I was wondering, just bought an 02 MCS and when I bought it the guy told me his wife washed the key that has the unlock/lock buttons on it and had it looked at the dealer and said that it was faulty because of that, my question is because it was washed but now has been dry for a long time, is there a way to get into the key and just replace a little something to make it work again, I am guessing its a new key but thought maybe something like that would work. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Probably not. I would guess the electronic components are toast. If you popped the battery and warmed it with a hair dryer right after it came out of the wash... maybe. But if it was still wet inside and one or more of the buttons was pushed, I'd guess a fried circuit or two.
New key time, and no, they are not cheap.

 

Yeah i know they are not cheap! Thats why the question, thanks for the input!!

 

I don't know about the older models, but on the 2005 to 2007 there is no battery to pop out, I think the remote is sealed shut. The battery charges when in the ignition.

In any event, I have two of those expensive keys. I was looking at eBay MINI stuff and saw a new uncut key for my car, $85 shipped. So I snapped it up just in case.

I think the seller sells keys. You may want to mail him and ask if he has a key for your model. If he does, he may make you go through eBay, but maybe not. His website was just registered and there is nothing on the site, so I get the impression he is starting his business outside of eBay [lots of sellers doing that.]

I did not see any other uncut keys on eBay so I was lucky to get it. Elsewhere, as you know, they are about $200 after cutting and programming.

sales@remotehub.info

Here is his eBay link, lots of keys for sale:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZremotehub

 

You are in luck. He sells the uncut key for your 2002. Only $50 plus $13 shipping.

http://tinyurl.com/6xvj8k

 

Wow, ok so if i buy that key, then what, do i have to go to a mini dealer to get that done or can i pair it myself? I know some guys have some threads that say how to pair it with mine, will that work?!

 

I think that eBay seller provides programming instructions.

As to getting it cut, call around locksmiths to see if there is one who can do it other than the dealer.

Taking it to the dealer will get you reamed, as some have said in here. But I know there are some locksmiths who can cut it as they are set up to deal with the new auto keys.

Maybe call AAA and ask who they use. I am not sure, but I would think AAA knows of locksmiths who know how to deal with stranded motorists who lost keys or whatever. In the old days the drivers had big key ring hoops with zillions of keys on them. Don't know what they do now.

Hopefully, this is not a key that you have to give to MINI and they send it to the factory to get it cut. I don't think that's any longer true, but they will at times special order keys from the manufacturer.

 

I know some have said that programming the FOB key isnt available to do it yourself on an 02' I should have said thats what i have 02' MCS.