Does anyone know who makes this? How much it costs? Have a spare one at their dealership they would be willing to sell? Model number? FCC Id?

 

my question is: why do U need one?

 

Rigging up a comfort access system for the house maybe?

 

my answer is: Why wouldn't I need one?

 

I think the part number in RED below is what you're looking for, right?

[=======================]

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. M04 05 04 dated February 2006.
There have been many changes to this revision, please read entire bulletin.

SUBJECT : BMW Group Key Reader for MINI
MODEL : All

SITUATION
The BMW Group Key Reader tool was developed to enhance the customer service experience during repair order write-up. The key reader is used to easily access vehicle specific data stored upon a microchip within the key/remote control. Some of the vehicle specific data that's available is the VIN, the current status of one or more of the vehicle's maintenance service items and the stored mileage.

The Key Reader tool is a computer operated external USB peripheral hardware device. When attached to your dealer's computer (PC), it provides the ability to access, display and printout the stored Key Data through the Service Advisory Module (SAM) located in DCSnet.

ORDERING ADDITIONAL KEY READERS
Your dealer may purchase additional BMW Group Key Readers, beyond the number of units provided through the "Cost Per Vehicle Program", under the following part number:
81 31 0 444 787

Key Reader pricing and availability can be obtained in DCSnet through the ADF function.

Note: Ordered Key Readers can not be returned.



PC HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS HARDWARE & SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Complete step-by-step installation instructions are found on the installation CD included with the Key Reader. Take the time required to read them. If questions arise during installation, call the respective telephone number listed under "Warranty Information" on this bulletin.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
For questions or problems associated with the Key Reader, please contact your DSP Help Desk.

 

I don't know any of the information you asked but do know that the software that reads the keys is internet biased(reference DCSnet in previous post) and only accessible by BMW/MINI employees that need access to it; if you are really curious as to all the information that is available ask you MA to bring up the key read next time you go in.

So, I guess the question is what information are you looking for; the key reader provides you with information that you aleady know or your MINI can tell you such as: your address, VIN #, last day the key was updated, all service and maintaniance countdowns, and the color of your car both inside and out.

 

Yes, the key reader data is obtained through DCSnet, which is a dealer-only application that requires a log in and password. Without access to this, you can not pull up the data from the key reader.

Your second point is true... most of the info that comes from the key reader is generally available on your car either through the OBC or by looking through the car at the various labels in the door jamb and engine compartment.

Dealers use it because it serves a few purposes for them: 1) enables the SA to get all of your service requirements without having to physically sit in the car and write them down, and 2) allows the dealer to record on paper your car's exact mileage and all of the service indicator readings each time you bring your car in for service. This info is also available to BMWNA for warranty purposes.

 

You'll have to have the software to use it too. If you can even get your hands on the reader I doubt you'll be able to get the software.

 

Thanks zanary, just what I needed. Have one on order!

 

Defiantly can't get the software as sarafil said it is run on DCSnet which is only available for dealers. It is actually a very broad system that BMW/MINI basicaly runs every dealer operation off of. The key reader is a very small component of it. This is why access is so limited; even within a dealer only a few people have access to everything it can do, employees only get access to the area that they deal with.

 

I'm sorry the curiosity is killing me I just have to ask why you want to get it; I have bought plenty of things just because I wanted them, even though other people though I was crazy, so I could understand if you just want one. I also have to ask who sold you one and how much was it?

 

One thing is he probably won't get access to the computer system needed to interpret the key, because (I think) that's the system that generates work orders, based on the information in the key. I don't see how MINIUSA will let a non-dealer have access to that, but I could be wrong.

The key does store information that's not displayed in the car. A few months ago when I got a hole in my tire, all the TPS did what turn on a light and tell me one of the tires is flat. When the dealer read my key, the key had recorded not only that a flat had occured, but which tire went flat. But even given this, I don't see why anyone would want a key reader, when there are engine code readers availible that are probably a lot cheaper and can be used without access to dealer computer systems.

 

Perhaps he is trying to hack the fob?

 

Something smells fishy...

 

Hack the Fob would be a good band name.

 

I like it

 

Would that be a British band?

 

Maybe he wants to upgrade from the standard household key hook.

 

A quick search turned up this: http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/bmw-...e_1638487.html not cheap.

I wouldn't mind having one as it gives you (or the dealer) more resolution on the service information than the on board computer does.

 

Even if you get it, it's unlikely to be of any use to you. You won't get the drivers for your computer to run it, and even then you won't have access to BMWs computer system that does the actual read.


+5 - why would you even want it?

 

Too funny. Best quote of the day

 

I know this thread is old, but I just ordered a 315Mhz receiver (the frequency band labeled on the back of the key fob) for my Arduino so I can hopefully receive the stream of information coming from my key and find an ID so I can have like my house lights turn on or door unlock when I get within 500 ft of my house and maybe lock and turn off lights when the key is out of range... just an idea, will know more in a few days when the receiver shows up and see what I can learn from the key!

 

Would love to hear how it goes even though I long ago went through the buyback process.

 

So I got the receiver today and I am able to get indication from the receiver that it is getting signal from my key fob but I am not able to ingest that into the Arduino serial monitor just yet, I need to find a logic analyzer or scope to try and figure out baud rate, stop bit, etc for the remote... information I have not found anywhere and I don't think will be easy to find so I might as well try and backwards engineer it! Now I just need to buy / borrow / find a logic analyzer or oscilloscope...

 

Did you ever get the Arduino working? I have one coming in the mail.