I lost the only key to my 2004 Mini Cooper base. The car is unlocked but I obviously can't drive it. I have a plastic valet key from my old 2004 BMW 325i (no longer have this car - it was a total loss) and was wondering if I could have that programmed to work on the Mini since they are the same model year?

All the ebay results for Mini replacement keys say BMW/Mini, so they are essentially the same. The question really is whether the locksmith can cut a used (not blank) key, and whether the fact that it's a plastic valet key (yes, it works the ignition of the bmw) is an issue.

 

I may be wrong but I believe that, even though you may be able to have the BMW key cut to turn the ignition switch, your car's ECU will not recognize it, hence, it will not start. Call your local MINI dealer to verify.

 

Don't waste your time with ebay. The key you need is specific to your VIN and has to be programmed. The dealership will need a copy of your DL and proof of ownership. You can email or fax copies. Expect a replacement fee of around $150 to $175. This, lad, is the voice of experience.

 

My 2002 R50 is going in tomorrow actually to have a new key with the keyless entry remote attached to is made. Costing me about $275 with $115 of that being labor. The plain key with no remote like I currently have (only one key all together for the car) was $110 alone with out labor. I decided to pay the extra for a creature comfort.

 

My dealership in Orlando gave me a rough quote at the parts window for $500 for one key that included comfort access. All dealerships are different though, you cannot find a auto locksmith to do it as they cannot work on anything BMW or Mini due to proprietary encryption or something.

 

Plus 1 ^ fly n brick

 

Just to get you going again I would recommend getting what is called the "general, non-remote" key from a MINI dealer. It has a blade cut to your car and the EWS immobilizer chip that will allow your car to start. You will need proof of ownership and your license to order it from the dealer. Remote keys are more and will involve a programming (the car) charge as well, over and above the cost of the key.

I would advise you to eventually get the remote key as the door lock cylinder is not designed for daily use- this is the voice of experience here. if that breaks and you don't already have a working remote you are a bit stuck unless a locksmith can slim-jim into your car.

Your BMW key would not work for your car- the remote and EWS/immobilizer systems in your car were designed by Rover, not BMW. The BMW systems weren't used until the 2005 refresh.

Bruce

Added- lots of good information about your keys here: https://sites.google.com/site/minian...verremotekeys/