Hi all,

Car currently undriveable due to a deflated bag on the front right strut so thought I'd try and tackle the spare key.

Main key works fine I think, it doesn't unlock from very far (perhaps 6 standard car bay width-wise away) but otherwise no issues.

Spare key that came with the car is a bit odd. It does not remote unlock. I can use the blade to unlock manually - but the alarm goes off until it is inserted into the ignition.

Turning the ignition and the car starts/drives fine.

I took it apart and it doesn't have the soldered battery but instead a CR2032 - which I've replaced - to no avail. I've tried resyncing (on/off ignition, unlock hold with lock button press etc.) but no dice. It looks like it might be a third party circuit board.

Any ideas if I can get it working? Technically, as a spare key, its fine really as I can drive with it no issues but it would be nice to be able to use it to remotely unlock and not have the alarm go off.

As a separate query when the alarm does go off - it's rubbish. Loud enough you want to turn it off but not that loud it would attract much attention. Can't find any videos online of an L322 alarm so not sure if that is normal. Beeps just a bit quicker than once a second and sounds quite "squeally" rather than alarmy!

Thoughts on the alarm and key appreciated...thanks in advance as always - great forum!

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

The remotes are very fussy, experience from lots on here say that you need new, good quality, branded batteries to run the remote....

Worth a try, it's a cheap fix if it works...  Pete
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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

Duracell works!

Re soldered batteries - this has not been my experience with MY10 and MY11 RRs key fobs

I have been trying for years to sort mine I have one that opens on the remote and starts the car one that opens the car with the blade and starts the car and one that opens the car with the blade but dent start the car. Now interestingly I can have any of the keys as no 1 so opening with the remote but then the others default to working on the blade and only one of the two starting it
It is so illogical and even put it into an idie and they couldn't work it out had an auto electrician look at it and they cant work it out so who knows

I’m fairly certain that key fob isn’t original and indeed when compared to mine, I’d say is probably not designed to operate remotely.

This is what the internals of mine looks like, quite a difference and mine is same year model.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Bumping this - sorry!

Tried today with the IID tool to program the spare key and still did not work (but IID seemed to recognise the key). Have put a Duracell battery in.

To summarise:

Key 1 - everything works

Key 2 - no remote unlock. Manual unlock with blade = alarm until insert in ignition. Car starts as normal.

Am I right in saying the transponder needs coding? PS tried the hold and press button 3 times method as well...

Anyone recommend a good auto locksmith in London who can help? I can't help but feel if the key unlocks manually & starts the bloomin car I should be able to program a remote unlock with it without spending ££! L322 2007 S/C 4.2L (first full fat)
135k miles and counting
Buckingham Blue

tspd,

Re the alarm sounder. It's a small, sealed box containing a rechargeable battery, charging/sounding circuit and a speaker fitted against the outer wing adjacent to the brake master cylinder (right hand drive).

Buying a genuine BMW replacement will be $$$$, but I believe it is possible to replace the failing battery, but I don't know how; can anyone help here?

bye. 2003 TD6, EGR delete, vortex crankcase breather update, performance chip, UHF 2 way, Android head unit, crash camera on dash, always-on rear view camera to mirror screen, LED DRL`s, Electric trailer brake controller. FSR replaced. Pulling 3T caravan all about Australia

Thanks. Think I’m going to bite the bullet and take it to an auto locksmith for both alarm and key fix. Will update here. L322 2007 S/C 4.2L (first full fat)
135k miles and counting
Buckingham Blue