I'm not sure what happened but It's been two months and my only remaining key is missing. I had an apple airtag on the keychain with it and it blinked out of existence on the afternoon of July 1st while it was at my house and i was at my shop. No idea what happened but thought i'd finds them by now but that airtag, which had fresh batteries, hasn't pinged the server since and there's been no sign of that set.

So wondering what now?
I've been looking at ECMs on ebay that come with chipped keys, tumblers and something called an Electronic Immobilizer (CAS) and thinking that would actually be an easy swap... cost 250-450 best i can tell.

Is there a better way?
Are there a host of issues with swapping the computer and key set? I assume as long as comes out of the same model year and a manual base it should work?
I should also be able get INPA working on the windows computer i have if this can help. I have the USB reader cable already.

ps- The key that is lost was a copy of the original which I spent $250-300 on; and shortly after finally getting that done (after years of thinking about doing it) I never saw the original again..
Clearly I knew I should have had another one made but I was dragging my feet at dropping that much $ again. Lesson learned? Probably not...

 

Unfortunately there is really no better way, unless your car is a facelift 05-06 mini will not supply keys anymore.

Swapping the ECU, Ignition barrel and EWS is very easy and likely the cheapest way to correct your issue at this point!

 

CAS is for second gen Minis. First gens do not have a CAS. They do have an immobilizer though (called EWS, which is a german abbreviation for "immobilizer").

You did not specify if you have a pre or post-facelift first gen. It does make a big difference for the remote locking system, as the PCB are differents. It does not make a difference for the immobilizer though, it's the same sort of transponder..

I don't remember what's involved for cutting the key blade, but worst case scenario you buy a driver door barrel and an ignition barrel with the key.
Any local car key shop should be able to create a transponder to allow starting the car, no need to replace everything. The shop will need to grab the EWS off of the car (it's not that hard to access) and code a transponder to it. As an alternate, there are services to disable the immobilizer in the ECM, which is generally done by shipping the ECM (after which you can bypass the EWS for ignition purpose)

As for remote locking, it's easy to find PCBs for it and associate them to your car. I don't remember the exact manipulation to be done, you should be able to find it.
For pre-facelift though, it's a big pain in the ***. Someone made a guide here: https://sites.google.com/site/minian...motes/decoding but it's not for the faint of heart. I have personally given up on that and bought an aftermarket remote locking system that I wired in by using T-taps on wires in the driver door (it basically simulates me using the key in the barrel).

 

I know a dealership can punch and code a key for you, but you have to provide VIN and proof of ownership.

Motor On!

 

@Fradow is correct, however bypassing the EWS is not cheap and at least twice the cost as replacing all the parts mentioned. @JABowders also correct, but only for 05-06 models. Pre facelift has been discontinued by BMW.

 

if you bypass the ews you will still need a replacement key, no?

 

Indeed, you'd need the key to turn the ignition barrel. I'm sure that could also be bypassed with a push button or something crafty. I was about 600usd bypassing my EWS. Having not known the scope of what I was dealing with it would have ultimately been cheaper to swap a new ECU, EWS and ignition (although in my case I was dealing with common water issues on the BCM)

Ultimately the cheapest way is swapping the electronics as mentioned. I definitely advise to make a backup of your key, we were talking about this in a previous forum. Modeling clay that turns hard is perfect, then a locksmith at least has a template. If there is a cheaper alternative I would be excited to hear!

 

my understanding was that you can flash your ecu with a tune that disables the ecu and you are done. @Adrian the pro tuner here on the forum could do it

keep in mind i've not tried this (on the mini). its just what i've read

 

This guy is advertising - I have not tried it. I have an uncut e46 key. I don’t have a Mini key issue. I do have an e46 key issue.

https://fasterautokeys.com/products/...7QxAopmZzaGOcC

 

Where I live, "EWS off" operations are advertised around 100€ (some 120€, even 160€, but anyway less than 100€). While it's some money, it's probably less than getting even a single transponder coded to the car (bear in mind I would still not advise it, I'd rather keep the EWS).

You can use a BMW key blade in a first gen Mini. I actually have one, as the shop which duplicated my key told me it's better to use a BMW key blade as they slide in & out of the barrel easier than a Mini key blade, and cut me BMW key blade, along with an unmarked BMW shell.

 

Wow thats cheap! The only well known place in North America is RPM motorsports out of Canada. 499 cad or about 310 euros plus round way shipping ontop. Need the euro guys to start coding over here!