Hello there- I just got a 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible, I had a 08 Cooper S that I sold last year, and am happy to be a Mini owner again. The car came with one key with a dead battery, the buttons don't work on it. I saw on you tube how to open the key and replace the battery...Does that really work...what battery model # to use? or do you use a rechargeable batter?


what is the most economical way to get a 2nd key and not pay $130ish for it at the dealer? other vendors out there sell them and legit?
Please advise....Thak you

 

Dealer....they have a few options....
Only other viable option is to get a eBay key cut to match yours....it WILL NOT START THE CAR, but could be used to unlock a door if you are locked out.
Occasionally someone will find a shop that claims they can "clone" keys, etc, but typically they don't work for very long....so if you need s 2nd fuller functional key...contact a few dealers..prices vary.

There is one member who runs a bit of a side business, basically swapping the guts of the old key into a new body from one of the eBay knockoffs....but net result is, you still have one key.
I suggest you buy a good, new working key BEFORE you mess with the old one.... destroy that one...and you have a $$$ paperweight for a car...

 

Thank you so much...I kinda thought the dealer would be best option. I needed a 2nd smart key for my 08 cooper S that I hade...ended up paying close to $425.00 for the key and programming...was so upset but no other choice with that smart key. This is not a smart key and much cheaper.

 

Since there is a programing charge at most dealers....if you buy a 2nd key at the same time, even if it is a valet key, you might save some troubles later....spare imo are cheap insurance.
Gen1 cars have a limit on the total number if keys the ews (antitheft) computer can deal with before it needs to be replaced....think it is 10...a number few cars reach...but keep it in mind.
Once a key is added, it uses up one spot in the ews, even if it is deactivated.

 

Thanks again for the information.

 

I have a 2005 s convertible. A key from the local dealer without remote was $93. They said $220 with remote plus $100 programming. I think I could have programmed it myself for the 2005. The programming is just for the locks not for starting the car. Check this thread for a detailed discussion.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-virginia.html

 

1 experience, another '06 S convertible:
One of my keys died, my co-pilot built and ordered a new MINI, I sent by email scans of my DL, registration and VIN to the dealer. When her MINI arrived so did my key. Total paid to dealership for the key less tax, $152.77. The service desk told me how to do the little key lock and window switch dance needed to introduce the two which I can't now remember. Maybe someone else can. There is no comment on the invoice indicating programming. Only Part No. [66-12-6-931-749]
Hope this is of help in any small way.

 

Thank you fro the response.

 

check your insurance to see if you have lost key coverage

 

I did not think of that...Thank you so much.