Experiencing issues with your 2011 BMW 535i key fob? It’s a common frustration when your key fob becomes unresponsive, leaving you wondering about the cause. Often, the culprit is a simple issue: the key fob battery. This article delves into understanding your BMW key fob’s battery, how it functions, and what to do when it starts to fail.
Your BMW 535i key fob is more than just a key; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology that communicates wirelessly with your vehicle. Under normal operation, the key fob relies on a small battery to power its radio frequency (RF) transmitter. This transmitter sends encrypted signals to your car, allowing you to remotely lock, unlock, and start your vehicle. When you approach your 2011 BMW 535i and pull the door handle, the car sends out a request signal. Your key fob, constantly listening for these requests (a process that conserves battery life), responds by transmitting your car’s unique ID and other encrypted data. The car then verifies this information against its database to grant access and start functionality.
As the battery in your 2011 BMW 535i key fob weakens, you might start noticing a decrease in range or intermittent responsiveness. BMW thoughtfully includes a warning system to alert you to a low key fob battery. A message will typically appear on your dashboard indicating a low key battery, giving you a heads-up to replace it before it completely dies.
However, what happens when the battery completely dies and you find yourself unable to unlock or start your 2011 BMW 535i? BMW engineers have incorporated a clever backup system using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This passive RFID chip within your key fob operates without needing battery power.
In situations where your 2011 Bmw 535i Key Fob Battery is dead, you can still start your car using the RFID reader. This reader is strategically located on the steering column. Simply place your BMW 535i key fob directly against the designated area on the steering column, and then press the start/stop button. The RFID reader in your car will then communicate with the passive RFID chip in your key fob, read its identification, and allow you to start the engine.
It’s important to understand that placing your key fob near the steering column does not recharge the battery. There’s a common misconception that this action might provide a temporary charge. This is not the case. The RFID system is a completely separate, battery-independent system designed purely for emergency starting when the battery is depleted. While the RFID system ensures you’re not stranded by a dead key fob battery, it’s not a long-term solution. You will eventually need to replace the battery in your 2011 BMW 535i key fob to restore full remote functionality.
In conclusion, understanding how your 2011 BMW 535i key fob battery operates and the function of the RFID backup system can save you from unnecessary stress. When you encounter issues, remember to check for the low battery warning and utilize the RFID reader on the steering column as a reliable emergency starting method. Replacing your key fob battery promptly will ensure seamless and convenient access to your BMW 535i.
