Original owner of a 2005 Cooper S that came with two keys. Apparently the battery inside the key can not be replaced and no longer holds a charge while driving. Both keys have exhausted their battery lives and the dealer say it's $280.00 per key to replace each one.

Was wondering if anyone has faced this same issue and has found a way to resolve it instead of getting ripped off by the dealers.

Thanks in advance!

 

I was told by my service tech that the key fob for my 2007 MCSc would only cost 150.00 . He did say that because my key was a newer type that they wouldn't have to charge labor fees for a tech to reprogram it. Perhaps that is why your quote was so high?

 

Try another dealer....
Cost DOES vary...
They will ask for proof of ownership before you can order the key...

 

A few on this forum have successfully replaced the rechargeable battery in the 05-06 key. You'll have to cut open the key cover (and glue it back together afterwards). The battery is soldered in place and you'll have to unsolder to remove it. The replacement battery only costs a few dollars each.

 

Any instructions on how to do that (cut it open)? Do you know the part number or type of battery? Just trying to be prepared since mine is a 2006 and not sure how much longer the keys will last.

 

Here's the thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ob-repair.html (also note post#5 has a couple of links to repair services, if you don't want to attempt it yourself).

 

RKW,

Can't thank you enough for that thread reference!

I will be updating my experience with this method early next week.

Buggy

 

I cut open the fob with a razer blade. If you take your time it is fine. The battery was a pill but I used the same blade to cut through the soldered battery. Take your time. Then just inserted the battery and glued everything back like new.