[minimao]

My MINI valet key(a small plastic key) was stolen last week and I would like to see if any good suggestions that can prevent someone to drive away my MINI with the valet key. Thanks!

[cliffywong]

Change your license plate # - makes it harder for them to spot your car.

Imagine a theif going around checking every MC he see's in your color combo.

Just a simple suggestion.

[minimao]

I'm thinking the following:
1. To replace all the locks includes the driver side door and the ignition. It'll cost about $1100.
2. To get an MINI alarm system. The valet key can't disarm the alram, right? Cost about $600
3. To get the LoJack Vehicle Recovery System. Cost about $780
4. To get a steering wheel lock.
5. ...........more suggestions???

[cliffywong]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimao
I'm thinking the following:
1. To replace all the locks includes the driver side door and the ignition. It'll cost about $1100.
2. To get an MINI alarm system. The valet key can't disarm the alram, right? Cost about $600
3. To get the LoJack Vehicle Recovery System. Cost about $780
4. To get a steering wheel lock.
5. ...........more suggestions???

Whoa that is a bit steep !

Get an aftermarkt alarm and ignition diabler = total should cost you no more that USD 400.00

If you want the extra Lo Jack that's a good choice.

And if the thief still wants steal your car there is nothing you really can do.

[dietcokeplease]

Get your dealer to programme out that key.

[dietcokeplease]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimao
2. To get an MINI alarm system. The valet key can't disarm the alram, right? Cost about $600

Yes it can. The little plastic key contains a transponder chip under the circular "bump" at the top of the key.

[Harry Morant]

It begs the question - how did the key get stolen? Was the crook after the key specifically or was it in your wallet as you were mugged - makes a difference on the solution I'd suggest. Does your insurance cover the cost of getting the locks replaced - much cheper for the insurance company than replacing your car.

[Bonjour]

That little plastic key contains all the information required to make cuts of your key. (Or at least so my sales guy said).

If it were me, I'd get an after-market cat.1 alarm/immobiliser. Key wont work for that!

[Speedd]

I feel it wouldn't be advisable in installing an after market alarm Bonjour because the key will still allow you to enter the car, sure you wouldn't be able to drive off with it but once in the car there are possibilities??

A replacement on the lock would be the best bet unless the key is found.....

Keep us posted minimao

Can the door lock mechanism not occur a fault??? or maybe your dealer would be kind enough to help you out here?? $1100 does seem a bit steep

you still have the original keys so would it not be possible to reprogramme them and just change the main lock?

[Bonjour]

The key would indeed allow entrance to the car, but not without the alarm sounding. The aftermarket immobiliser would also stop the car from being driven away.

It is a tough predicament, and a situation I would hate to find myself in. Perhapse your dealer/service centre will have some ideas.

All the best.

[dco43054]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimao
...It'll cost about $1100...

err, What? $1,100 to change the driver door cylinder and steering wheel cylinder? and reprogram the new keys to the car? Is that a real cost, or a SWAG? That's what I'd do.

Dave

[Paul]

Just to clarify (as others have already said).

The plastic 'wallet key' WILL disable/enable your MINI alarm (not aftermarket of course, but MINI supplied/fitted alarm).

It's a fully functional key. (Apart from no remote buttons).

Just don't want anyone to under estimate the power of that little bit of micro-chipped plastic.

Paul

[sjbartnik]

I think the best idea above is to go to the dealer and have them exclude the old key from the immobilizer (through programming).

I suspect they can clear the key memory and then reprogram the car to accept the 2 keys you have (you could even order a replacement valet key) so that the chip in the stolen key will no longer deactivate the immobilizer.

It will stll allow physical entrance to the car unless you change the locks but they won't be able to drive away with it.

However if your goal is to keep them out of the car entirely, your only option is to change the locks.

[EBMCS03]

WOW GEE! I thought that key wont start the car! I guess I was wrong there... That little key is dangerous!

[tscheez]

The key that was stolen was the small black key that is completely made from plastic right? I am fairly sure that the all plastic key does not start the car, it will lock and unlock the doors as well as turn the ignition but mine did not start the car when I tried it.
The valet key is metal and looks like the regular key but no buttons to unlock /lock the car.

Jake

[dundun]

i was told the plastic wallet key only allows entry to car but will not start the car by my dealer

[Bonjour]

When I picked up my car, I was told that the plastic key would start the car 5-6 times before snapping (and therefore advised not to use it).

[minimao]

Ok, I just called 1-866-ask-mini and they told me that the plastic valet key has no mirco-chip inside and can't disarm the alarm if you have one. This key can only open the door and start the engine but can't open the grove box. Anyway, that's what I heard.

[sjbartnik]

The plastic key does have a chip inside and will start the car. One of our forum members opened one up to find the chip. I'm sure the photo will turn up in this thread.

Of course if the plastic key was not programmed to the car with the other keys, then the immobilizer won't recognize it.

I don't know about disarming the alarm, but if it didn't have a microchip in the key, it wouldn't be able to start the car. That's the whole point of the immobilizer.

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimao
Ok, I just called 1-866-ask-mini and they told me that the plastic valet key has no mirco-chip inside and can't disarm the alarm if you have one. This key can only open the door and start the engine but can't open the grove box. Anyway, that's what I heard.

They are incorrect.

As stated earlier the plastic key is a fully functional key that will disable the MINI alarm (factory fit) and disable the immobiliser, and let you drive off. It will also reset the alarm when you lock the door with it.

I know this a) Because I was told this.

and b) (and more to the point). I have a plastic key, and an alarm, and I went out and made sure what I knew was correct by unlocking, starting, and driving my car with the plastic key.