Starting Car when Fob is Dead
 

OK, I have been "schooled" to check all of the threads before I post thus I have done so under numerous searches. Not that it is an issue now but how does one start the car if the battery goes dead in the key-fob? Sorry, I do not have my owners manuals as I have moved and books are sitting in a box somewhere. Just curious in when or if this happens.

Thanks,

Stick your fob in fobgina.

there's a key hole on the left side of the steering. I'd think you can just stick your key in and press the start button?

Hence, the fobgina. It's in your Owners Manual.

Newbie question: :( I tought the salesman told me that it also charges the FOB...:confused:

Charges? I could be wrong (and 3948394 people will jump me if I am), but I didn't think the battery was rechargeable.

Not sure..good question. But in my old 330ci it did charge the remote when the key was in the ignition. :tup:

Yrah I was told it recharchged too but I think it bs

According to the manual:

"The Intelligent Key port does not charge the Intelligent Key battery. If you see the low battery indicator in the vehicle information display, replace the battery as soon as possible."

Page 5-10

The fobgina is only to start the car in the event the battery on the remote is low or dies. I use it like most to just hold the remote while driving. There is no charging pins on the remote? so charging is impossible. The mechanical key was included so in the event the remote dies you can still open and start the car.

:tiphat:

Just as a reminder, I think all the necessary manuals are here online in the forum.

I had never considered this. Usually the fob is in my pocket, but there are times when I don't have pocket (some gym shorts...were you guys thinking I don't wear pants?:icon14:). Never thought to use the fobgina as a holder.

Really ????????????????????????????????

:confused:

I just want to say "fobgina" made me laugh harder than I have all day. Thanks guys!

:iagree:

The fobgina will not charge the fob is a true statement. However you do not need direct metal to metal contacts to charge things anymore. Inductive coupling can be used to charge things in close proximity with out direct contact. You know the Best Buy commercial where they keep saying "its bleeping charging"? The product being sold there is an induction charger for cell phones.
Inductive charging - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Really do I wear pants or really don't I ever use the fobgina?:icon17: Seriously, I thought the fobgina was only for starting the car with the key when the remote was dead.

I didn't know all the cool kids were doing it:eekdance:

Yeah, I think my car's fobgina is a virgin. :)

That is exactly how the fob key works in the fobgina. It isn't technically charging the remote (as it is not rechargeable), but it does use inductance to give the circuit enough power to transmit the fob id to the local receiver. It only applies temporary inductance power if it detects an object in the slot and it is not receiving a signal.

The rechargeable remote is a BMW thing and is a PITA. The battery lasts several years, I would rather replace the 99c watch battery available everywhere than an expensive rechargeable cell that contains mercury and can't be user replaced when it goes kaput from too many charge cycles.

:iagree:

I stick my key in the fobgina everyday, perfect place to hold the key.

Fobgina... I like that

Coined by our very own Semtex!

professordave- im glad you use the fob slot instead of somewhere else on your body... :icon14:

OK this is TWO threads kenchan is busting me on:eekdance: I'm so frustrated I just dangled a preposition:shakes head:

You see, I thought keyless entry meant I could keep the freakin' fob in my freakin' pocket.

Ken, you keep this up and I'll tell everyone you used to drive a fuscia MINI:icon17:

Cool, I have saved to my favorites so I can stop filling this site with NOOB questions :bowrofl:

next dumb question.............sorry no insult meant........but if you forget and leave the fob in the fobgina can't believe i just typed that!!!! can you lock the car by mistake?

You mean locking the car with your keys in There? No.

It will beep at you and not lock the door.