I just traded in my '17 with two fobs that I had modified to make a lot smaller by replacing the big plastic mouse ears-like surround with a more form fitted piece. I believe it was printed, but I bought the actual piece. Is it still possible to buy this?

 

I had 3D printed version long time ago and now a lot of Chinese eBay sellers sell them with nice metal finish and printed patterns (checkers, JCW, Union Jack, etc.). Check eBay.
eBay ones are slightly bigger but I like them since they're more "finished" look.

 

Thanks!

 

I got mine from AliExpress last year. If you decide to get a metal/alloy one, be aware it is pretty heavy in the pocket.

 

Here's the one I have: https://www.shapeways.com/product/WK...-f56-car-rev-3

 

The eBay description for a plastic cover mentions in passing "double sided adhesive tape". I don't like the sound of that.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114957960246

This is what I got (union flag and checkered) and those are actual metal replacement of the round plastic, no double side tap or plastic.

 

Once you get the new fob what do you have to do to make it work?
How much lighter/smaller that the original is it?

 

YouTube has a lot of video. it's simple job.
it's just housing change. actual key mechanism isn't changed.
noticeably smaller but heavier with metal wihich I like. more substantial feel.

 

I went with the carbon fiber plastic for 10 bucks. I don't particularly like the carbon fiber look, but they didn't have black. Shapeways is more expensive and the one on eBay seem to be made of better material. Adding weight to my pocket doesn't appeal to me. We'll see.

 

Here is a black plastic one on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...y+fob&_sacat=0

 

Its the piece around the fob that gets replaced.

 

https://www.shapeways.com/marketplac...uct&q=mini+f56

 

I tried a black carbon fiber one from ebay. It was loose and doesn't lock on. I'll contact the seller if it's supposed to work on 2022's. If I try it again I'll do Shapeways.

 

Got my ebay keyfob piece today. Took about 60 sec to install (I did watch a video).
If yours isn't fitting it may be you have the piece upside down.

 

The seller sent me a link to a video. I tried both ways. I can see the notch in the front matches the bumps in the cover, but the wings don't attach.
I have the MINI cover from my '17 and it fits the '22 fob perfectly, so it's not that. (Note: I shouldn't have forgotten to remove them before the trade, duh.)
Is yours a plastic one with the Union Jack insignia on it.
It could be that something went wrong with the mfg process.
Here's a link to the one I got. Does it look the same as yours?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254649132897

 

I actually make these! I talked with the original artist that made the Shapeways versions, he sold all the files to them and no longer custom makes them. These are one of the main reasons I bought a 3D Printer. I can add any custom logo or design to them. The Filament printer does a decent job but im working on getting a Resin printer that does a much better job. Here are some examples Ive done.

 

Good chance you got a poorly formed one. You do have to press in lightly (squeeze) the piece together to get it to slide into the slots.

 

Mine was the same as yours with plastic with the flag.

 

I have a 2022 and they do work, but I printed my own.

 

I pressed like heck and flipped it around. I think, for whatever reason, the mating parts are messed up, because, the 2017 big oem fob piece locks in just fine.

 

I just got the Shapeways in the mail, and it fits perfect. Very low profile as well, which is the main reason for me doing this.

 

Is it blank on the sides? Looks good. I havent ordered from them but they were the first site I looked at when I got into 3D Printing

 

Yes, it's blank on the sides. Kind of has a "furry" texture, to me. I love the thinness and the tight fit.

 

My husband just received his new fob from Shapeways as well. Very pleased with it. Not quite 'chili red', but way way better that big old black thing.