Hey guys

Is there a way to extend the range of our key fobs?

I can't get my R53 to unlock until i am pretty much next to my car.

Forget the whole hold the button and have your windows come down on a hot summer day as you walk to your mini. It'd be faster if i just got in the car and did them with the window toggles.

Any advice?

Thx

 

Put it up to your chin point it at the car and waa laaaa. You would be amazed at how much further it will work.

 

+1

 

Sounds like the battery in your key fob might be about done. Try replacing it, than if you're still not happy with the range, Gray_raven made this tutorial on extending the range of your key fob further. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fob-range.html
Goodluck!

 

Range on gen1 keys have never been great....
i would suggest a battery change on a pre-facelift (pre 2005 my) gen1 car....the battery issue is a bit more complex on facelift cars since it is a rechargeable battery....and replacements are harder to find....
If i recall right, the reciever for the keyless entry is located by the mirror.....so if you have anything in thar area, it might be blocking it.

 

Up to the chin or open your mouth and bounce the signal. It will extend the range a lot.

 

haha

yes the good old chin trick. I do it all the time, which is why i am asking if there's an alternative.

I swear the chin thing is not good for our brains.

 

+^. If you want further signal stick out the tongue with a rapid sweeping upp motion.

 

Good catch, I was going to hunt this down as soon as I got thru reading everybody's input. I'd posed a question to G_R right after he posted it. OP, it works.

My gawd! That was 4 years ago and at my age was able to remember it. I'm gonna treat m'self to an extra short snort just for that.

 

the annoying thing is, the batteries inside the fobs ARE rechargeable!!!

too bad theres no little micro usb plug to charge the bastards. i actually found the schematic for a charger for the battery. plan to build a charger, and put a little plug in the key fob. only real downside, is that you have to basically cut the fob in half, as the plastic is sonic welded shut.

 

Lol, +1

 

It is definitely not on my 2003. The cell inside the fob is a standard CR2032 button cell and not rechargeable. I replace mine every 5 years if it needs it or not.

///Rich

 

HELLO, greetings from a new member in Orlando, Fl. I bought my 2012 Mini Cooper S last week, but not from a dealership. It came with only 1 key. I stopped by the local dealership today to inquire about my car's service needs (didn't need any it was totally up to date) and then I asked about the key. The grand total, including tax, was $473.58. So, I was complaining to my daughter (invoice quote said $132.00 labor ) and she asked if I located a used key to a comparable Mini can they be reprogrammed to use in my car. So that's my question. Is it a pipe dream or am I required to cough up the cash? I hate to be without a spare key, just in case..... I've been a recovery agent (repo-man) most of my adult life. I have never paid this much for a key - it's a long way from cutting keys out of our trunk for $.07 cents a blank.
Penny, recoveryagent2

I hope this is right. 2012, Spiced Orange Mini Cooper S, with lots of toys. I call her "Punkin". Someday I hope to figure them all out. Doesn't matter if I do or not, I'm having a blast, so wave if the orange blur flies past.

 

You have a 2nd Gen mini. If you don't have a physical key blade you can probably code a key to the car. The dealer may balk at the used key though.

 

JOYLOVE, thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it.
I ended up calling the dealer and was told the key/radio remote is programed to the specific VIN# of the car and is not reprogrammable to a different VIN#/car. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and pay the $473.59 for a new key. I'm feeling a tab bit ripped off!

 

Be wary of what dealers tell you; they will feed you true line from head office and that big shiny building they are in doesn't pay for itself. Call a local hit-tech key place or a garage with an advanced auto logic. Search youtube to see videos of people adding keys to BMWs and Minis with handheld scanners.

 

Remembered seeing this on the show Top Gear(UK) and found a clip on youtube.

 

JOYLOVE, Thanks, Orlando Mini, is indeed, a nice new pretty building that glitters in the noon day sun. I do have a key blade that tucks into the radio remote. I will certainly be making some phone calls - sure hope you're right. I've repo'd tons of high end cars with fancy keys... but the $473.59 price I was quoted for the Mini key was just plain sticker shock - I don't think I have ever been hit with a $132 labor charge for a key. I may be in the wrong end of the business!


2012 Mini Cooper S, spiced orange metallic/black "Punkin", Steptronic automatic tranny, racks, bug film, dual sunroof, blue tooth, cold weather package, premium package, anthracite headliner, sport steering wheel with paddles, interior surface piano black, xenon headlights, white turn signals, rain sensor, auto headlight, climate control..and other "stuff". I hope I got it right this time 'cause I ain't gonna list it again!