So I have searched here and the internet. I know that special equipment is required, and I have an Autel scan tool that is capable of doing this. My issue is knowing which numbers from the tag on the new key (just picked up from Mini of Baltimore County yesterday) I need to enter in what fields. The tag on the key has an 8 digit number, a 15 digit number plus a period at the end, and another 15 digit number. My scan tool is asking me for a basic code (6 digits), a variable code (6 digits), and and encryption code (16 digits.) None of the numbers on the key tag seem to match any of these parameters it's asking for. And it won't let me enter the "." as the 16th digit for the encryption code.

I also have an Ebay fob that did not come with a tag, but that the car displays data for when the buttons are pressed. The new key registers the same during that test with the coding data changing each time a button is pressed on either key.

 

Ok, I figured it out! The numbers are all strung together on the tag. I popped the key open just to see, and there is a sticker inside the key on one of the chips that matched a number sequence on the tag. Then by looking through the previously stored key fob data I was able to determine which numbers were which and got it programmed. Grumpy now has a working key fob! I wish there was way to read out the data from the ebay key. I don't recall it coming with any coding info.

 

Ok, final post from me unless someone has a question, but I'm hoping the info may help someone in my situation.

The tag attached the key has two lines of letters and numbers between asterisks. Each line contains 15 alphanumeric characters, and that's all you can enter into the fields. Not all of them matter for programming the key fob on a 2002-2004 car. I popped open the new key and found a stick that matched the 2nd through 7th characters of the first line. These six characters are the first set you need, the basic code. The next six (8th through 13th) are the variable code. In my case they were almost identical to the first six, with the exception being the last one, which was one number higher. I can't say this will always be the case, but it made it much easier to figure out in my case. I found no use for the first character on the first line.

After that comes the encryption code, which is 16 characters long. The second line is only 15 characters long, so despite that being the obvious choice, it doesn't have enough characters. I was able to read out the data and noticed a pattern between the stored fobs and the tag with new fob. The first line ended with two "F"s, and the second line started with eight "F"s, and the stored data all started with 10 "F"s. So I entered the last two of the first line and the first 14 of the second line, yes 10 "F"s out of 16 characters, and when I tested the fob it worked!

So starting on the top line and counting through the bottom line, left to right: Ignore the first character, the 2nd through 7th are the basic code, the 8th through 13th are the variable code, and the 14th through 29th are the encryption code. Ignore the 30th as you did the first.

Sorry, no pics of the tag as it is sensitive info.

 

Thank you for the info!
i just coded in my remote key using Launch...have to do the pairing. Do you know how to pair in 2002 R53(pre facelift)

 

I did not have to perform any pairing after programming the new key to the vehicle using my Autel. Once it was programmed all functions worked including the keyless entry.

 

I replaced the remote control module on a 2002 R53. Can I pair the key myself or do I have to take to dealer?

 

The 2002 is an early car/key that cannot be paired by turning the key in the ignition and pressing buttons on the fob. You can only pair it yourself if you have a scan tool capable of performing key programming.