been looking at purchasing a 05-06 mini cooper s and i have noticed that some mini coopers in general have a traditional key with teeth and some have a fob which is inserted into the dash with start/stop button
just wondering what the difference is and if either have issues
The fobs came with generation 2 upwards. They still have a physical key to open the car but you need to insert the fob to start it. I'm not aware of any issues with the fob but if you have 2 I'd recommend rotating them on a regular basis to keep the batteries charged
That's only true for first generation cars with actual keys. Second generation cars, started by the fob only, do need to have their keys rotated to keep them charged.
Don't some start/stop cars have an optional 'Comfort Access' key fob, which does require a battery? I've never understood this option, but I think it's covered in my manual.
All cars with a fob have a battery. Each fob can be individually programmed to each users requirements i.e, how many doors unlock, how many times the quick indicators flash, what's displayed on the dash etc...
I have a pair of Generation 2 Minis (58 and 09 plates) and have 4 fobs. All 4 fobs are originals so my 2 years is long overdue and all 4 fobs are firing perfectly
I'm here in the U.S. so I don't do the "plate" type of car identification, so I will do the model year and key type for proper identification.
2001-2004, two button clamshell key- user replaceable CR2032 battery. Lasts 5-7 years or longer.
2005-2006 and convertibles through 2008, three button flat keys- sealed key with a supposedly non-replaceable, soldered in rechargeable battery that is charged inductively when the key is in the ignition. Keys, if you have more than one, should be rotated every couple of months if they otherwise not used regularly. These batteries can be replaced by a skilled technician in key repair. If opened incorrectly, the circuit boards can be damaged by knocking components off, etc.
2008- 2013(?), hockey puck shaped key- there are two types. With comfort access they have a user replaceable CR2032 battery as the key does not need to be put in the slot for the car to start. Without comfort access they have a supposedly non replaceable, soldered in rechargeable battery that is charged inductively when the key is in the slot. Battery replacement and key rotation cautions are the same as for the three button flat keys.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Bruce Hart
MINI Key Hospital
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