all I have is a valet and really don't like not being able to put my dog in the car from the passenger side - she's a service animal and vital to my needs - is this gonna be a big dip on the wallet for me?
thanks

 

I'm a little confused.. mine came with two fobs, yours did not?

 

mine came with two but the master is broken and all I've got is the key itself... the valet is okay but it only works in the driver's door...
thanks

 

Only real solution is to go to the dealer...
And yes, the keys are $$$, like all modern cars. Be ready for sticker shock.
Did the dog eat the keys?! I guess that excuse only works for homework!!

 

it's bent and the Mini emblem isn't there...
what kind of sticker shock should I expect?
the innards might be okay on it - possibly my local fix-it guy can do the deed?
thanks for the quick reply...

 

oh, and what constitutes "sticker shock"?
I was told somewhere around $400...

 

yup its in the hundred....so i just use normal key

 

how many "hundred"?
it's worth it to me to have the remote... I don't plan on "flipping" this car so I want it to be user-friendly... thanks!

 

It cost me $187 for the master key for my 05. The master has the remote buttons, there was a $75 option, but it didn't have the remote. They programmed mine for free, but some dealers charge. Programming yourself is easy on these models, you just have to press the buttons, open and close the doors and turn the keys in a certain sequence.

You need proof of ownership and photo iD to order the key, and it took 2 days to arrive.

Although after posting about my purchase on yelp, the former owner contacted me and gave me the extra keys to the car. I live in a metropolitan area too, so that may or may not be easier in your case.

 

You could buy a used key on eBay and re-code it to your car. Then you'd have a remote that would open the passenger side door. Not the best solution but it's cheep!

 

I was told close to 300, I actually bought the key insurance policy for my new 2012 MCS. The policy was $300, Ive never lost a key or broke one in my life, but I figured that was a safe bet, the cost of 1 key and Im even.

 

thanks for all the advice - I will shop this around the LA area and if anyone in the hood knows who gives reasonable fees, I'd appreciate a heads up!

 

???- For starters, what year is your car? What do you mean by "the master is broken'?

I have a thread on the how to section about how to repair the "remote" key if your car is an '02-'04 (I believe they changed key design by '05):

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rbishment.html

I could even do this for you if you don't feel up to the task, if rebuilding the key in this manner would restore the remote function.

I caution you against getting a key anywhere but a dealer. Maybe somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but replacement keys have to come from the stash that was shipped with your car. Ordinary locksmiths can't cut them or program them.

Val

 

Valvashon - just read your post on changing out key shells and it's great! My key itself is very flexible inside its case - the Mini emblem is missing but the other button is there...
you can see the circuit board (obviously) and I wonder if it still works... btw, it's a 2002 so this is the fix I'd need... thanks so much!

 

Which dealer did you use? The prices I've heard were $250-$300.

 

Count me in wanting to know where you got that price pls!

 

Sorry, I was mistaken. The key was $189.45 plus tax, for a total of $204 from BMW of mountain view in sep/oct 2010 (before steven's creek mini opened). Had to show proof of ownership before they would sell me the key. It was overnighted from new jersey so it was like 24-36 hour turnaround from my order to pick up.

 

Quick eBay research shows that the seller of my replacement shell is still in business, with a couple of them for sale as of 1/9/2012. Others may have a complete uncut key for less, but if you are still going to use your old blade it's easy to make a mess of the new shell getting the uncut blade out. Better to pay a bit more for just the shell.

If you've knocked a switch off of the board, there's also a seller who has just the tiny momentary switches available. A switch would need to be re-soldered to the board, not a tricky task for anybody who is familiar with a soldering iron.

Good luck- I'm here to help if you need it.

Val

 

no doubt I'll need help and I'm SO glad you're here!!