I found a picture of the new key, and just thought I'd share

Opinions?

 

Looks like the key fob got bigger too. lol

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It looks fatter not bigger. Maybe it's got a bigger battery and more memory and a better camera than the old one.

 

I wish they'd drop the pointless trunk button.

 

I like the looks of it. Seems like there might be more of a distinction between the buttons. Although it could just be their new shape and size. Either way, I like it.

 

It's still too big.

 

i prefer the current one, and not just because i have it now lol. less bulky, and easier to know what buttons what without looking, less chance of hitting the wrong button

 

It would be nice if this new one has a longer reach compared to the 2nd gen key fob.

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They should have just made it rectangular like the BMWs....idk how many times I've inserted the key slightly off center and got the damn thing almost jammed lol

 

I don't think you ever have to insert the new one, so that's no longer an issue. I haven't seen a slot in the dash for it, anyway. I guess there could be a slot hidden somewhere.

I wish it was smaller. It's the only key I carry in my pocket, and the current one is too big. This one looks even bigger.

 

I'm glad it still round in shape. You can always tell a MINI key fob from all the rest by its shape. Looks good.

 

There must be a charging slot in the dash somewhere.

 

Oh, you people liking tiny cars.....I'm 6'6", I need some room I do get your meaning though.

It appears that the buttons might be recessed which would be nice....I set off the panic feature on our CM on a semi-regular basis depending on how the current fob is situated in my pocket...

 

Why must there? It could have a replaceable battery like the current comfort access keys, which makes more sense than having to remember to charge your key every once in awhile.

 

+1 This what I think it will be, a fob with a replaceable battery, like 99% of the cars out there. Since there isn't a slot on the new car, it will very likely be a regular battery. The ignition toggle will glow red once you are in the car, meaning it is ready to be turned on (no insertion required).

 

Having had a car with a key that the battery died on, in the middle of nowhere I'd rather have a key that charged in a slot; I couldn't get into the car, I had to wait overnight for my wife to drive to where I was the following day with the spare key.

 

That's why they have the hidden key inside. So if battery is deaf you can still get in and drive the car.

 

And there's a $250 Comfort Access option on the F56 Configurator too. I wonder what that gets you if there's no slot for the fob? That could be a waste of money.

Can't get locked out with the Mini even if the battery dies. The squared part of the fob that you attach the keyring to comes out and there a physical metal key that unlocks the door. Then you put the fob in the slot and the car starts even with no battery in the fob. All it needs is the chipset in the fob to start, it doesn't need a battery.

 

As far as Comfort Access is concerned on the F56:

I just had a 2013 BMW 328 for a loaner while my car was in being serviced. All new BMW 3 Series come without a slot in the dash for the key fob. They will start with the key in your pocket or purse, on the seat next to you, etc. You still need to use the fob to lock or unlock the car. Comfort Access allows you to lock or unlock the car without the fob.

 

Wow, and for that they charge $250, for the little rubber buttons on the door handles. And $250 to open your garage door with the button on the rear view mirror. Yikes.

 

More like $500 to open your garage door, since they also require the $250 auto-dimming mirror.

 

Exactly how my wife's mazda is. The car is keyless on all trim levels, but the highest level or opting for the tech pack on lower and middle levels will get the proximity feature of keyless entry.

 

BMW has been doing the keyless driving features on all new releases. This is also not an issue with regards to a dead battery.

I don't like the fact that BMW/MINI are using larger key fobs, the best looking of all BMW's new keys is for the new F15 X5. All other keys are too big and bulky....but that is just my personal opinion

 

My last car that I just got rid of, a 2011 Buick LaCrosse (what a switch going from it to the F56 MINI, LOL), had a similar "comfort access" which I liked a lot. I ordered the Comfort Access on my F56 MINI.

That key fob does look a bit larger than I would have expected, but it's all good.

 

Looks darn good to me.

I like the Lay-Out on this one much better.



T.