumped it and ONE of my keys stopped working as a remote, but worked when putting key in door (Opened ALL doors, closed windows, etc) and started car.
Jumped the car last week again, then changed battery to new.
Now neither key works as remote but both work manually.

I've checked every fuse in the block.
I've changed the remote receiver above the rear view mirror.
I've tried the One click, then push unlock while clicking lock three times (actually ALL variations I've found on here).

Any other guesses before I take the car down to Percision Motor Werks and spend a zillion dollars?

:(
I've even reset the ecu just for kicks.

 

You have to put the key it not he ignition first and do some steps to begin the learning sequence.

 

Yes, Key in ignition, back out, hold unlock, click lock three times, let go of both - nada.

 

OK so, got my car back from PAW in Miami. Wasn't able to get the door locks to work via remote.

So.....

I'm down to two things.

Either *TRY* NEW EXPENSIVE keys from dealership.

Or,

How does the signal path work? Hit remote button and signal is picked up by the remote receiver above the rear view mirror. That sends signal to the module on the actuator, which then signals all doors to lock / unlock and windows go down.
Therefore, maybe the module that receives signal from remote receiver on the actuator went bad? Therefore replacing the actuator would be the fix?

SO frustrated.

Anyone?

 

For archival purposes.

Ordered a new key from Ft Lauderdale Mini, had them program it - and everything works as it should. They (or so they said) were not able to get my old key to program with new key so my old keys, so the problem lies within BOTH old keys.

Old keys still function manually though.

So, if anyone has the issues I have described here - go buy a new key from Mini for $230 programmed.

T

 

TISGOD - I just got my MINI a week ago, it's a 2004 also and I am having the same issue. The first time I test drove the car the remote worked. When I went back the remote no longer worked and I presumed it was the battery. I replaced the battery and it still wouldn't work. I opened it up and there is an LED inside that would blink red, I have read that it is suppose to blink green. Can you do me a favor and open up your old remote and see what color they blink. And if your willing to open your new one and see as well (if your worried about un-programing your new key I totally understand if you are unwilling to open it). Thanks.


It's hard to believe these are 10 year old cars and no one has figure out how to reprogram the keys. BMW must keep the instructions under lock and key and make the technicians sign a waver form to keep them from leaking the info, lol.


-Gunner

 

I had water get in my rearview mirror, causing the remote receiver to stop working. After letting it dry for a few days and still not working, I decided to open the mirror and try to work a miracle. I took the little board out of the mirror, sprayed with canned air, and cleaned the contacts with a pencil eraser. I put the mirror back together, installed it in the mini and reprogrammed the keys...IT WORKED!! I was happier than a dog with two tails...I strongly believe I was lucky, so I cannot guarantee it would work for everybody. But nothing wrong with trying when it is already messed up, before spending over $200 on a mirror.

If I can figure out how to include picture, I will.

 

I guess I don't know how to post pictures...

 

 

I'm positive this is what I need.