Panasonic VL2020 3V Rechargeable Coin Cell — 3-Pin Solder Tabs for BMW Remote Key Fobs
The Panasonic VL2020 is the rechargeable lithium vanadium coin cell fitted to BMW remote key
fobs. Unlike a disposable button cell, it recharges in place every time the key sits in the
ignition or the vehicle's induction pocket, so a healthy cell keeps the remote working for years.
This is the 3-pin version with 90° angled solder legs, the same terminal bracket geometry as
the cell originally fitted to the fob board.
Fits
BMW 1 Series (E81, E87), 3 Series (E46, E90, E91, E92, E93), 5 Series (E39, E60, E61), 6 Series, 7 Series (E38), X3 (E83), X5 (E53), Z4 (E85, E86) and Mini Cooper S.
Before ordering, open your fob and confirm the existing cell is a 20 mm coin cell
marked VL2020 with three solder legs. Some later BMW keys use a non-rechargeable CR2032 or a
sealed battery-free design instead.
Specifications
| Model / Part No. |
Panasonic VL2020 |
| BatteryWorks SKU |
BW-PAN-VL2020 |
| Nominal Voltage |
3.0 V |
| Capacity |
20 mAh |
| Energy |
0.06 Wh |
| Chemistry |
Lithium Vanadium Pentoxide (Li-V2O5), rechargeable |
| Charging Voltage |
3.25 – 3.55 V |
| Average Discharge Voltage |
2.85 V |
| Cycle Life |
1000 cycles at 10% depth of discharge |
| Self-Discharge |
Approx. 2% per year |
| Operating Temperature |
−20 °C to +60 °C |
| Dimensions |
20.0 mm diameter × 2.0 mm height |
| Weight |
2.2 g |
| Terminals |
3-pin solder tabs, 90° angled legs |
| Country of Origin |
Indonesia |
Key Features
-
Rechargeable, not disposable — recharges from the vehicle each time the
key is used, rated for 1000 charge cycles at 10% depth of discharge.
-
Original-fit 3-pin terminals — 90° angled solder legs matching the
factory cell, so the bracket lines up with the existing pads on the fob board.
-
Holds charge in storage — roughly 2% self-discharge per year, so a spare
key left in a drawer still works.
-
Wide operating range — rated −20 °C to +60 °C, stable
through Indian summers and cold starts alike.
-
Genuine Panasonic cell — manufactured by Panasonic in Indonesia to the
published VL2020 specification.
What's in the Box
- 1 × Panasonic VL2020 rechargeable coin cell with 3-pin solder tabs
Important Notes
-
Soldering is required. The cell is tab-mounted, not a drop-in replacement.
Fitting means opening the fob and desoldering the old cell from the circuit board. If you are not
comfortable soldering fine electronics, have it fitted by a qualified technician or an auto
locksmith.
- This cell is charged by the vehicle's own key circuit. Do not attempt to charge it in a
standard coin-cell or Li-ion charger.
- Do not short the terminals, disassemble, crush, pierce or expose the cell to fire or
temperatures above 60 °C.
- BMW, Mini and Mini Cooper are trademarks of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. BatteryWorks is not
affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by BMW. Vehicle and model names are shown solely to
indicate compatibility.
- Electrical specifications are taken from the published Panasonic VL2020 datasheet.
Brand: Panasonic | Model: VL2020 |
SKU: BW-PAN-VL2020
