How to Start a BMW or Mini with a Dead Key Fob
Starting Your BMW or Mini
- But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
- Second, for video help, click here!
- Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Some BMW and Mini models already require that the key fob be inserted into the dashboard next to the Start/Stop button. If the key fob battery is dead, the vehicle will recognize the fob when inserted. In “Comfort Access” models, the slot is only needed if the fob’s battery dies, or if electrical interference interrupts the fob’s signal. Insert the fob into the slot and use the Start/Stop button as normal.
For other BMW or Mini models, hold the remote control against the marked area on the steering column and press the Start/Stop button within 10 seconds while depressing the brake.
The process remains the same in the new EV line from BMW, starting with the i4 and iX. However, there are now two additional back up start methods available in these vehicles.
The smart phone recharge pads also act as new start points. A properly connected key card or a smart phone holding the proper BMW app touched to the pads will allow the car to start. The pad is found in front of the cup holders in the i4 (first image) and on the lower level of the iX console (second image).
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text 
message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
Video Help with Your BMW or Mini
There are lots of videos here to help out.
Recharging the Display Key
In an automotive first, BMW‘s Display Key (right) actually has a rechargeable battery. The display is automatically disabled when the charge is low, which is a major hint that the device needs to be recharged!
The car features a wireless cell phone charging station inside the center console. There is also a bulge into which the Display Key can be slipped, with the lock button up and out. The Key is charged with a micro USB cable, a micro USB port on the Key (see the arrow on the Display Key) and the USB port at the back of the console.
Related: Getting Out!
… Return to Part I, Getting In
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
For your BMW or Mini, press the button on the back of the remote control (or ‘clicker’) and pull the key ring end to remove the integrated key. The integrated or mechanical key can be used to unlock the driver’s door.
lock cylinder, and introduced a new, slightly redesigned key fob. The button in this case, is on the side, as shown. Press it and pull the key ring end to remove the mechanical key.
shown, has a button on the neck. Push it while pulling the key ring with your free hand to retrieve the mechanical key. On all other Mini key fobs, the button is simply on the back.
With the latest EV line, the iX, i4 and i5 so far, come new key fobs. The i4 and i5 have a traditional looking fob, very much like the second one above. Push the button on the side and pull the key away. However, it will need to be used in a very tight space and so needs to be “undressed”. Slide the frame down the key and remove (right).
The iX mechanical key is behind the chrome cover on the key fob. Look for the button shown (first image). Press it and pull away the cover in the direction of the larger arrow. Then rotate the mechanical key out from the fob starting with the key’s tip (second image).
The electric models we noted above use a mechanical key for entry, as well. Lift the handle (right) of the i4 or i5 to expose the keyhole (black arrow).
the ICE powered 7-Series and will likely find its way to other models.
Both handle styles also feature a proximity detection pad. It is located somewhat in the middle of the driver’s door handle on the i4 (first image) and at the front of the driver’s door handle on the iX and 7-Series (right image). It is the knurled spot seen in the image. Touch an activated key card or the back of a smart phone with the BMW app to the spot and the door will unlock.
Starting 2015 in the 7-Series only, a new style hidden key hole a new cover removal process is featured. The directions from BMW are a little confusing, so do this carefully. It turns out to actually be quite simple.
It starts as a one-piece door handle (above) that must be pulled outward. With the handle pulled outward with your left hand, slip a finger from your right hand behind handle. Feel for a metallic release and push it outward. This will release the cap, which can be pulled away with the thumb and fingers of your right hand, exposing the key hole (right).
A modified version of this was introduced in the 540i for the 2017 model year. It has since been introduced in the X5 and X7 SUVs. The same metal clip is behind what is a smaller cap. The cap is the last bit of chrome at the back of the driver’s door handle and is roughly the same size as the clip, making it easier to feel for.
Like the 7-Series, pull the handle out and slip a finger from your other hand behind handle. Feel for the metallic clip and give it a push. In this case, the cap will practically fly off. You are still removing a piece of your car and its still ok! Let go of the handle and use the mechanical key to unlock the door using the key cylinder that is now visible through the handle.
Opening Your Mini
BMW’s Display Key Fob Can Be Recharged!
A Rechargeable Key Fob
In an absolute first, as well as a “why didn’t anyone do this before” moment, BMW is making a new key fob that holds a rechargeable battery. With key fobs constantly dying in push button start cars, this is an idea that is long overdue.
Followed by a step back …
Unfortunately, the mechanical key is not integrated into the fob and must be carried separately, however, to unlock the door if a driver misses the need to recharge. I guess the rechargeable battery takes the needed space??
Recharging is accomplished
with a micro USB port on the remote (arrow, above), a micro USB cable and a USB port in the center console of the car. The remote has a home it can be slipped into nearby for safekeeping (right).
Our interest of course is primarily in the recharge feature. We will thus take this opportunity to recommend that every manufacturer making push button start cars migrate to this option. USB ports are already standard.
However, please keep a mechanical key inside the fob itself. People are people and they will forget to recharge or simply not get to it in time. There must not be a need to remember where the mechanical key is! We can pretty much promise that there will be confusion as to the need for the extra key, and will get dropped in a drawer and forgotten.
An actual display is an expensive advance that is really not needed. There are other ways a key fob can announce a need for a charge, as is already done.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY