alright, so here's where i'm at. i've had this for about a month. when i bought it, i only got one key and the clicker doesn't work. the buttons on the circuit board are gone (fell off).

i've bought plenty keys off ebay, paid a locksmith to cut it, and then programmed it myself going through whatever the process is for that particular vehicle. so i anticipated doing the same here. but, i've met my match, it seems.

i'm working on a 2002 cooper s, by the way.

i started off searching for something along the lines of "2002 mini cooper key". i found out that there were two possible frequencies for the key so i needed to determine if i need a 433mhz or 315mhz key. well, how do i do that?

i took the number on the back of the key and did a search.




i don't remember where i found it, but i found something that pointed me to 433mhz. so, i bought this key:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/403341029973
the description says: 2Button Remote Key Fob 433MHz PCF7931AS Chip for Mini Cooper 2002 2003 2004 2005

ok, got that key. got it cut. went to program. looked up the steps.
1) insert new key
2) turn on ignition
3) turn off ignition
4) hold unlock
5) press lock 3x
6) release
7) wait for doors to lock and done

well, i tried that and nothing.

later, i was messing around with the clock and saw this:


so, that says i need a 315mhz key. fine. i bought this one. (didn't mean to get one from china, but i did.)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154693068061
description: Replacement Remote Key 2 Button 315MHZ for BMW Mini Cooper R50 R52 R53 2001-2005

i put the chip in my cut key. try to program.
nothing.

go through the internet and found a slightly varied method that included turning the ignition off/on a few times and then doing the clicking.

still nothing.

so at this point, i'm at a bit of a loss.

what am i missing?

 

VIN decoder on my 2006 (different key type) shows: 876 Radio Frequency 315 Mhz Funkfrequenz 315 Mhz

One of my OEM keys has a flat battery which I have not yet opened up to replace. I'm still somewhat hopeful that key will "revive" during a longer day drive but seems doubtful. On your re-initialization process, are you removing the key from the ignition or leaving it engaged? From these steps I snagged off the web, I "assumed" that is required as follows (noting I think words "put the key out" was intended "pull the key out"). No clue at this point whether correct...

...put in the key to the socket, turn it in Pos1 and Off again. Put the key out, press & hold the Open Button while pressing the Closing Button 3times. The Door mechanism will confirm the initializing.

 

That procedure only works for the facelift keys with the rechargeable battery. The older keys need to be programmed/paired to the car by the dealer, or possibly with software like INPA/NCS Expert.

NAM member Valvashon repairs keys and should be able to give you more info on how to program the earlier keys, or he might be able to create a working key from the original and new keys.

 

I could never get they keyless entry to work on my 2003 R50 Base. I bought a new key and a new transmitter incase that was bad. I tried pairing them 50 times with different variations of what you did. No luck so I gave up for now.

 

Maybe adriancl can pair the prefacelift keys to the car remotely like his tunes.

 

Assuming your in North America you will need a 315mhz key.

 

^This. There is no DIY pairing procedure for the early 2 button keys.

 

No, on prefacelift cars to activate new remote key need ISTA and also new spare key must have a label attached with some numbers attached.Procedure is for guys who know well how to use ISTA .

 

They sell keys with changeable frequencies now for the door programming but you need to get the correct board on the inside as our cars had 2x. Lol I been going through a key clone too and this is what I learned. You need either a cas1 or cas2 I belive they were referred to board wise and then yes it needs to also match the door unlock frequencies ( but like I said look for the changeable ones)

 

oh FFS.

i guess i'll go to a dealer at some point.