Recharging key batteries

[slemmer]

For the e46's does anyone know by leaving the ignition key in the off position will it charge the key batteries? Seeing that I've stored my ride all Winter I was hoping it'll charge up while being stored.

[Randy]

I dont think that the e46 has rechargeable keys. pop it open, buy a new batt , put it in.

[Seyar]

^e46 keys recharge when you put them in ignition and i think the car has to be running

[new member]

E46 diamond shaped keys have rechargeable batteries. They seem to last right around 8-9 years. The battery in my current E46 died at 6 years and the one in my older car died around 8 year mark.

Anyhow, the key will only change when in position 2. I tried experimenting to see if it'll change in pos 1, but no luck.I have big doubts it'll charge in off pos, but I havent tried.

If the battery doesnt hold charge its done, even if you take a 6 hour drive and charge the fvck out of it, it'll drain if you leave your car undriven for a weekend. Ask me how I know, lol.

I simply bought a Panasonic VL-2020 Lithium battery off eBay for both my cars, cut the key open, resolder and superglue back on. Worked perfectly.

Or you can always spend $200 at the dealer.

[330Hi]

^How much did the battery run you? Any DIY on it? Please post. Thanks

[new member]

I think like $8 or 9 shipped from ebay.

There are tonnes of DIYs, just search Google.

http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=481585

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=315311