Let me start by saying I've searched all over and can't find the issue I'm having. I have a 2004 Mini S.
The remotes were not working. I ordered a new one from the dealer and programmed it. It worked fine. I went in the house to shower. I came out to head out for the night. And the remote didn't work. So I did the program again and it worked. Until I got out of the car. I figured out that the remotes (All Three that I have now) Only work from inside the car. If I get out of the car and hold the remote in the center of the windshield from the outside it works. So I'm guessing there is a signal issue. Does anyone know where the antenna it? I even tried holding the remote next to the read Radio antenna. And it doesn't work there. Only when I hold the remote near the windshield.

 

The antenna is in the rear view mirror.....so the fact you must be near it makes sense....
Car have metallic tinted windows?

 

For 2002-2004, the remote receiver is in the headliner just above the rear view mirror. It's rare for the receiver to fail, but it has happened: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-receiver.html

 

I am curious since your key ( 02-04 ) is typically programmed by the dealer how did you do it ?

 

The tint is not that dark Zippy. And not on the front. It's never had any issues until now.
Thanks RKW I will have to check the receiver.
LOL Gray Raven. I might not have been programing the remote at all. I followed the steps I found here after searching for the fix. The key might have been good.

 

With respect to the new key. Was it ever programmed to the car by the dealer after purchase. If not it needs to be. Should have been a white tag on the new key when you got it, the tech needs those codes to program it for the car.

 

He said it works (but only when close to the windshield).

 

I understand, but it doesn't answer my original question if it was ever properly programmed by the dealer using the necessary BMW programing station.

This statement below has me somewhat confused since owners cannot program their keys to the car until 2005 and up.

 

Not entirely true either... just sayin'.

My thread illustrating this.

 

From my understanding. They program the transponder. Not the keyless entry. I could be wrong

 

The dealer probably programmed both (whatever standard procedure they use for a new key).

The dealer might not have communicated everything they did, but clearly the remote lock is programmed and working. The close range is a separate issue.

 

Update:
I got the new remote receiver today. Installed it in under 10 mins. Now all three keys work like they should. Thanks guys