How to Replace the Battery in an Older BMW X5 Key Fob?
3 Answers
First, press the square button on the upper right corner of the back of the BMW X5 key fob with your left hand, then pull out the mechanical key with your right hand. There is a small square on the upper right corner of the key fob that can be pressed down. Pry open the operation hole of the remote key to remove the back cover. Use tweezers to take out the old battery, then replace it with a new one of the same model. When the car key battery is running low, you may notice the following signs: 1. The effective range of the car key remote decreases. 2. The remote door locking becomes intermittent—sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes you need to press the button many times to get a response. 3. If you notice that the indicator light on the car key is significantly dimmer than usual, or if it flickers on and off, it’s time to replace the battery as soon as possible.
I've replaced the key fob batteries for several older BMW X5 models myself, and it's actually quite simple. First, examine the key fob - older versions usually have a small groove or gap on the back. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the casing, being careful not to apply too much force to avoid cracking the plastic shell. Inside, you'll find the button battery secured in a slot, typically a CR2032 model. Carefully remove it while noting the positive/negative orientation. Before purchasing a new battery, verify the correct model (CR2032 is very common and costs just a few yuan, available at supermarkets or online stores). When installing the new battery, align it correctly with the positive/negative positions, then snap the casing back together until you hear a click. Avoid touching the circuit board with metal tools during the process to prevent short-circuiting and damaging the key. The entire procedure takes just minutes to complete, and doing it annually helps prevent remote control failure conveniently.
As a seasoned BMW owner, I often help friends replace their key fob batteries. I've noticed that the older X5 key design is quite user-friendly, with an easy-to-open clip on the back that can be pried open using a small coin or the edge of a credit card. If the key casing is tight, apply gradual force instead of forcing it. When replacing, remember the battery is a CR2032 – never mistake it for a CR2025 or similar. From experience, I recommend changing the battery every two years for optimal performance, as frequent door operations drain more power. If the key doesn't respond after installing a new battery, don't panic – check if the battery is reversed or has poor contact, and reinstalling usually fixes it. Avoid handling batteries in humid areas to prevent corrosion. These small details make the key more durable and cost-effective.
