RETRACTABLE ROOF PROBLEM

[gypsyroadhog]

Hi All,
Very sunny weather today so I thought I would have the roof down on the Z4 I tried to retract the roof by using the key fob but nothing happened. It retracts and closes perfectly when using the buttons inside the car though. I have definitely done this using the key fob before. Anyone have any ideas

[roofless]

Nothing more than the obvious ones, key charged? Clear access to the car? Close enough? Door open?
I sometimes find the key fob can be a little problematic, hold it down the lights flash and then nothing happens, on second attempt it's normally ok. There has been mention i think of a difference between models, some fobs have batteries, some recharge?!. I'd love to know how my fob (key fob that is) would recharge in the ignition as i can't see any way for it to connect to a charger.
I do find it a little frustrating that if you open the door whilst putting the roof down by remote that the roof process stops, i can understand, kind of, that it's a security issue but hey, how slow do they think bmw drivers move?

[ksher]

I never use remote control to operate the roof, as it is not good for the battery if the engine is not running.

[zebedee]

There has been mention i think of a difference between models, some fobs have batteries, some recharge?!. I'd love to know how my fob (key fob that is) would recharge in the ignition as i can't see any way for it to connect to a charger.

Apparently, and according to the manual, if you have Comfort Access you will have a battery in your key that needs changing every few years and those without C.A. have a rechargeable key that is inserted in the dash slot. Interestingly it also says that only in exceptional circumstances should the battery key be inserted in the dash, wonder why ??

[roofless]

There has been mention i think of a difference between models, some fobs have batteries, some recharge?!. I'd love to know how my fob (key fob that is) would recharge in the ignition as i can't see any way for it to connect to a charger.

Apparently, and according to the manual, if you have Comfort Access you will have a battery in your key that needs changing every few years and those without C.A. have a rechargeable key that is inserted in the dash slot. Interestingly it also says that only in exceptional circumstances should the battery key be inserted in the dash, wonder why ??

I don't have the comfort access and i'd love to know how the key recharges, i don't see any point of contact through the plastic

[IanA]

I suspect it uses a contact less inductive loop process. A bit like you will find in some other products like electric tooth brushes. An AC field is artificially generated from the 12 V DC supply then fed to an inductive coil within the keyfob housing in the dash. The secondary receiving coil is within the keyfob. The only link is the magnetic field between the keyfob and the housing in the dash which is converted back to DC (rectified) and that is used to charge the battery in the keyfob.

[roofless]

I suspect it uses a contact less inductive loop process. A bit like you will find in some other products like electric tooth brushes. An AC field is artificially generated from the 12 V DC supply then fed to an inductive coil within the keyfob housing in the dash. The secondary receiving coil is within the keyfob. The only link is the magnetic field between the keyfob and the housing in the dash which is converted back to DC (rectified) and that is used to charge the battery in the keyfob.

Thank you
Nice zed by the way