I lost one of my key some time ago. I hadn't replaced it but after my spouse lost the key to her car, I would like to get a backup key just incase. What is the cheapest way to do that? Buy a new key on Ebay and have someone program it?

 

I ran into this issue a while ago when the unlock button on my one key broke off. After looking online (unless something has changed), your only option is to take the car to the dear to get a new key made.

I called my local dealer (which is 3hrs away).....they said that I needed to drive the car there in order to get a new key. I also needed to buy the key in advance from them since it took a few weeks to get. Then I needed to have it programmed by them.

When it was all said and done...it was going to cost me somewhere around $500. Needless to say......I've been using the key to unlock my door lock ever since. I'm not spending $500 and all day driving for a new key just just so I can unlock the car with the push of a button.

 

I have the same opinion. That is a ridiculous amount

 

But it's not really true. These are different problems. Two (actually three) different hardware solutions in the key.

ijourneaux, as I understand it, you only have one key, correct? And you want another that can be used to start the car, correct? If so, then YES it's expensive. There's a rfid chip in the key fob that is detected by the car to allow it to start. You can easily get a new metal blade cut that will open the door, and will fit in the ignition- but without the rfid chip it won't start the car. The dealer can replace the rfid chip, but it's expensive, as you've discovered.

IQRaceworks your position is different. You HAVE the key with the rfid already, it's the remote circuit board (lock/unlock) that's not working for you. And that can be replaced and matched to the car yourself, provided all the hardware is working. You don't need the dealer to program the rfid chip. The chip can be swapped to a new fob- just do it carefully. Little black coffin-shaped rectangle nested in the shell of the fob.

 

Don't you still have to have the key programmed to open the locks on your car? The RFID "chip" is just for theft protection on the ignition so that the car will start...right?

Yes, it's easily swapped from one key to the next....but It isn't responsible for the correct frequently is used by the key to unlock the doors when you hit the button....right?

Or can the car program the new key so that it will open the locks??

 

No. The"key" to the door lock and ignition is purely mechanical- tumblers and such. That's a function of the metal blade, no electromagic.

Nope. (Am I too negative? I apologize) The rfid chip is a separate device from the circuit board transmitter that controls central locking. RFID is only for the starter interlock. Nothing to do with the central locking transmitter.

No.

And probably important to keep the semantics straight for clarity. The key is not programmed- it's a blade of metal cut in a specific manner to engage the car (door or ignition) in the precisely matching mechanical manner. Located in the fob adjacent to the key blade are two other systems: The rfid chip AND the transmitter for central locking. And they don't interact at all.

But you probably can do the "chicken dance" and tell the car to respond to particular transmitters. Here's the be-all, end-all site on these keys, with a great explanation on all the systems:

https://sites.google.com/site/minian...moving-forward

It gives very specific instructions as to how to tell the car about the transmitter(s) you'd like to use. It involves a chain of events with ignition switches and button presses. Read carefully. This is a situation where you're informing the car that transmitter xyz should be allowed to actuate central locking. The car does not program the key- you tell the car (via chicken dance) that the transmitter is OK.

Note: None of this worked for me, I ended up replacing the antenna box-thingy located (on my 2003) above the headliner behind the mirror. And I have a spare box that's been tested if you need one. But I had both keys and both had their rfid chips intact. If you've lost a key with it's rfid chip, you're screwed and should probably rob a nearby liquor store to gain the revenue required for a purchase/program of a new key/fob/transmitter unit.

 

In this thread
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-gen-key.html
you will find this entry
"For those who didn't see my new post ! I found a guy on Craigslist that makes keys for BMW and now mini my old key refurbished and working and two spares keys that lock and start the car,100 plus return shipping,this is for R50 and R53 two button fob I had to remove the ecw under the dash ez and send it with my key 3 days later 3 keys very pleased if you like his info go to Craigslist Fayetteville AR. And put in BMW keys or mini keys his name is David rankin nice guy ! "

Dave's name is actually Dave Sarkin and he made keys for my 04 Cooper S JCW. The catch is that he has to have the control module out of the car to re-program it for the new key and it is kind of hard to reach up under the dash and unless you come to NW Arkansas you will have to take it out and send it to him.

