Is your 2006 BMW 330i key fob acting up, especially when the weather gets cold? You might be facing a common issue: a dying key fob battery. If you’re experiencing problems like your key fob failing to lock or unlock your doors remotely, or your BMW losing its personalized settings upon starting after cold exposure, a battery replacement could be the solution. This guide will walk you through a DIY 2006 Bmw 330i Key Fob Battery Replacement, saving you time and money compared to dealership service.
Before you begin your 2006 bmw 330i key fob battery replacement, ensure you have the correct replacement battery. The BMW 330i key fob typically uses a VL2020 lithium-ion battery. You can find these online from retailers like eBay or Amazon by searching for “VL2020 battery” or “BMW key fob battery replacement”. It’s crucial to note the orientation of the battery terminals before you remove the old one, as the new battery must be installed in the same way. A 90-degree offset in terminal placement is common for this type of battery.
The first step in this 2006 bmw 330i key fob battery replacement is to carefully open your key fob. BMW key fobs are notoriously sealed, often glued shut. Using a sharp X-acto knife, or a similar precision cutting tool, gently score along the seam of the key fob. Take your time and avoid cutting too deep to prevent damage to the internal circuit board (PCB). Work your way around the entire perimeter of the fob until you can begin to pry it open.
Once you have carefully opened the key fob, you’ll need to desolder the old battery. To do this safely, use a non-metallic pry tool, like a credit card or plastic spudger, to gently apply a small amount of upward pressure to the battery. This creates a slight gap and makes it easier to desolder. Start by applying heat with a soldering iron to the corner terminal of the battery. Desolder this terminal first because the middle terminal’s lead is longer and positioned in a way that makes it harder to access initially.
With the old battery removed, it’s time to install the new VL2020 battery for your 2006 bmw 330i key fob battery replacement. Place the new battery into the designated holes on the PCB. Hold the PCB securely by its edges and gently press the battery down into place. Apply heat from your soldering iron to the middle terminal first, allowing the solder to reflow and secure the battery. Repeat this process for the corner terminal, ensuring both terminals are firmly soldered.
Before sealing everything up, perform a test. Dry fit the PCB back into the key fob housing and test the key’s functions on your 2006 BMW 330i. Check if the lock and unlock buttons work and verify that your car now retains personalized settings when starting. If everything is working correctly, congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your 2006 bmw 330i key fob battery replacement.
Finally, you’ll need to reassemble the key fob. You have two main options: purchase a new key fob housing for a fresh look, or simply glue the original housing back together. If you choose to glue it, use a gel-type cyanoacrylate glue sparingly. This type of glue is less likely to run and minimizes the risk of accidentally gluing the PCB to the housing. Apply a small amount along the seam and carefully press the two halves of the key fob together until the glue sets.
In conclusion, performing a 2006 bmw 330i key fob battery replacement is a straightforward DIY task that can resolve common key fob issues, especially those exacerbated by cold weather. By following these steps, you can restore your key fob’s functionality and avoid unnecessary trips to the dealership.
