I can't for the life of me figure out how this thing comes apart, lol

 

 

1

 

Oh, I was on the right track then. Just didn't apply enough force. Thanks!

 

So about third of the fob is just empty 'styling' air, as stock?

John McEnroe is now a tennis commentator here for the Wimbledon championship each year and in his honour I say to BMW "You cannot be serious".

I heard McEnroe complaining about a competitor's behaviour this year, which was kinda comical.

 

Actually, I was mostly dead serious! I'm so doing this! Although, it looks kind of ugly without it. Too bad no one sells a "slimming" cap.

 

OMG! Just did it. Liking it so much better already! I will just find a suitable material to wrap the edges with.

 

Can you let us know what you find to wrap the edges with? I can't think of anything durable enough which will last.

Again... waiting for those vendors to come up with something for us.

 

We NEED someone to make a nice machined aluminium piece to slot round the edges - maybe 2-3mm thick no more than that!

 

Right now, I'm thinking very carefully-applied black liquid rubber -- a thin coating, such as used to cover bare wire in electronics. It will last forever, seal-in the nooks and crannies, yet also be ultimately removable, if need be.

Ultimately, an aftermarket solution would be desirable, but until then...

 

The only thing I wonder is if you remove the outer round plastic part, maybe the key won't fit in the key reader at the dealers (for maintenance and other purposes). Just a thought.

 

I spent some time modeling the Key Fob. Anyone know of a website where I can get a new cover 3D printed and shipped to me?

Once I verify the model is accurate, it won't be too difficult to come up with a variety of new covers

 

I found this: http://www.shapeways.com

Could be worth exploring.

 

May be jumping the gun here and will have to ask but my neighbor does 3D printing and design. Will see what files he works off of. What format are you using.. I'll confirm.

 

A new FOB is coming

 

more info needed!!

 

Attached is a picture of the Mini Key Fob as from Mini and what I am considering having 3D printed to prototype a "slimmer" fob cover.

Any suggestion (attention graphic artists) that could suggest shape/design improvements? TBH, the slimmer cover look generic IMHO.

Cheers,

 

The modelling program is Autodesk Inventor. I can provide in a variety of file formats...

 

Just sent you a PM..

 

Looks a vast improvement over the original already! I'll take two.

 

Two please here as well. (seriously)

 

I'll take two, as well! Seriously, keep us updated on the results of the 3D printing. I am very interested to see where this goes.

I am really surprised an aftermarket solution hasn't shown up yet.

 

For those who have not yet removed the round portion from their FOBs, I can tell you that my pocket thanks me every day. It makes such a huge difference!

 

It sucks that it's so small, would look great chromed or even body color but the cost is probably too high for such a small piece.

 

Is the exterior bare? If not, can you post pics of the "cover" you might have concocted for the exterior of the fob? In an earlier post, you were contemplating using liquid rubber, what, if anything did you decide on?