My 2004 MC came with only one key. I got the dealer prices from Rassmussen in Portland today:
Master remote, $170.78 + 1/2 hour shop time ($55)=$215.78!
Plain Master (no remote) $71.41
Plastic $64.12

This seems very dear to me. Am I stuck with this or are there other alternatives?

Mark

 

There is no other way around it. These cars have RFID chips that need to be programed to work with your particular car.

 

Uggggghhhhhhh! Perhaps just the plain master then.

 

Yeah this sucks big time - I just got my car and it came with one key as well. If anyone has an insider way of doing this more cheaply, I would love to know!

 

Try ebay i have seen some...

 

I found this on ebay;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=

with a buy it now for around $100 shipped. It will need to be cut and the dealer in Portland will still want his pound of flesh but $150 is better then over $200.

Mark

 

My used car dealer in Naples, Florida, VW/Audi screwed me out of the second key when I bought my 2005 MCS. Finally I drove to Ft. Lauderdale and bought a replacement and a plastic wallet key for $180.0O. Be sure to get that second key on your trade. Replacements are expensive. Don't do business with VW/Audi of Naples.

 

That one doesn't look like mine... hmmm. My key has the MINI wings in the middle, the logo locks it, and the unlock below that, and the hatch unlock above that. Maybe would still work though?

 

Thats the 2002-2004 key. The 2005 key is different.

 

Agreed. The key on eBay is the 2002-04 key.

 

Bit the bullet and ordered a key from Prestige MINI - $170 for a master remote key, progammed. I made sure to ask if they were going to charge any shop time for at and they laughed and said no.

 

I too got the short end of the stick when it came to keys. Does anyone know if this would be a warranty item? I doubt it is, but I figure it's worth a shot since my warranty will expire in October or the ever closer 36k mark.

 

I just got a new clutch and flywheel gratis from the same dealer who is charging me $170 for the key. Definitely not a warranty item.