The BMW 7 Series key isn't a key at all.. you just slide the remote into the dash

 

This has been discussed before. Why dealers put out this info, I don't know. Anyway, as for '04 and earlier models, the plastic key can be used an indefinite amount of times. There are some members of this board that have used the key upwards of 40 times, and I've used my key probably about 20 or so times myself. Now, this probably isn't recommended, as it is a plastic key after all, so of course it won't be as durable as the regular key.

As for the comments about recharging the battery, the battery in '04 and earlier models only powers the remote locking/unlocking features of the key. The plastic key doesn't even contain a battery. The chip that the car recognises in order to allow the car to be started is powered by a small electrical field around the ignition slot. And there is no way for the car to charge the remote battery in the regular keys. When the remote stops working, you pop apart the key, and replace the battery. A CR2032 if I recall correctly.

One important caveat though, all of the above applies to '04 and earlier models only!! The '05s have a different key setup all together.

-Paul!

 

The '05 MINI keys are classic BMW issue. What I like about it is that you can now open the boot with a separate button in the remote, something that never worked right on the old '02-'04 keys. If you were one of the early MINI adopters (Mainly 2002 model year), you'll know exactly of what I am talking about.

 

ok, i tried this and i just cant turn the metal part when its in the ignition. I don't have big hands or anything like that. How do you guys turn it...

 

This is actually pretty cool. Being a former Audi owner, I became very attached to the flip out key. I used the key as my key fob, and attached my house key to it.

It's much more streamlined then the MINI key, and more comfortable to put in your pocket.

I have a spare AUDI key that we picked up when we were going to convert a mazda key, so I may poke around and see what I can do with it. The only issue might be transplaning the electronics and making them matched up with buttons.

 

Yup, it is RF. although very short range.

 

The chip is located in the plastic part. It only has to be close by to the steering column.

 

Until you open it up - there is a key inside. (How else would you unlock the car when the battery dies?)


'05 and newer MINI keys recharge while they are in the ignition. This is not a current that is conducted through the metal key - rather it is some kind of inductive charging - I suppose like my dog's collars for their invisible fence. I don't quite understand how it works, but I just verified this with a technician.

We don't know how close the fob has to be to the ignition to recharge, but I, personally, wouldn't risk separating them.

 

A-ha! Here's a link on how inductive charging works. Apparently electric toothbrushes also use this.

 

I miss having a MINI key... I will take that HUGE key over a big key AND an even bigger remote....

 

I love when people freak out seeing the biggest key ever for one of the smallest cars

 

BIGGER is the American Way! Bigger and Better!

 

What year car was that key for? The 07+ minis have the new style key. So i presume thats an 02 - 06 Key.

 

As mentioned above, it is a pre-05 key.

 

Pretty interesting, I thought it was funny that the dealer that sold me my mini gave me an awesome chrome and orange plastic key chain that I really liked but poked me horribly in the leg when it hung down from the ignition position.

As far as the fob being charged when in the ignition I am positive this is true.

peter

 

great thread.

regarding the Volkswagen keys, my friends and I used to build switchblade keys for all sorts of vehicles, using the VW fobs. You can make anything fit, but the question is whether or not the chip will work.

 

The key does charge itself while in the ignition, but I think that it's through radio waves or something. I know when my doors are open, if I just hold the key near the ignition, my MINI will start dinging.

 

I don't like the large, press-on-the-brake-and-insert-key*then*push-on-a-button-to-start-the-car.... like on the newer MINIs. That key is large!

My "old-fashioned" '05 MCS key with a reasonable plastic body and metal interlock portion works for me. Turn it and the MINI starts. Size is okay. I just tuck it into my pants with it horizontally to the ground so I can bend or squat down without an issue.

 

Yeah, I hate the big remote key. I use the valet key and my wife keeps that beast in her purse. I wasn't aware of a chip. It must be in the plastic head.

 

i remember trying this a while back, it didnt work for me. the key was just too far from the transponder when it was on my keychain....plus that little piece of metal is hard to turn by itself.

 

Thats the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this post.

 

you think if i transplant the anti-theft chip from my dummy key into the fob of a volkswagen swinger key, it would be close enough to work?

someone should make an upgrade kit to help convert a mini key into a swing-out. for example, one store on ebay sells a swing-out key that looks like the porsche cayenne key (the fob itself is shaped like a cayenne) but has cutouts for the buttons on lexus clickers, so if i were to get my hands on a copy of the keys to my mom's RX, i could make that a swing-out key just by moving the electronics and getting the swing-out blank cut. somebody should make a swing-out key that has the same size metal key portion as the mini key, and a fob laid out to properly work the buttons on the OEM clicker, and have a space for the anti-theft chip. if they can do it for honda civics (and i've seen swing-out key conversions for civics), they can and should do it for us.


'04 and earlier models didn't get invited to that party, we have CR2032 batteries inside of the fob. '05 and newer models, though, have that feature.

 

Anyone have any pictures?