Hello,

Just purchased a used 2022 Mini Cooper JCW that came with only one key fob. The dealership want $450 to get one ordered and programmed. I thought he was joking! Is there an alternative to getting a spare key? Can I buy a used one and re-program it myself or am I stuck paying $450 for a spare?

What have others done to get a spare?

Thanks,
Ray

 

I think that you are stuck with dealers. There are (or used to be) some Mini dealers with an online parts presence that would sell them at a discount. I bought one for my R60 in 2018 that was quite a bit cheaper than at the local dealer. Had to provide proof of ownership.

 

Contact MINI of Peabody, MA. I believe they can provide a full, programmed key fob, at least for the earlier MINIs, by mail & at a more reasonable cost.
https://www.minipeabody.com/

 

Any example of how reasonable? My R55 that has no tech packages or security was ~$235 (or something like that). Not $450 for sure, but pretty painful...

 

Yes, I believe $235 is in the general area.

 

450 includes the actual key.

I think it breaks down as follows:
375 key fob
75 actual key

Taxes included and fully programming it to my car by the dealer. I'm in Allentown PA.

 

that's the going price for fancy wiz bang 'keys' today. Price for replacements for my focus ST and Mazda6 are in same neighborhood

and MINI is not unique in not being available thru third party sources .... Batteries+ chain sells and programs keys but take a look at both prices and what makes they do support, and which are not on the available list ....

dealers offer 'key loss insurance' now ..... just like they began offering tire and wheel insurance because runflats were so expensive to replace . . .