I don't know how it happened but I have lost my extra remote key. any ideas on the best way to go or should I just bite the bullet and go on to the Stealership and buy a new one. Any idea how much I am going to spend. Is there another way. I saw one on Ebay for 40 dollars but it was used and the key as already cut. I know this seems symple but I am just wondering if there is a better less expensive way.

 

Takes 24hrs to get a new one.

Need to send/fax/drop off a copy of your Drivers License and the MINI's registration papers to your Dealer. Names on both documents have to be the same.

Most keys/model years ( esp if you have comfort access ) require programming which has a 60 dollar charge.

 

+1

But the key fob itself will cost you in the range of about $285.00

The ones off of ebay will just be a waste of your money. Many times they do not work or can not be programed.

 

That is the information that I wanted and needed and didn't want to hear. My wife is gonna &*$P when she hears this. I appreciate the info and will go get this done.

 

Ain't technology grand - take a 59 cent key and make it cost $300.......

 

you wont have to pay for programming unless you have comfort access. if you dont once you get the new key (pending that you have a 2007-present R56, R55, R57 or R60) just put the key in the igniton and hold it in for 10 seconds once you do that start the MINI and your key and buttons should work.

If you have comfort access and want that to work a tech will have to program it and deactivate the old key from comfort access so make sure to give the tech both the new key and the old key so he can deactivate the lost key

 

Great to hear some money saving advice from a Dealer!

 

If you need some help ordering the key let me know I would be happy to help any way that I can!

 

Well I have to have on but I live in Dallas and we have a Mini dealer here so I guess that I should go see them. Or is there a better way?

 

You can go to MINI of Dallas actually one of my old co workers writes service there now her name is Alex you can tell her Amanda sent you or you can email me your dl and registration and I can mail the key out to you when it comes in. I do understand wanting to do business at your local store. You could call in to their parts dept and try and do it over the phone and via fax to make it easy and then just pick the key up when it is ready to save you the time of driving their twice

 

I don't suppose there's a similar procedure for a 2003 mini standard, is there? My spare key got lost about 4 months ago, but I still have one key. I also have an hour drive to the dealer, a 2 month old, and a tight budget. It's a pretty serious inconvenience to have to drive out there twice, once to drop off the key and again to pick it up. Even worse if they need to keep the car during the reprogramming.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to fax the necessary documentation to the dealer and have the key mailed to me. Second best would be to drive out once.

I don't understand what could possibly require 24 hours to program a key.

 

I just did this with my '03.

Your dealer needs a copy of your registration and such, as proof you own the car. They send that off to MINI, and the next day, they get back a key that is already cut and pre-programmed for your MINI.

I see no reason that a cooperative dealer would not accept you fax'ing in your proof-of-ownership documentation, and then when the key comes in the next day, shipping it to you. Well, as long as the address that they are shipping to, matches that on your documentation.

Have you tried calling that dealership, and asking the parts dept guy/gal ???