What to Do If a BMW Car Key Gets Washed in the Washing Machine?
4 Answers
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the surface clean. If you have previously replaced the battery, you must have opened the key's casing. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to dry it out. Never use hot air, as the circuit board inside the key should not be overheated. You can buy a bottle of high-concentration alcohol from a pharmacy.
My BMW key also went through a washing machine adventure, which was really scary! I immediately fished the key out of the washing tub, opened the casing, and carefully removed the battery to prevent a short circuit. Then, I wiped the surface water off with a dry cloth and placed it in a bag of rice for over 24 hours to absorb moisture—an old but effective trick. After drying, I tested if the buttons were responsive. If the light turns on but the functions don’t work, it might mean internal circuit damage. Mine still worked, but to be safe, I drove to the BMW dealership for a check-up. They said washing could damage the chip. I recommend using a waterproof key pouch for daily protection—acting fast can save you the cost of replacing the key.
Oh, as a tech enthusiast, I'm particularly concerned about this! BMW keys have electronic chips that are prone to short circuits when exposed to water. I would first quickly disassemble it to remove the battery. Then, use a hairdryer on low heat or silica gel desiccant to dry it quickly—don't rush to test the power. If the buttons stop working, you can ask at a repair shop if the circuit board can be fixed, or simply replace the battery if it's cheaper. But a reminder: washing with water may corrode components, posing long-term risks. My spare key comes in handy now, so I can drive to the dealer to get a new key made, just in case the current one fails while driving. Develop good habits and keep your keys away from water sources.
This is really nerve-wracking, especially since my child has done something similar before. Safety comes first. After washing the key, I immediately stopped using it, took out the battery to prevent further damage, and let it dry. Once it was dry, I tested its functionality. If it didn't work, I planned to use the spare key to drive to the dealership for repairs—they said smart keys might malfunction when wet, but reprogramming or resetting usually fixes the issue. I always remind my family not to leave keys in pockets when doing laundry, and now I use a protective case for my key. When drying it, patience is key—never rush by using hot air, as it could damage the components. This experience has saved me a lot of worry, and vehicle safety should never be taken lightly.
