We just bought an R53 Cooper S 02 model without a remote key.
Replacement from our local dealer is $550 plus $75 to program.
I don't know whether to hang myself or jump into the bath tub with a hairdryer.
Anyway, are there any aftermarket keys available that will program like a genuine one ?
Or what about buying a basic remote locking kit and intercepting the MINIs switching.
We are using the manual key, and doesn't seem to have any immobilisers.
My local dealer in Sydney just quoted $624.55 for the key and an additional $96 to "code to the car". I think that is the normal Northern Beaches "discount". I managed to smile and politely thank them for their help before leaving.....
A blank key is under $10 on eBay, made by Valeo - the original equipment manufacturer for Mini. The electronic components can be transferred across to the new key case very easily, and there is no re-programming of the car or key. However, my local locksmith (equipped for car key replacement) could not duplicate the physical key. They need the key number, and BMW won't / can't provide it to me. Apparently the BMW dealer will order the key - standard part number, and provide my VIN with the order. BMW in Asia or UK will use the VIN to derive a key number in order to cut the physical key and to program the two chips in the key.
Has anyone had success in getting a blank physical key cut to match the original?
My local dealer in Sydney just quoted $624.55 for the key and an additional $96 to "code to the car". I think that is the normal Northern Beaches "discount". I managed to smile and politely thank them for their help before leaving.....
A blank key is under $10 on eBay, made by Valeo - the original equipment manufacturer for Mini. The electronic components can be transferred across to the new key case very easily, and there is no re-programming of the car or key. However, my local locksmith (equipped for car key replacement) could not duplicate the physical key. They need the key number, and BMW won't / can't provide it to me. Apparently the BMW dealer will order the key - standard part number, and provide my VIN with the order. BMW in Asia or UK will use the VIN to derive a key number in order to cut the physical key and to program the two chips in the key.
Has anyone had success in getting a blank physical key cut to match the original?
While I am flattered that mab01uk has chosen to link to my key refurbishment work in a post over at forum.minicooper.org, I don't think that will help either of these two posters, as they don't have an actual remote key of any sort. The work that 04_Indi_Mini_S has done over at northamericanmotoring.com is more what they need to be reading:
Here he solves, or appears to solve, the problem of how to program a key you might get off of eBay or at a breakers. Even then, there appears to be software to buy and install along with getting the blade cut properly. I'm not sure after all the effort it would be cheaper or easier than just paying the dealer for a new remote key. I think I was quoted $260 or something like that at Seattle MINI a while back when we ordered a non-remote key for my wife's R50. Certainly, if other dealers are charging considerably more reprogramming an existing key might start to make more sense.
And BTW, there is an immobilizer inside of the non-remote key. It's the only thing inside the shell.
Val
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