Bmw E61 central locking

[Beezer1984]

Hi and many thanks in letting me be a part of the forum. I'm in need of help and hopefully somebody can help me,

I recently purchased my 520d touring E61 it only came with one key, after having it for 3 months the central locking  became intermittent until the other day it lacked up completely. I have had the key checked And that seems to be holding the charge and giving out a good signal, the locking works when using the blade but as you'll no it's a pain in the ##### when the alarm goes off!! I here the diversity antenna mentioned and the wiring in the tailgate any advice or what would be their first port of call?? Help regards mark 

Edited June 2, 2017 by Beezer1984

[Greydog]

Hi Mark and Welcome 

The diversity antenna is in the spoiler behind the 3rd brake light my brother in-law had the same problem with his 530d he tried the old disconnect the battery trick to reset everything. That worked once but after a short time the issue returned apparently some get water ingress that damages them he had his changed at a BMW specialist cost about £300 from memory.

I am told its not a difficult job just fiddly so you could get a diversity antenna and DIY

Good luck 

 

[Beezer1984]

Thanks yeshipibg it's that and not the tailgate wiring I've spent all morning searching for one to no avail,£271 off bmw I'll keep trying is there any recommendations for bmw used parts ??

do you kid disconnect the battery does it reset anything radio key etc? Thanks

[Greydog]

Morning Mark

I just spoke with the BMW specialist I use he says that 9 out of 10 times it is the diversity antenna but says you can remove it open it and clean the pcb board with a soft tooth brush then test it. He said this normally works, when you put it back together make sure you seal the antenna case with a sealant to prevent water getting in again. 

He says he has done this on several cars with 100% success he has never seen a loom issue but doesn't discount it. 

[Beezer1984]

Hi after searching high and low i managed to locate a salvaged diversity unit, after trying this the locking still doesnt work do I have to reset the battery or anything?

If I disconnect the battery does it reset anything on the car?

I think next is looking at the tailgate wiring which hinge locates the diversity?locking wiring?

what a nightmare

[Greydog]

Try this to reprogram the Key

Method 1:

1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut

2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds.

3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds.

4. Release both buttons.

5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred.

 

Method 2:

To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed.

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds.

3) Remove the 1st key.

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna.

5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.

If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2.

 

Method 3:

Alternate if you do not have a working remote

1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button.

4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

[Beezer1984]

Thanks greydog I only have one key the one that charges off the dash when you say position one, what is that?

[Greydog]

That is all you need the diversity antenna and the key need to be synced. put your key in the dash the info centre should come to life with the dash lights. Remove the key and press and hold the unlock button now press the lock button on the key 3 times release the buttons the doors should lock unlock and your done 

[BryceSkiTourer]

On 02/06/2017 at 7:53 PM, Beezer1984 said:

Hi and many thanks in letting me be a part of the forum. I'm in need of help and hopefully somebody can help me,

I recently purchased my 520d touring E61 it only came with one key, after having it for 3 months the central locking  became intermittent until the other day it lacked up completely. I have had the key checked And that seems to be holding the charge and giving out a good signal, the locking works when using the blade but as you'll no it's a pain in the ##### when the alarm goes off!! I here the diversity antenna mentioned and the wiring in the tailgate any advice or what would be their first port of call?? Help regards mark 

I had the same thing on my 520d Firstly the wiring loom at the back broke.  Then remote would not work... In my case it was excess water from the sunroof had damaged and furred up the board in the DIVERSITY antenna. I had it replaced at over £550 then 3 months later it went again... I have lived with opening doors by the blade and the noise. Now I found out that you can buy the part on ebay  and fit it yourself.... No programming required just fit it and go... Top tip... 1 get the drainage pipes blown clear or sucked clear... Top Tip 2 when fitting the Diversity antenna add extra film and seal it with electric tape. or place into a ziplock bag and holes for wires then tape them up .   My BMW garage was helpful to give me the part numbers.  So rather than pay £550 plus fitting .. Buy it off ebay and fit it yourself.  Hope this helps. 

[Bimmer Owners Club]

Thanks for the information BryceSkiTourer ....excellent tip !

[harlzden]

Hello to you all

 Both my key fobs CANNOT unlock my car (were working before). I'm predicting its the diversity antenna. The FM radio still works. My question is can DIS or INPA help in determining where my problem lies? What am (code) should i be looking for? If the FM radio still works , does that mean its NOT the diverstity Antenna.

Thanks in Advance.

Anil (e60 owner)

[Greydog]

It can quite possibly be the diversity antenna, first port of call is re-programming the key/keys 

Cheap option first

Dave 

[fordyc18]

On 12/5/2019 at 8:45 PM, Greydog said:

It can quite possibly be the diversity antenna, first port of call is re-programming the key/keys 

Cheap option first

Dave 

this process accurate with a 2006 e6x and up?,  as they have a FOB not a key