Anyone try to get a spare key for their Mini ? I was going to buy one on ebay, less expensive, however, the dealer said they cold not program it for my car. They are VIN and owner specific. That is kinda cool, but costs much denaro. Anyone done this?

 

I'd get the one from the dealer... The key has a computer chip inside, and if it's not properly programmed then the security system disables the car. The dealer might be giving you a line of BS about not being able to program it, but they might not - I know that they try to tightly control access to the key programming functionality for obvious theft reasons...

 

I'm pretty sure they have to order them from Valeo with your EXACT cut and immobalizer codes. I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that it's very expensive and takes forever.

 

We needed another key when we purchased the 04 used (dealer only had one key). Went to the BMW/MINI parts counter, gave the rep our VIN, and showed proof of ownership. Four days later a new key arrived, expensive but worked like a charm.

 

Most of the keys I see on ebay are useless since they are already cut. You would still need to replace the metal part and have it recut. Not worth the hassle when you can get a good working new key from the dealer

 

Yes, me. I ordered a third key the day I bought the car (well I actually got the cost thrown in). Big bucks, maybe $150 but be grateful ... thats pretty cheap compared to other cars these days.

Forget about eBay ... unless you want to get an extra 10HP with a vortex generator I might have lying around

 

Yea that is cheap, just got a 2nd key for my 2000 VW golf 1.8t, the key was 175 plus another 110 to get it programed

 

You dont want to know how much it cost to get a third key for the Croc Needed to get another car loan

 

Thanks, this place is Kick !@#.

 

My dealer told me I could get a key that would work but not have remote functions for $50. If I wanted the remote functions it would be $150.

 

Its a parking attend key it only works in the drivers door

 

Yea, that's the plastic key with the chip in the head. If you bought your car new, you should have received one of thsese too (2 regular keys, 1 plastic key).

 

The only place to insert a key from the outside is the driver's door. It also will work in the ignition. . .

While I am thinking about it, if you always use the remote to lock/unlock your door, you should occasionally use the key in the actual lock to ensure that it does not become stuck or inoperable from lack of use.

 

I got an extra key when I purchased my MINI and it was only around $30, however it was not a keyless entry key. But I figure it's an extra key I can unlock it the "old fashioned" way, plus it was way cheaper. I think I was quoted 100-150 for the key and another 80-100 to have it programmed.

P.S. This was a full sized key with the MINI wing just no remote control.

 

Can you post a pic of the key? I don't think I've ever seen such a MINI key.

 

No, this is a regular metal key, just no remote functions. Much like mini-ized described. A full functioning key that will start the car (chipped) but won't have remote features/auto unlock etc. Not a plastic key.

 

This is the key my SA told me I could get, showed it to me. Looks like a regular key, black fob with the mini logo. NOT a black plastic key like I got when I bought the car. Glad someone else knows what I'm talking about.

 

I received 3 keys with my new 02 MCS. 1 is programmable, 1 is the valet key that is not programmable and the plastic emergency key for no extra cost.

 

As Requested:





From left to right: Valet, Master, what I refer to as the "Cool Master " and the Extra key without the remote control.

 

Thank you! I have never seen the one to the far right before.

 

I've never seen any of the three keys on the right. Mine came with two keys that have the remote functions built in (they are identical) and one that is the black plastic key. Were the three full sized keys pictures from earlier Minis?

-Keith

 

05-06 keys are a bit different then the 02-04 keys.

 

Yep, the three on the left are what my 03 keys look like. I too have never seen the one on the right. The two middle keys have the remote build in, just as in your 05, just shaped alittle different.

Nik

 

Oops, I forgot to mention these keys are off a 04 MCS.

 

when I got my car in july of 02 it came with 1 plastic, one full sized without remote lock feature and one with full 2 buttons. I asked my MA about another key with push buttons for the Mrs. and was told it was $75. High , i thought but went ahead and ordered it nonetheless. 2 weeks later went back to pick it up and was told $125 . Freaked. MA went back on his quote and said he had said $125 originally. I said "no because if you had we wouldn't be having this conversation right now cause I wouldn't have ordered it at that price". They got stubborn and wouldn't budge until I threatened to let them own it. They finally relented and sold it to me at the originally quoted price, but it is my understanding that the MA had to pay the balance out of his original commission on the car.
-key blank before cutting and programming........MAYBE $10
-cutting.......(5 minutes max.(I'm a machinist)) $5
-programming (another 5 minutes max.) $5
-dealer profit........$105

screwing them out of $50 of their "profit" .............priceless

(I seriously doubt the MA made that mistake a second time)