2007 R56 Hatchback; 125,000 miles

We have three key fobs -- two are used, swapping out monthly to keep the battery inside the key fob charged.

The third one was in wife's jewelry drawer for ????, battery appears to be dead. It will start the car but will not lock/unlock doors. We have been using it to drive for 10 days in hopes of charging the battery, but nothing doing -- starts car just fine but will not lock/unlock. Of course, we can pull the key out of the fob and use it.

Dealer wants a month's income to buy a new one -- drive two hours to dealer, show registration and ID to prove it's ours, they will order one to be sent to us.

Attached are pics of the key fob. The silver trim ring will not let me open the fob to replace the battery -- or -- is there a trick to it?

Thanks.

 

 

I keep one key in the ignition with the mini on a trickle charger (in my garage locked) and the other on a wireless charger (Soniccare).