I have a serious key obsession and I like extras, you know, "just in case..." how many keys come with the car?
+how much do extra ones cost?

 

I recieved 2 keys with the remotes in them, also another kind of plastic key. I believe that is the valet key.

 

I got 2 w/ remotes and the plastic doo-hingy. The plastic key is perfect for your wallet and I imagine will only work a couple of times before breaking.

 

The plastic key is designed only to open your door should you lock your keys in.

It will NOT start your car. The big keys have a transmitter that is coded to your specific ignition, and the car won't even try to start without it being present.

 

>>It will NOT start your car. The big keys have a transmitter that is coded to your specific ignition, and the car won't even try to start without it being present.

My plastic key starts my car. There is a chip in the head of the plastic key. Go try it for yourself.

 

that plastic key is only limited use for like 20 -30 times.

 

I too wanted more keys as there are 4 members of my family who (when I gave in and let them) could drive my MINI.

I got the two full keys that came with the car plus the wallet key.

I wanted 2 more keys.

My MA checked and 'full' keys were about $100 each (ouch!!!!) but the key only without the remote key lock built-in was $25 each.

So I had the 2 extra cheaper ones made.

The car had just arrived at the dealership but (stay with me here) the paperwork from MINI had not.

So technically my dealer did not own the car and MINI would not permit the keys to be either made or sent to the dealer. I got the impression that the keys came directly from MINI not the dealership.

So the Dealer had to fax the sticker from the car and provide other info to satisfy MINI that they were really a dealer and not trying to steal the car!!!

On one hand, be happy that MINI doesn't just pass out MINI keys.....but making my MINI dealer prove that they are actually a MINI dealer is ...... interesting.

 

Wow... I stand corrected.

Funny thing is, I got my info from my MA. Wow, makes me TERRIBLY confident in his information

 

I use that key each morning to start and warm my car... It works well..

 

That's not actually all that correct either. The obvious limitation on the plastic key is that with repeated use it may wear and eventually could break off in the ignition...but there's no outright limit on the number of times it may be used. My wife lost my "non-remote" key in the first week of ownership, so we've been using the plastic key for nearly 2 years. Infrequently for sure, but still way more than 20 - 30 times; and it still looks and works as good as new.

Now that Voo reports that the non-remote key costs only $25 (albeit still a hassle to order), I may spring for a couple the next time I stop by the dealer. I had heard that they were much more expensive than that.

Oh, and never, never, be shocked by just how little useful or accurate advice a motoring "advisor" can offer.

 

Sounds good everybody. I'll take two cheap ones.

 

$175.00 for the key and $50.00 to reprogram the remote...... Dealer price in Honolulu!!!!!
I wanted the extra remote for my son.. :???:

 

I was told by Mini that the plastic key also had a transmitter in it so that it could be used in the igniton. Were they wrong?

 

Reprogramming the remote is easy. The steps can be found online, and maybe in your owner's manual.

I've had my key apart and it doesn't look like there is a transmitter of any sort in it. I heard also that having the key in the ignition charged the battery in the key. but that is bs as well because the metal part of the key doesn't come in contact with the electronic bits on the inside.

 

Programming the key, credit to David G via the owner's manual:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This may be a silly question, but isn't this "programming" simply the process they describe on pp22 of the owner's manual? Look under "Keys", "Initializing the master key with remote control". They have two very simple processes.

This process is supposed to be used "when you activate a master key with remote control (replacement, ADDITIONAL KEY, or after a battery change), it must be initialized." (my CAPS)

They give you two options:

1. "press button 1 or button 2, see pp 24, four times in succession, OR

2. if the vehicle is unlocked:
(a) switch the ignition on briefly (position 2) and then off
(b) within 10 seconds, press button 1 and button 2, see pp 24, in succession.

(ps: all pp24 shows is a figure of the key, and which button is "1", and which is "2&quot

Now; if the steps above ARE what the dealer is doing... $95 for 4 clicks beats the HELL out of $6000 over MSRP for "Rip-off of the Year"!

So, is the process above what the dealer is doing for $95, or is this charge for programming all of the "personallized" features (lights, windows, tailgate...) into the car/key unit?

Enquiring minds want to KNOW!
_________________
David G

 

>>I was told by Mini that the plastic key also had a transmitter in it so that it could be used in the igniton. Were they wrong?

Your information is correct. There is a chip in the plastic key. It can indeed be used in the ignition. Once again...ALL of the keys can be used in the ignition! There's no such thing as a "door only" key for the MINI.

 

the little plastic key starts my car chip is in it,just be gentle as it feels like it will snap