EDIT: This can only be done to the 2011 Key Fob that has a real metal ring. The "metal ring" on Key FOBs for previous years are coated plastic.

Here's a very quick and simple modification to make your key FOB's metal ring look like brushed steel. This might be nice for people who have brushed accents interiors instead of chrome. Just a little touch =)

1) Pry off the metal ring by using the edge of a plastic card. This must be down from the bottom side of the key FOB. (DO NOT use anything hard to pry off themetal ring as you can damage the ring of the key...) (Thanks for the tip ironbarista!)

2) Using the rough side of a NEW sponge start scuffing up the metal ring. Be sure to keep your stokes consistent. If you decide to follow the ring making left/right strokes DO NOT change directions and start making up/down strokes, It'll just look like scratches. Apply moderate force.

3) Pop the metal ring back on and enjoy.

I did this to my spare and it came out pretty nice. Doesn't hurt the remote in anyway. It really is just a little detail but it's kind of nice. Not for everyone though. You could do this to an iphone 3g too

The one on the left is brushed while the one on the right is standard chrome.

 

nice job.

 

Looks pretty cool. I'm surprised you didn't just remove the metal ring. It pops off quite easily.

 

i wonder if the new part number (which is the same as the old from my realoem.com search) would buy me a metal one to replace my old plastic 09 one

 

Yes, the new metal ring will fit the 09

 

is this the part number for the metal since they've replaced the plastic?
Chrome ring 61313449599

 

must be. when I input an '11 it seems to give the same part number. I assume they just started making them differently.

It would still be iffy to order from an online source as they may give you NOS stuff.

I bet you could stop in any dealer and pick up a metal one (or 2)

 

Thanks for the tip! I've edited the instructions and gave you proper credit.

 

I can also verify that the new metal ring will fit the 2010 key. It's a little tough removing the plastic chrome ring but it can be done using the steps from above as well.

Hmm.. this means the plastic key can be sanded, painted and then top coated with a little nail polish clear-coat. Should look pretty nice.

 

Hey thanks. But you came up with the original idea.

 

I just bought a replacement trim ring at the dealer - it's metal and the part number is different from the one above. I have part# 61313456374

They told me that this is the replacement for the chromed plastic one and it was just released a few weeks ago.

 

how much was it?

 

+1

 

Amazingly, $24.

Fortunately it's well-made (read: thick) enough that I don't expect it to ever need replacing...

 

My plastic ring was looking pretty bad... so using your ideas, I painted it to match the color of my car BRG. I could see if you own more then one MINI you could paint each set differently. I haven't done the second fob yet. but here is photo.

 

Hey that looks excellent! did you use the touch up paint?

 

yes the spray can type.

 

great idea

 

i just let mine come off and kept it black haha. the dealer put a new chrome one on for free but i just took it off.

 

Nice very Nice

 

I called Passport MINI today with that part number, guy said there was only one part number for the key ring. He went back and physically verified that it was plastic, not metal.

Anyone have the real part number? My early 2011 has two plastic rings. :(

 

He's (was?) wrong. Buy it from ECS here ($21):

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61313456374/ES2166071/

 

Lol ya and 15$ to ship a tiny peice of metal? Wow ECS

 

the metal fits my 2009 mini key. if you're still under warranty, go and ask if you can get a new one! my service person took my old one off, and broke it on purpose so i can get a new metal one same for your spare key too. gotta bring both in to get new one

 

The ring on mine is pretty worn after a few drops.
my local mini dealer wanted $55, I laughed and walked away.