Ok, so I feel like a total idiot because I lost my ONE and ONLY key. I've seen the threads about how to refurb keys, or buy a blank non/remote and convert it but you need a real working key first to steal the guts out of it.

Does anyone have any suggestions besides getting raped by the dealership?

They quoted me 180 for a new remote key + 113 for programming.

 

buy two....that way only one programming charge....

 

That's you best bet on programming both at the same time. Check for the other keys in the glove box , in the glass holder ( glovebox ). Have you checked in other locations were an extra might be ? Are you the original owner ?

 

I'm pretty sure key fobs are typically only through the dealership and they are the only ones that can program them. Not 100% sure, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

-Luccia

 

MINI Dealership only can sell new key, its a theft thing, they will need your info / ownership and VIN . Some other places sell them , but they will need your info also We don't sell them anymore.

 

I'm not the original owner. it only came with the one key.

 

Dang, well sometimes the original owners stick the spare in the glove box or in the sleeve of the owners manual, as well as the little plastic one ( valet ) ( only manual unlock doors and glove box )



Sorry we dont do keys at this time. :(

 

I do not get why some cars are only sold with one key... anyhow, check this out.

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/pts/4954231508.html


You may only need to spend for the programming.

 

It's a used car and the seller only had one left. I've never heard of a new car that only comes with one key.

 

So would something like this work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-MINI-Cooper-Remote-Key-For-R53-R50-with-password-tag-433mhz-ID73-transponder-/151624024076?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item234d7f000c&vxp=mtr
Do you guys know what frequency our EWS runs at? 433MHz? I've also seen ID73 vs ID44 chips.

 

As far as the programming is concerned... (I take it you have a 2004 or older?)

The new key from the dealer will unlock, start and run your car without being "programmed", it just won't do anything (unlock and lock) remotely. If you get the dealer key (usually within 24 hours) you'll still be able to drive the car. And then if you find your other key in the meantime, you can take the guts out of it and change them out with the guts of the new key, and voila! - new programmed key, and other non-programmed key will serve as a good spare.

 

Problem is the key you buy will NEVER START THE CAR.
They lack thecEWS chip...or the CODES needed to enter into the BMW system to activate the KEY...
Yes MANY HAVE TRIED...an eBay key will be wasted $$ unless you disable the ews...AND A DELIVERY DATE IN 3 WEEKS?! OUCH!!
You can have the blade cut...
And even program the remote...
But without the EWS, the car will not start or crank....period.
Just suck it up...hold onto you azz cheeks, bend over, and go to the dealer (OK not that $$$$, if you think it is, wait till you need a $2000 clutch)...spend $300 on 2 keys plus programming...
One tip...
Get one remote key, and one standard key...the std key has no transmitter, but functions as a regular key...

 

I bought my mini used. I found the little plastic key inside a magnetic box on the muffler. check there and the wheel well.

 

That one will not work for a couple of reasons. #1- It's transmitting at 433 Mhz and the North American frequency for key fobs is 315 Mhz (i'm assuming that you are here in the U.S. or Canada). #2- You would need to program the EWS chip for the key via specialized programming software. That can be done but it is very complicated. Here's a site with tons of information about the first two generations of keys- 2001-2005 and 2005-2007/8.

https://sites.google.com/site/minian...verremotekeys/

Your best bet is to get what is called a "General, Non-Remote" key from the dealer. It will open the door with the lock and start the car but has no remote functions. It is cheaper than the remote key and will get you back in the car now without breaking the bank and give you a chance to find your lost key (assuming it's not at the bottom of a lake or something like that). Later on you can save up and get that new remote key if you still need one.

Be advised that I don't recommend using the Non-Remote key on a long term basis to unlock the doors. The door lock itself is not really designed to be used on a daily basis and will break sooner than it probably should as I have found out the hard way.

Val

 

Call the MINI dealers that sell online. Some will mail you the proper key for around $130. They will require you email or fax a copy of your license and registration.

It doesn't need serious "coding". That is just dealer b.s. The key will work manually in the door and ignition when you get it and you can teach the car to recognize the transmitter by pushing buttons in the right order. Look for DIY or YouTube videos on that.

 

Only for the newer 3 button keys. The remote on older style keys (like the one on the eBay link) require programming by the dealer.

 

Won't the OP get a newer 3-button key if he/she/it orders a new one from the dealer?

 

You can order the older keys pre 7/2004 for your pre 7/2004. When they look up your VIN, it spits out the key you need, then they cut it and program it to the VIN. Same for cars 7/2004+ get the 7/2004 keys+.

The used 7/2004+ keys can be driveway teached to unlock on 7/2004+ but if used ( already cut to another car ) of course they wont start the car.

 

No. The remote entry system was updated in 2005 model year, and not compatible.

 

If you want to save yourself a major assache, get down to the MINI dealer and order replacement keys.

There is no "work around" that not a major assache and a major waste of money and time.