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BMW 3 Series key battery

G20

2018–2022
How to change a smart key battery
  1. Slide the release catch and pull out the emergency key blade.
  2. Wrap the tip of a small flat screwdriver in tape or a cloth, put it in the slot the blade leaves and twist gently to part the case. Keep it off the circuit board and contacts.
  3. Note which way up the old cell sits before you lift it out. It varies by key, so don't assume + is up.
  4. Fit a new CR2032 the same way up, holding it by the edges. Leave any grease on the contacts.
  5. Clip the case back together and test the buttons at the car. Most keys work straight away with no reprogramming.
  6. Keep new and old cells away from children. A swallowed button battery can cause serious injury within two hours.
Full 3 Series G20 key record

F30

2012–2019
How to change a smart key battery
  1. Slide the release catch and pull out the emergency key blade.
  2. Wrap the tip of a small flat screwdriver in tape or a cloth, put it in the slot the blade leaves and twist gently to part the case. Keep it off the circuit board and contacts.
  3. Note which way up the old cell sits before you lift it out. It varies by key, so don't assume + is up.
  4. Fit a new CR2450 the same way up, holding it by the edges. Leave any grease on the contacts.
  5. Clip the case back together and test the buttons at the car. Most keys work straight away with no reprogramming.
  6. Keep new and old cells away from children. A swallowed button battery can cause serious injury within two hours.
Full 3 Series F30 key record

E90/E91/E92/E93

2005–2012
  • Remote head keyVL2020

    Not a battery you can swap. This key has a rechargeable cell soldered to the board, which charges while the key's in the car. A long drive can top up a weak one. If it won't hold a charge, an auto locksmith can replace the cell or the key.

  • Smart keyCR2032
Full 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 key record

E46

1998–2006
  • Remote head keyVL2020 or CR2016

    Depends on the key. Some have a rechargeable cell soldered to the board that you can't swap; others take a CR2016 you can. Open the key: if there's a coin cell inside, read the code on it.

Full 3 Series E46 key record

For locksmiths · G20

  • KeysSmart key
  • Tools confirmed9
  • Transponder chipSubscribers
  • Programming procedureSubscribers
Subscribe for the full recordFull 3 Series G20 key record

Questions

BMW 3 Series key battery questions

G20 (2018–2022): CR2032 in the smart key. F30 (2012–2019): CR2450 in the smart key. E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005–2012): VL2020 in the remote head key; CR2032 in the smart key. E46 (1998–2006): VL2020 or CR2016 in the remote head key.

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