According to USA Bentley Mini manual it behind the small lower dash panel on right of steering column, trim panel unclips by pulling on top edge, (although it shows opposite for a LHD car)
This is the EWS module:
Quote from another Mini2 post:
Each key has a small cylindrical module inside it. If you open your remote key you can see it. The plastic key has it embedded in the upper end. This chip is powered by a coil around the ignition key and transmits a rolling code to a module known as the EWS (Engine immobiliser). The range is measured in inches. The EWS is shipped knowing 10 chip codes. You should have received three chipped keys with your car and the remaining seven chips are stored in a BMW vault. Each chip code can be individually disabled by a BMW dealer. If you need key number 11 the EWS unit needs to be replaced according to BMW. In fact third party remote start system require a cylinder from a key inserted into a second hidden coil to appease the EWS system.
The EWS and the DME (Engine management computer) share a separate rolling key. If they do not match the DME will not operate the engine. So plugging your EWS into your friend's MINI does nothing unless you have a BMW dealer's programming computer to re-sync the EWS and DME. And swapping both the EWS and DME will run into a conflict with the other electronics like the BC1 (Body computer) and the IKE (instrument console) which verify embedded numbers with each other.
A separate but related system is the ZKE body electronics which support up to four registered remote key transmitters at a time. This is not related to the EWS system, just remote lock, unlock and comfort opening. Also included is the MINI OEM alarm system. It activated/deactivates a motion sensor and tilt sensor based upon a lock/unlock signal from the BC1. So even a disabled key has the correct physical cuts to trigger an unlock signal in the driver's door keyhole. They just cannot use the remote or drive the car if it has been disabled in both systems.
Thanks for that, will have a dig around under the trim tomorrow, so leaves the question of the remote part
Brian