Door handle?

There is a bulletin on this issue. Here it is:

SI B66 02 11
Distance Systems, Cruise Control, Remote Control

September 2014
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B66 02 11 dated February 2012.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Remote Control and/or Comfort Access Functionality Is Inoperative

MODEL
All

Vehicles with remote control keys that have a replaceable battery

SITUATION
The radio remote control and Comfort Access functionality is inoperative:

The vehicle can only be unlocked or locked with the mechanical key.

The vehicle can only be started with the remote control key in the slot of the Car Access System (CAS) or when held very closely to the steering column.

CAUSE
The replaceable battery in the remote control key is either damaged or depleted.

CORRECTION
Step A:

A defective/depleted battery in the remote control key will mimic that no battery is installed in the remote control key; hence, no check control message will be displayed. This is why it is imperative to test the battery in the remote control key first.

Testing showed that even when performing diagnosis and following the test plan for the key battery charge/voltage status check offered in ISTA, a damaged/depleted key battery will not be recognized.

As a result, follow the recommendation below without performing a vehicle test:

1. Check the battery functionality by removing the original key battery in the key and install a known good key battery; or, even better, use a battery tester called state of charge (e.G, ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1) to test the key battery capacity

2. Retest the functionality of the remote control key.

3. When proper functionality is confirmed, replace the key batteries on all assigned remote control keys for the vehicle.

4. If proper functionality cannot be restored with a known good key battery, refer to Step B.

Note:
The average life cycle of a battery in the remote control key is approximately 3 years from the day of production of the vehicle.

More details on the ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1 can be found in Attachment_A and on the ZTS manufacturer website, www. Ztsinc. Com/mbt1. Html.

Note:
The ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1 must be purchased through your center (e.G. From Amazon. Com, SEARS, etc.). It will not be offered through BMW.

Step B:

Perform diagnosis using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application). Complete any test plans related to the radio remote control system.

Note:
If the remote control key must be replaced, swap the existing slide-in (mechanical) key into the new replacement remote control(s).

Important:
If the rearview mirror must be replaced (remote receiver is integrated) on a Convertible, please perform a visual check on the mirror to assure that the frequency of the remote receiver installed in the mirror is 315 MHz.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

The permanent code I would after first here is how you replace the outside door handle. After replacing it clear the codes and let me know. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

There are micro switches inside the handle one must not be working.

Let us know what happens please.

The battery is only part of the equation in those fobs. There are actually two different items in them which signal the car. One is a small RFID tag which is what allows you to start the engine if you hold the fob close to the button. The other uses the battery to transmit a code to the car which allows you to keep the fob in your pocket to start the car. When the fob is programmed in the number used tells the vehicle that they are correct fobs.
The errors you posted show that the number of tries to start the vehicle with a bad or wrong fob has been exceeded, that will prevent it from starting on it's own. The door handle code is likely a switch in it, replace the handle to replace the switch. I have seen BMWs where a defective door handle will stop the car from starting.
Next you have a ring code, that is the ring antenna that sees the RFID tag in the fob, it shows that at least one of the fobs you have isn't programmed in, likely both are not as they don't work. The only way to program them is using a scan tool or a key programmer. Many times a locksmith can do that, however in your case you may need to replace the door handle first. Both a dealer and a locksmith can possibly test the fobs to be sure they work and are in the correct range to work with your car.

Okay, then you need a scan tool that can talk to the BMW security system to see what fobs are programmed in and what the module sees when you try to use the fobs you have. As the car is not registering them and one is not programmed you are sort of stuck as you cannot program fobs without the scan tool or a key programmer. Then you have an issue where it is likely the module cannot read the fobs you have. However as it does read the RFID chip in the fob it should be a correct programmed fob. But the car is not reading it's higher powered signal.

If it's the full version I believe it gives you some bidirectional control, not sure if security module access is there though as I've never tried accessing it. I've used the OEM program and even it was fussy at times. Be careful what you change though as many of those programs can change things like timing and injector properties and make you have a bad day.