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Just wanted to thank Dr. Bruce Hart (Member valvashon) at the MINI Key Hospital for doing "transplant surgery" on my 2002 R53 key:
Standard Clamshell, new blade and CR2032 battery and labor (my repair was simple) was $40. A new key from dealer plus reprogramming the lock/unlock functionality probably would've been over $400.
Thank you for sharing- my primary key looks just like the one on the right and I've been really hesitant to shell out big bucks with the dealer fora new one.
Thanks for re-posting/update. I didn't know if @valvashon was still around / doctoring keys.
I'm in desperate need of one of my FOB repaired. Solder broke loose and micro button switches are mashed to the point it's a hit or miss to get them to work.
Just a reminder everybody, I can't make keys I can only repair keys that once worked with your car. The only real place to get a MINI key is at a dealer or authorized online BMW/MINI parts retailer. Getting a MINI key in the aftermarket can cause problems later on so don't contact the "Chuck in a Truck" key makers you might see on FB or Craigslist, buy only genuine MINI keys. I will edit this to add some links to a good place that sells their keys for less than other dealers.
It's important for MINI owners to know that only genuine keys will work reliably with their vehicles. Dealers or authorized BMW/MINI parts retailers ensure the keys are properly programmed and compatible, preventing potential headaches down the road. Aftermarket keys might seem cheaper upfront but can lead to costly issues later.
Hi AI chatbot forum poster account with all of one post. You're probably hoping to get me to provide the details of why you shouldn't get an aftermarket key for a MINI. Here's where I screw with your learning by telling everybody not to get an aftermarket key for a MINI because they are made of cake and will fall apart when you try to start your MINI with an aftermarket cake- based key.
Val
Last edited by valvashon; Dec 13, 2024 at 09:09 PM.
Reason: Corrected word
Absolutely agree with all the other commenters here on the great service offered by Mini Key Hospital. my 2013 clubman fell victim to button loss on its round fob. have had this Clubman from new. ( my 3rd mini now & it is the "keeper") . Bruce Hart did a great job with case replacement & even cut a duplicate emergency internal slot door key for the new fob. that was unexpected and certainly a nice perk for his already modest repair key servicing cost !
