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This thing has so many undercuts and oddities, I gave-up even trying to mold it. I suspect it will be a real challenge to 3D-print as a solid, single piece. Even BMW made it out of two pieces!
Yeah it's ridiculous. I may turn to Shapeways for this, they're pretty good about printing just about any shape. I'm still trying to get at least one print to work correctly so I can be sure it fits first.
I really like the new key especially since it comes with a nice accessory!!! In truth it looks like they fit in the same fob reader used by the dealer ship. Since I have both old and new fobs at home I'll do a comparison when I can. Considering that the car is now larger it makes sense the fob be larger as well.
Yes that is correct, but now you can leave it in you pocket instead of thrusting it into the dash.
I just had an idea for a new approach to this issue of the bulky/ugly fob. What do you guys think of this idea? Is it possible?
What if we just lifted the circuit board from our fob, and stuck it inside one of these, and then had the blank key cut to match our existing key [or not!]? I think it'd work provided the circuit board is close enough in shape. That's the big if! Of course, our key fob is built like Fort Knox, and I can't figure out how to open it down to that level for a gander.
I did something similar with an Acura TSX. The TL had a switchblade key. Both car's security system were the same but the key was different. Someone machined the shaft of the TL switchblade key to fit the TSX. Then all you had to do was get a locksmith to grind the key and link the new key to the car's security system and it worked.
So... is the BMW key compatible with the Mini? A locksmith could then make it work with the Mini.
I did something similar with an Acura TSX. The TL had a switchblade key. Both car's security system were the same but the key was different. Someone machined the shaft of the TL switchblade key to fit the TSX. Then all you had to do was get a locksmith to grind the key and link the new key to the car's security system and it worked.
So... is the BMW key compatible with the Mini? A locksmith could then make it work with the Mini.
I'm guessing it is, but that's not even the point here. I'm suggesting we could lift our MINI's circuit board and place it in this empty BMW key fob CASE, and voilÃ*. Problem solved.
The question is: is the MINI key fob's circuit board a similar size and shape, such that it would fit in this empty case? Probably, but not sure. The button layout is the same.
That would be the best option by far. I hope it works out.
I don't know how to open up the key fob to expose the circuitboard for a gander, without destroying it, I mean. It's the most confounded thing! So overly complex! Anyone have a clue how I might do it?
I don't know how to open up the key fob to expose the circuitboard for a gander, without destroying it, I mean. It's the most confounded thing! So overly complex! Anyone have a clue how I might do it?
No, that's just the superficial "taking apart". I'm talking about beyond the cover and the battery. I'm talking about how does one reveal the circuit board. THAT is the challenge. This thing snaps together (?) via a dozen tabs, or at least so it appears.
unfortunately, my neighbor is a very busy person, so having this be a quick turn around was not what i was expecting. that being said, it's ironic that you ask for an update as he just sent this to me an hour ago...
still needs adjustment on the top by about 1/64" as there's a gap...but...i like it a lot.
unfortunately, my neighbor is a very busy person, so having this be a quick turn around was not what i was expecting. that being said, it's ironic that you ask for an update as he just sent this to me an hour ago...
still needs adjustment on the top by about 1/64" as there's a gap...but...i like it a lot.
That looks GREAT! Thanks for posting it. Please do let the forum members know when you're close to a final run. I'm in for two! :-)
Went to my neighbors and got to see it in person. It's pretty nice. I personally think its fine as is, but he sees a hairline gap at the top front so he's looking into it. Oddly enough, the back top does not have a gap, thus why it's bothering him. Ultimately though this is going to be the final product. The edge of the new fob is beveled at the edges which works well with the rest of the key. I've attached 2 more pictures for comparison as well as how it comes out of the printer. By your feedback, sounds like some of you are happy with it. Glad to hear it.
Went to my neighbors and got to see it in person. It's pretty nice. I personally think its fine as is, but he sees a hairline gap at the top front so he's looking into it. Oddly enough, the back top does not have a gap, thus why it's bothering him. Ultimately though this is going to be the final product. The edge of the new fob is beveled at the edges which works well with the rest of the key. I've attached 2 more pictures for comparison as well as how it comes out of the printer. By your feedback, sounds like some of you are happy with it. Glad to hear it.
Add me to the list of a) happy with it b) in for two
