I got the brown metal, and unfortunately it won't fit. When I try to put the cover on either before or after it wont fit. Seems something is getting in the way. The black one I received fits perfect though.

 

could you post a picture of both side by side ?
its the same print-file so they the should be the same.

I'm still waiting for mine arriving on the 29 according to shapeways.

 

Here you go.

 

With the cover you mean the backplate of the key with the text mini ?
This needs to be removed first before sliding in the metal printed part, but i guess you no that.

So with the backplate with the mini text removed the printed metal part does not slide in to the end ?
I guess you have tried flipping it , but notice that its one way only.
Look at post 307 to see what that means.
There is a small upraised part at the beginning of the curved top. That part needs to be pointing upward.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4194276

In your photo it seams that its the wrong way up.


The reason i diverted from minis very small sliding rail on the key, that broke off inside my key after it fell, was to give it more stiffness. There is no large ringshape to give it its stiffness.
So i made it that every part inside the key fills up.
Downside to that is that its one way only.

 

Thanks for your detailed response, unfortunately I have tried every which way and it still doesn't work. Here's the closest it gets .

 

Ah, its the backplate with mini text that doesn't get in.
I think this has to do with the same thing i noticed in my plastic aluminum V2.
Perhaps the metal is less forgiving because its not flexible at al.

I you have a Multitool like a Dremel i think its possible to make the same modification as i did shown in the link.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4197128

BTW my V3 is still "in production" until the 29the so very interested but what do do think of the feel of the surface, it looks smooth but not shiny and do you think the key is to topheavy ?

 

On the subject of reactions at the dealership/service. Brought my mini in this morning for an oil change. All 3 employees that saw the new piece (v1 for me), all 3 thought it was absolutely awesome. No issues with reading the keys, the tech said he wished all the new models came with key fobs like that.

Eagerly awaiting to see how the V3 printed in metal works out - love the plastic but think metal would be ideal.

Either way - my local dealership thought it was awesome, great conversation piece for an early Saturday morning.

 

Dr. Bruce from MINI Key Hospital here. I'll probably never see one of these here at the hospital (I usually work on first and second generation keys) as these keys look like they are very well designed.

However, I am planning to post something on the MINI Key Hospital FB page about the availability of these and where they can be ordered. I would then cross post to the LXM and MOG FB pages to let people know that these are available. I won't make anything from it, I just think it's a cool product and well designed.

My question is about the images many of you have posted with these on your keys. I would like to use about 6 or 8 in my post to show how these look on the new key. Can some of you who have ordered this and put it on your key PM me and let me know if I can use your pictures? I will credit you by screen name.

Thanks.

 

Rev 3 has a much better fit than Rev 1. Polished bronze Rev 3 arrives today. Will post pics of it installed tomorrow.

 

Just saw this and ordered in orange. Thanks so much!

 

Just got my V1 in orange in, looks fantastic!

 

Got a white and black V3, and they both fit perfectly.

Here is my white one:

 

I'm a nerd but has anyone noticed that of all the pics posted, only four people have the alarm? That seems low!

I know the alarm does not have a button in EU (probably a law that you cannot set it off intentionally due to noise), but in the US if you get the alarm option it include the extra button.

 

The white one started coming free on the right side today. I took it off and looked only to find that it did not have the piece that clips in at the bottom right. It must have snapped off or not been printed correctly. Now the side keeps coming off. I tried bending the piece so it would nest better, and that is somewhat of an improvement.

 

For those that may not have had a decent experience...

I'd like to point out that this was a volunteer effort by an enthusiast who did not have to expend the effort that he did. All credit goes to Devries for taking the time and leadership to make this happen. None of us had to buy it, but did so because this item didn't exist before, and without speaking for everyone here, I'm grateful for his efforts. Thank you Devries!

 

I'll second that. The man didn't make a penny on these. He designed and shared it because he is an enthusiast. He has my thanks.

 

+1

 

I received my order today and found that one of the pieces was cracked/broken (I ordered a red and black - the red one was broken). I've contacted Shapeways to get a replacement - will report back if there's any issues.

All - please note, this is not an issue for user Devries - this is a shapeway issue. The black piece was fine.

 

Just received my Rev 3 printed in Metal Polished Nickel.

plastic is perfect ; metal is doubtful.
It fits and that's about it.

There is to much size tolerance in metal.
Its about 1mm to short en fits to tight around the key.
Therefor it warps out a little at the end , not much but i don't like it.
This has to do with how Shapeways prints metal parts i guess.

Besides that i do not like the surface, and its way way way to heavy.
It will kill and scratch anything in its path including sadly my anodized aluminum tabletop.

So conclusion ; metal is NOT recommended for this key at all !!
Still like my red V1 best, its light weight and has a better feel.

 

Thanks for the heads up. i too am happy with both my V1 units.

 

Update - after a few emails from Shapeways, they are reprinting/shipping the replacement at no cost!

 

Another second that. I got two of the V1 and couldn't be happier.

 

Black v1 has stayed in perfectly for a few weeks now.

 

I just got my order from Shapeways, it looks great so far - but how do I get the original fob off?

 

Doh! Found instructions in my hard top owners manual, page 34, once I quit looking for the word fob. It's in the Opening and Closing section.