R57 cheapest vendor for new fobs?
Update on this nuttiness.
I looked into getting an aftermarket fob. The local locksmiths all tell me they are "not allowed" to program BMW fobs.
I finally got through to the dealer in Ontario. They will not mail keys "for liability reasons." I would have to drive all the way there (90 miles each way) to pick up the key in person.
The nice man in Ontario gave me the number for the BMW replacement key office. They will mail me a programmed fob for $211, plus tax. I just emailed them the required docs (license and registration.) I'm guessing they are losing money on the entire transaction.
Trying to picture the original BMW design meeting: "Hey, if we seal the keys so that there is no way to replace the battery, we can drive the dealers insane while also forcing HQ to create an entire bureaucracy dedicated to supplying people replacement fobs."
I looked into getting an aftermarket fob. The local locksmiths all tell me they are "not allowed" to program BMW fobs.
I finally got through to the dealer in Ontario. They will not mail keys "for liability reasons." I would have to drive all the way there (90 miles each way) to pick up the key in person.
The nice man in Ontario gave me the number for the BMW replacement key office. They will mail me a programmed fob for $211, plus tax. I just emailed them the required docs (license and registration.) I'm guessing they are losing money on the entire transaction.
Trying to picture the original BMW design meeting: "Hey, if we seal the keys so that there is no way to replace the battery, we can drive the dealers insane while also forcing HQ to create an entire bureaucracy dedicated to supplying people replacement fobs."
Update on this nuttiness.
I looked into getting an aftermarket fob. The local locksmiths all tell me they are "not allowed" to program BMW fobs.
I finally got through to the dealer in Ontario. They will not mail keys "for liability reasons." I would have to drive all the way there (90 miles each way) to pick up the key in person.
The nice man in Ontario gave me the number for the BMW replacement key office. They will mail me a programmed fob for $211, plus tax. I just emailed them the required docs (license and registration.) I'm guessing they are losing money on the entire transaction.
Trying to picture the original BMW design meeting: "Hey, if we seal the keys so that there is no way to replace the battery, we can drive the dealers insane while also forcing HQ to create an entire bureaucracy dedicated to supplying people replacement fobs."
I looked into getting an aftermarket fob. The local locksmiths all tell me they are "not allowed" to program BMW fobs.
I finally got through to the dealer in Ontario. They will not mail keys "for liability reasons." I would have to drive all the way there (90 miles each way) to pick up the key in person.
The nice man in Ontario gave me the number for the BMW replacement key office. They will mail me a programmed fob for $211, plus tax. I just emailed them the required docs (license and registration.) I'm guessing they are losing money on the entire transaction.
Trying to picture the original BMW design meeting: "Hey, if we seal the keys so that there is no way to replace the battery, we can drive the dealers insane while also forcing HQ to create an entire bureaucracy dedicated to supplying people replacement fobs."
BMW key replacement number for California only
For some reason, the office I called only handles keys for vehicles in California. I'm wondering if the state made them do something like this? Anyway, the number for the California BMW key office is: (888) 575-5397
You might want to check out member "valvashon" on this forum. I understand he can replace keys.
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When I bought a second key from Otto's MINI in West Chester PA, they were fine mailing it and I got it the next day (I live about an hour away). I also just got the fob (not the valet key) to save $50 and got a $5 uncut version on eBay to hook the fob to my key chain. I have never once used the valet key to unlock in 1.5 years of owning the car. $180 all in for the new fob.
About $160 online... delivered to your door if you can show them matching registration and ID documents.
https://parts.seattlemini.com/p/MINI...123456368.html
Pretty easy... I've done it multiple online.... I only paid $125 back in 2020... but prices have went up.
Local dealer wanted $395 Plus a $40 programming fee... which is wrong... they arrive from BMW pre programmed.
Sincere question, Because you can have the battery changed in yours.... Are you really wanting a new one or just for what you have to work?
www.facebook.com/minikeyhospital
minikeyhospital@outlook.com (email is best/fastest way to contact)
.
https://parts.seattlemini.com/p/MINI...123456368.html
Pretty easy... I've done it multiple online.... I only paid $125 back in 2020... but prices have went up.
Local dealer wanted $395 Plus a $40 programming fee... which is wrong... they arrive from BMW pre programmed.
Sincere question, Because you can have the battery changed in yours.... Are you really wanting a new one or just for what you have to work?
www.facebook.com/minikeyhospital
minikeyhospital@outlook.com (email is best/fastest way to contact)
.
Last edited by mountainhorse; Mar 30, 2022 at 09:40 PM.
About $160 online... delivered to your door if you can show them matching registration and ID documents.
https://parts.seattlemini.com/p/MINI...123456368.html
Pretty easy... I've done it multiple online.... I only paid $125 back in 2020... but prices have went up.
Local dealer wanted $395 Plus a $40 programming fee... which is wrong... they arrive from BMW pre programmed.
.
https://parts.seattlemini.com/p/MINI...123456368.html
Pretty easy... I've done it multiple online.... I only paid $125 back in 2020... but prices have went up.
Local dealer wanted $395 Plus a $40 programming fee... which is wrong... they arrive from BMW pre programmed.
.
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