I just purchased an '09 Clubman S with comfort access. Adore it, but there is a snag:

The husband thinks he should have a key, too, but we only got one when we bought it.

I have spoken with the only MINI dealer in the state and was quoted a price north of $400 for a replacement key, fob and programming.

So I asked about whether it is possible to get a non-comfort access key and fob as the husband key, saving something like $200. The dealer said they "weren't sure" that would work. If it doesn't, we'd be out the cost of failed key and still have to shell out the $400-plus for the comfort access key.

Anyone have experience with this? Can you buy a non-comfort access key and use it on a CA car?

 

Nope. The key isn't actually used to start the car--it's all in the electronics in the fob. And those are expensive, and have to be programmed to the car. (Or maybe it's the car programmed to the fob?)

The non-CA key is the same way. Has to be programmed, and also costs over 4 bills to get it all set.

Seems to be the way of the future. :(