and it still works! Accidentally of course, forgot they were in my jeans.

 

interesting, good to hear they still work. I've always wondered how much it would cost to order a replacement set

 

Glad this worked out for you!

Let's just say replacing the key is so expensive you don't ever want it to happen.

 

Did it shrink? 'cause if it did, I'll try it.

 

Yeah, let's not do that again, okay!!!

 

Knowing that the stiletto knife style VW Jetta remote/key combo cost roughly $275, I clenched my teeth and asked my MA what a MINI replacement would cost. Answer, $350 give or take a bit.

 

Oh, that's less completely bonkers insane than the $800/900 I thought I had heard! Maybe it is that much if you want it all reprogrammed, i.e. "the locks changed".

 

At least it's clean. Next time use bleach, I would like to see a white key fob.

 

Do you have comfort access?

 

They come preshrunk, 'cause they're MINI keys!

 

I guess the Non Comfort access fob is completely sealed with internal battery, thats how it survived the wash.

 

My key ring with the MINI Comfort fob is so big I don't think I could forget it is my pocket.

It is all perspective, $350 is better than $800, oh my! Do you know that is about half of a good R56 cat-back exhaust, an ipod adapter (installed), 2/3 of a nice GPS. Hummmm, don't wash your MINI key, even if it does shrink a bit.

 

Man, I hope my MA was right! I would kick myself in the proverbial arss for an extended period of time if I had to pay $800/900 for a darn key!! Ouch!

 

Had the same accidental "wash and dry" with one of my BMW X5 fobs, and it worked fine after the adventure.

 

I'm having a vision....R56 sits in the drive-way for an extended period of time.

A neighbor politely inquires..."why aren't you driving your new MINI".

Response..."Because I washed/lost mine and I can't afford to buy a replacement key"

 

It's probably similar to how rugged those USB keys are. I wonder if getting a third key now would be cheaper. I know that on my Focus it would be cheaper to obtain a 3rd key, because there were 2 for the programming to sync a thrid. But with one, it cost a whole lot extra. can't remember the cost but it was a non-issue I knoew where all my keys were.

 

The old keys (for the R53s), before the fobs, run $125. At least that is what I paid for a second key a couple of years ago. I would certainly think the newer fobs would be more expensive.

They also take a while to order as the dealer has to order them from the factory.

 

I've managed to wash my 1st gen key a couples of times as well as a few USB memory sticks. Never had a problem with the. I just make certain to let them sit to dry for a day or so before I try using them. Helps to have a spare when that happens.

My wallet doesn't usually fare so well when I have these senior moments near the washing machine.

 

Anthony,
Was it a Comfort access key, or a regular???

Lynn, LOL!!!!!!

 

Regular key without the comfort access...

 

Thanks. Can somebody please try this with the comfort access key??

And please report back 2 items:
1. Does it still work afterward?
2. Did it shrink?

 

You must have some nosey neighbors...... I'd watch that guy with the binoculars...

 

Just to say again, when I mentioned $800/900, that's just what I remember hearing.

A more specific question, can you get a new key without having the whole car locking system reprogrammed ("locks changed").

 

Dunno about the Mini, but on our Lexus, you are given a number at purchase time. If you lose that number and your keys, then Lexus replaces the computer and it comes with two keys. Are you ready?

$2400.00

Seems Lexus made the computer ID a unique hardwired number which cannot be read externally. The internal CPU just compares the ID of the key to the internal ID.

The reasoning behind it had to do with insurance agencies being worried car thiefs would be able to extract the ID from the computer and make keys to steal cars with.

 

Wow! Wonder if you can get a "lost key" rider on your insurance policy?