I did a search on keys and found a few posts about which year MINIs had keys with replaceable batteries. As it turns out, my keys, belonging to an ’05, do not come with openable bodies to replace a battery.

So, what I’d like to know is, has anyone had any success opening one of these unopenable keys, replacing the battery, and then closing up the key again? If so, how did you do it?
The result doesn’t have to look perfect. And the way I see it, I haven’t lost much if I mangle the key body a bit because the buttons don’t work anyway.

Anyone?

 

Seems like I saw an old thread on that some time ago. I think they "sawed" it apart with a jewelers saw or something.

 

This thread has instructions and pics for opening the key: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...for-cheap.html

How did you determine that the battery needed to be replaced? If only remote functions aren't working, first try reprogramming like this: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-r53-how.html

 

I can't tell how important this is, but it seems these keys are rechargeable. If that is true, maybe just using it for a few days may recharge it.

Just a thought from someone who has a replaceable battery.

 

Someone who had the rechargable battery go bad did manage to fined a replacement and open, then close the key...
Google search using the serch this site option might be a better serch option than the built in search.....the info is around.