I wish there is charger similar to cellular phone where you can charge your
ignition key at home when the car not in use.

My keys always needs to be charged since day one. I don't drive the mini
that much and when I need the auto function, the battery either weak or dead.

I think using the car to charge the ignition key is the most stupid design.
Why not make it simple and buy your own battery at CVS -- they always want to come to their shop and get your money.
Another is the self locking door --- I don't see any important function except lock yourself.
I want to open/close the car if I want to but not forcing me to lock it.

 

I disagree. I buy my cars to drive so the batteries are always charged. Love not having to go out and find a new battery for the keys. The batteries for both the keys for my '05 and '06 were still going strong when I traded the cars in.

 

If you have one of those sonicare tooth brushes with the inductive charging system try putting your key on the base.

 

Just in case you have an early model, my understanding is that the 02-04 don't use the inductive keys - they use a disposable battery.

- Mark

 

my niece has sonicare brush, I might try and check it out if it does works.
mine is 2005 -- thanks for the tip

 

Huh

 

Hmmm ... I believe both BMWs and Mercedes use similar keys. I'm betting there's enough of a market out there that would pay for someone to develop a key charger.

There are devices to automatically wind watches, why not a key charger ?

 

I love the MINI's built in charger - wish our other cars had this!

 

I did not think the Gen 1 cars were recharged by the car, I thought only the Gen 2 cars worked like that?

I'm thinking the OP just needs new batteries

 

From my '06 Owner's Manual:

"Master keys with remote control

 

Been postedtons....
The 05+ gen1 keys...newer style fob is inductivly charged.

 

Ps becareful using something other than a mini to charge the battery...
the battery is tiny....so the inductive loop must be small....a toothbruch/shaver. Is much bigger....so you don't want too cook the battry by overcharging it!!

 

Alternate it every couple of months between the spare key and the one used daily, it will keep it charged.Thats if you still have the spare.