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Only have one key for my wife 18' countrymam amd was thinking of getting another key. Called dealer they are funny with their out the door price at over $700.
Searched on eBay and found some used keys that would need to be reprogrammed to her car. About $80
Is this advisable?
local independent shop would charge $150 but would require a new key. Willing to try a used one but figured I would ask.
Bumping it back up.
spoke to a mobile shop he advised can reprogram key but needs to take out the sensor from the vehicle. Would have to return the next day to replace it.
Never heard if this before, anyone ever lose a key??
if you search this site you will find many threads on replacing the electronic keys and MY conclusion is eBay keys end up being wasted money and the only reliable source is a dealer .... MY OPINION (there ARE some guys out there REPAIRING keys successfully)
I would note that some take off on a rant about MINI and their practices in this regard. I just bought a new MAZDA and they offered a special insurance policy for the keys cautioning what the replacement cost would be should I loose one. Same thing for my Focus ST. MINI ain't unique in this regard!
Did Mrs LOOSE the key? Would that be a valid claim under comprehensive coverage of an auto policy? I carry zero deductible on my COMP (don't cost much more than a $200 deductible was ... and COMP covers my GLASS)
You might want to check some other dealers who do parts thru the mail ..... $700 sounds a little high but $500 would not surprise me.
When I bought my ST within a few weeks I thought I had lost a key .... I was having a FIT and checked on replacement cost. FORTUNATELY I 'remembered' and found it before I washed those pants!
{think about it ... do you want it to be EASY to program a new key for your car? It WAS that way with simple metal keys. IME a MINI dealer will only sell you and program a new key after verifying ownership. When a key for one of mine failed under warranty the dealer required my registration and driver's lic before giving me the new key.}
if you search this site you will find many threads on replacing the electronic keys and MY conclusion is eBay keys end up being wasted money and the only reliable source is a dealer .... MY OPINION (there ARE some guys out there REPAIRING keys successfully)
Please note that repairing keys that once worked with the car is much different than trying to get an aftermarket key of any sort working with your MINI. This is my way of saying yes to getting keys only at the dealer. It will be cheaper in the long run.
