Can a BMW Car Key Still Work After Getting Wet?

[AnastasiaAnn]

Key immersion in water may not necessarily render it functional. If the key has been submerged for an extended period and short-circuited due to water ingress, it must be disassembled and dried to determine if it can still be used. Below are methods for dealing with a wet car key: Paper Towel Wiping: When a car key gets wet, treat it similarly to a water-damaged phone—avoid pressing any buttons immediately, as this could accelerate water penetration into the inner components. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to clean the surface, and employ highly absorbent paper towels to wipe the interior. Cold Air Drying: Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to dry the key; never use hot air, as excessive heat can damage the internal circuit board. Alternatively, place the key in a breathable bag and submerge it in a dry rice container, as rice's desiccant properties help absorb moisture. Alcohol Swabbing: Gently clean internal button contacts and other components with cotton swabs dipped in high-concentration alcohol, which excels at absorbing moisture due to its hygroscopic nature.

[VanMary]

Last time I accidentally dropped my BMW key into the swimming pool, and I was really panicked. I quickly fished it out and wiped the exterior with a dry cloth. I immediately opened the battery compartment to remove the batteries, which was crucial because water can cause a short circuit. I left it to air dry in a cool place at home for several days, and I even used a bag of rice to absorb moisture. After it was completely dry, I reinstalled the batteries and tested it. Surprisingly, apart from the remote unlocking being a bit slower, all other functions worked normally. However, a friend mentioned that water-damaged keys might corrode internally over time, so it’s better to get it checked at the dealership for peace of mind—especially since replacing a new key costs over 5,000 yuan. I’ve become more careful now and even got a waterproof case for my key.

[SanSadie]

I've got experience with BMW keys getting wet. If not handled properly, you could lose thousands in a blink. The first thing to do is immediately remove the battery to prevent short circuits—don't shake off water or press any buttons. Open the casing and use cotton swabs to dry internal droplets, focusing on the circuit board and battery contacts. Best to place it in a sealed box filled with rice for three days; this works better than air drying. When testing, first try the mechanical key to unlock, then test the remote start function. If buttons fail but the key can still unlock via proximity, it means partial circuit damage—but repair shops can fix it. Remember, never use a hair dryer or heater to dry it, as high heat can warp plastic parts and make things worse.

[LaCassidy]

The worst thing about a wet key is when it fails in an emergency. After my car key got rained on, I left it in a drawer to dry for four days. When I put the battery back in, the trunk button didn't respond. Later, it was found that the circuit board had oxidized, and the repairman had to clean it with alcohol to restore functionality. Actually, BMW keys have decent water resistance, but it depends on how much water got in. A small amount of rainwater can usually be dried out, but if submerged for more than five minutes, the chip is prone to damage. If the LCD screen shows abnormalities, you'll likely need to replace the chip module—OEM parts are expensive but have better compatibility. Always carrying a spare key is a smart move.