If you are thinking about trying AK90, just don't
 

Hey all, I'm just here to issue a warning against attempting to program key fobs yourself using the AK-90 programming kit.

I like to think of myself as very understanding of tech, I can program, and am very familiar with the way that engine management works. I can also follow instructions.

I recently ordered an AK90+ key fob programming kit for the EWS. I have heard mostly good things from BMW owners and considering that MINI is BMW, I figured why not. It even has the same immobilizer as BMW's of the same generation.

Today the key came in and I began my venture into programming it for its use. Excitement didn't last long, however, as after having all of the software and drivers installed correctly, it would not read the EWS. The only signs of life came from the Keys themselves. After putting the immobilizer back into the car, as I had classwork to do, the only response I got from the car is of course the lack of the ability to lock the car and start it. Nice.

I purchased mine from Amazon, and luckily got a refund by saying it was defective, however that will not cover the repair cost of the module by the dealer.

I'm hoping that I can just bring in the chip to the dealer and have it reprogrammed (I have the papers, it is of course a legally registered vehicle). If I have to bring in the car then I guess it's a good thing I have AAA


Long Story Short: Pay the ~$300 if you would really like to be able to lock/unlock up your car doors with a button. If that's a little too rich for you, then weigh the risk of damaging your EWS.


-Tanner

Ah sh** dude, sorry for the tribulations. I'm currently dealing with a faulty BCM rolling my windows and sunroof wide open in the middle of the night like 5x a week. It's great.

That being said, cruise on down to MINI North Scottsdale on a weekday, ignore all the salespeople, and walk towards the back left of the front office (by the display car) and ask for Sean Ceaglio the Service Manager. Tell him Stephan sent you (if you wanna be super rad), and explain your situation. Sean is the man, I'm sure he'll at least try to get your situation sorted. Even try bringing in the program/laptop and show him, he's wonderfully nerdy about this kind of stuff.

Cheers man. I'm still working on getting my hands on that valve btw, life has just hit really hard the last few months. Good luck and keep us updated! :thumbsup:

​​​​​​​Dealers don't program chips and probably don't have the equipment. They order keys from BMW that come already programmed for the car, based on VIN.

This issue has been hounded to death over the years on this forum. The key is coded to the VIN and the dealership requires proof of ownership before ordering the key.

I just ordered a key at the dealership for my MCS on Saturday. The parts counter guy who helped me said they may or may not have to program the key when it arrives in the next couple of days. All dependent on the model/year and he didn't know the specifics on which one. So far, cost of the key was $173 without any programming.

I still believe it is worth it to just suck it up and buy a genuine key from the dealer. Safest way to go about it and definitely long lasting replacement.

No programming will be needed for the key to start the car. For 2002-2004, programming will be needed to initialize the remote lock. For 2005+, there is a simple procedure to initialize the remote lock without programming.