Hey guys, MINI newb here. I got my 2003 R53 about a month ago and have been tinkering with it since. I was wondering if anyone knows if its possible to program a facelift R53 key to a pre-facelift car? I know its a nit-picky thing, but I'm sure a lot of you other MINI owners can understand.

 

Not possible. The remote entry electronics system was updated along with the key.

 

Dang! I was afraid someone was going to say that. Oh well. Thanks for the info!

 

If you have the non-remote key as well you could take the blade and transponder and transplant them into a "facelift" remote key case (I just found one on the bay of E). It would work to unlock the door and start the car but of course there would be no remote functionality.

Val

 

If you move the shaft and the imoblizer chip, you can use ANY type of key that will hold the shaft as a standard key....a Remember a few years back folks were modding keys to use with the VW "flip"type key where it folds up...buth use a similar key- shaft made by VALEO....