You can see his craig's list ad at https://fayar.craigslist.org/pts/d/f...250666097.html

or text him at 479 779 3962.

The email I have for Dave is dsark55@yahoo.com but the first email I sent him went to his junk folder, so don't depend on an email only.

And ditto on the NIce Guy comment. He is a gem.

 

Lets start by, is it a 2 button or 3?
The 3 button can be gotten for $183(or at least when I got it) from the dealer(Vin and proof of ownership required). You just need to program the lock/ unlocking once you have it.
The 2 button is more involved.

EDIT: 3 button key on sale: https://parts.seattlemini.com/p/MINI...126931749.html

 

dude thank you! saving

 

Reached out to Dave. I hear getting the control module out is "challenging". In my case it is a 2 button remote.

 

'FakeName' has done an excellent description.
Contact www.pixelsfixed.co.uk or info@pixelsfixed.co.uk who I think can provide whatever you need.

 

Is the board on the key broken, or just the button on the fob?
I just swapped out my discintegrated fob for a flip key, swapped the guts, got the key cut, and it's all good. No programming needed.
If you lost the switch on the board, replacing it is discussed here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ilability.html

 

This.

I ordered my key from Seattle Mini, had it shipped, and programmed it to my car myself.

If you don't want to do it online, Go to your dealership PARTS COUNTER and order the key you need. If you ask the service advisor, they may jack you for a programming fee, shop time, etc. 😳

OPs question was about a spare or replacement. For folks, with inop key fobs, search on here for cleaning the contacts in the mirror receiver. Seems to be a common problem, particularly if you steadily lose range, before the remote finally quits completely.

 

The key is lost. I have one key that is fully functional. For that one, I did exactly what you did when the fob started to disintegrate; i.e swapped the guts.

 

So how did you program it to your car yourself? using EasyDIS?

 

Is it possible to pull that RFID chip out and leave it on the inside of the column to eliminate that part of it from the key?

What I would love to do is get a VW type of key with the remote (or something similar that is more compact... hate the long mini key) and its receiver, install it and get the MINI key pattern cut into the blade...

 

No special equipment required. There's instructions on here somewhere.

 

Yes.

 

I just did just that.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4566695
Only issue I've seen is there is a bit more room in the case, so the open button can get stuck and activate "convenience mode" and open the windows and sunroof.

 

I think some info regarding facelift 3 button remotes/cars and the 2 button remotes/cars in this thread is causing some confusion. There’s no computer program or equipment needed to pair a three button remote to the door lock module on a face lift car, but the OP has a 2 button key which requires computer programming to pair it to the car be

A VIN matched three button key will work mechanically in the locks and will start a facelift car out of the box, but needs to be paired to the remote receiver by a series of button presses and ignition switch positions. AFAIK, a 2 button remote key won’t start the car or work remotely unless programmed to the car using software.

 

Thanks for what seems to be a definitive answer wrt the 2button remote I have on my 2004 Mini Cooper. The quotes I have gotten so far are upwards of $250 to program/cut a replacement key. Still seems high but I have not had to do this before.

Merry Christmas everyone!.

 

You can try contacting Valvashon who is a member here and repairs remotes for some info on a cheap place to purchase and the programming process. He probably knows if software and cables are available and if it’s worth the time and cost for a DIY instead of going to the dealer or an independent who has the capability to complete the programming.

 

Husky, how much was the key?

 

I just ordered a key from Mini of STL. It'll be $170 plus tax (this is with a discount for being a member of the local Mini club). Ordered this afternoon, he said I should be able to collect it tomorrow morning.

 

... & for those on the East coast, MINI of Peabody, near Boston, offers a similar service.

www.MiniPeabody.com