Can a BMW Key Still Work After Being Soaked in Water?

[LaMarcus]

Key may not work after being soaked in water. If the soaking time is long and the key has short-circuited due to water ingress, it needs to be disassembled and dried to determine if it can still be used. Here is some additional information: 1. Wipe with tissue: If a car key gets wet, it's similar to a phone getting wet—do not press the buttons immediately, as this can cause water to seep into the inner layers faster. Use a dry cloth or tissue to wipe the surface clean, and use highly absorbent tissue to clean the inside. 2. Dry with cold air: Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to dry the key. Never use hot air, as the internal circuit board should not be exposed to high heat. Alternatively, you can place the key in a breathable bag and then into a dry rice container, as rice is highly absorbent and can draw out moisture. 3. Wipe with alcohol: Use a cotton swab dipped in high-concentration alcohol to gently clean the internal button contacts and other parts, as high-concentration alcohol has strong water-absorbing properties.

[OCaroline]

That day my friend accidentally dropped his BMW key into the swimming pool, and after retrieving it, the remote control completely stopped working. Electronic keys are troublesome when exposed to water—they contain circuit boards and batteries, and water ingress can easily cause short circuits or corrode components. Emergency steps: First, quickly wipe the surface dry and use tissue to absorb water; second, open the back cover and remove the battery to prevent further damage; third, use a hairdryer on low heat to slowly dry the interior—avoid high heat to prevent burning components. Alternatively, placing it in a bag of rice for a couple of days can help absorb moisture. After completing these steps, reinsert the battery and test if the remote functions normally. If the light doesn’t turn on when pressing the button or the car doesn’t respond, you’ll likely need a new key. BMW key pairing requires professional equipment, so visit a 4S shop or authorized service center, though the cost is quite high. If you’re handy, try DIY drying first—it saves money and avoids safety risks. Remember, don’t force the water-damaged key back into the car, as this could worsen the problem.

[LeEverly]

Once I forgot to take out my BMW key before doing laundry, and it soaked in the washing machine for hours, which really scared me. After retrieving it all wet, I quickly shook off the water, removed the battery cover, and used cotton swabs to clean every corner thoroughly. Residual moisture can corrode the metal contacts, affecting the car's starting or unlocking functions, especially those sensitive sensor modules. After drying, I tested it: if the button light turns on, there's hope; if not, it's basically dead. Some functions might still work, but with unstable signals, be cautious as occasional failures could leave you embarrassingly locked out. It's advisable to keep a mechanical key as a backup for emergencies. Getting a replacement from BMW's official service is too expensive—costing thousands for sure—while opting for a repair at an auto shop is more economical but don't expect it to last long. Prevention tip: Store the key in a waterproof case or with desiccants daily. Anyone can accidentally soak their key; timely handling can extend its usability without wasting resources.

[DeSteven]

Car keys are highly likely to malfunction after being soaked in water, especially for brands like BMW with electronic chips. Simple rescue steps: Immediately remove the key and wipe its surface dry, disassemble the battery compartment to remove the battery to prevent short circuits, use a hairdryer on low airflow to blow into the key's gaps for ten minutes to expel moisture, then place it in a ventilated area for one or two days to air dry naturally. After thorough drying, reinstall the battery and test the remote buttons. If there's no response or no light flashes, it indicates circuit damage requiring professional repair. BMW key replacement and matching are costly and may affect the vehicle's anti-theft system. Safety reminder: Do not test a water-damaged key directly on the car to avoid accidental starting or locking issues; getting it checked at a 4S shop is the safest approach. Drying is a crucial step—early intervention saves money.