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R56 Ruh-roh... lost my key...

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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:08 PM
  #1  
Hogtied's Avatar
Hogtied
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From: SE NC
Ruh-roh... lost my key...

Well, I didn't really lose it.. I threw it away - or at least I assume I did, since it isn't in the house anywhere.

Got home from work last night, had the key in my hand, grabbed some things out of the car that I wanted to take into the house, got the mail out of the mailbox.. went inside.

I keep my Mini's key on a separate key ring.. normally I set it down on the kitchen counter until I get out of my work clothes.

Got up this morning a bit later than normal - had the day off. It's trash day, so I gathered the trash, took it to the street, then did some chores around the house.

About 10:30 I decided to go run an errand, and.. no key..

After searching everywhere that I thought it could possibly be, I decided that when I tossed the junk mail into the trash when I got home last night, I must have tossed the key in there as well (long week). No big deal, I'll just go get the trash container and go through the last bag I put into it this morning..

.. only the trash collectors came early.. then NEVER come early..

So.. no key.. I have my spare, but I don't like only having one key.. so I suppose I'll have to order another.

I know this little escapade is going to cost me.. :impatient Anybody know how much?
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:12 PM
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From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I've heard $350. Don't know if this is true. I've also heard you can't get one without showing a title...
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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From: Coralville, Iowa
My dealer said $100.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 05:59 PM
  #4  
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From: Sacramento, Ca
Originally Posted by oldsbear
My dealer said $100.
wow... thats cheap for any key these days... Most keys that have immobilizer chips are over 150 on the lower end.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 06:38 PM
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From: Southern NH
I had to provide a copy of my drivers license and registration before they would get me a key. Rather odd but....

The key arrived, and when i pulled out the mechanical key, it worked fine in both doors, and once I placed it in the cradle, I could start the car.

I wonder how unique these keys are.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 08:36 PM
  #6  
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From: Houston
is it part of the comfort access?
My dealer charges in excess of $300 to replace that particular type of key.

Hope you find it..
 
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Old Oct 5, 2007 | 10:56 PM
  #7  
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my dealer said 350, but then again they were going to charge me 346 to install the factory alarm
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 06:49 AM
  #8  
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djam43
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From: South Florida.
Originally Posted by Hogtied
Well, I didn't really lose it.. I threw it away - or at least I assume I did, since it isn't in the house anywhere.

Got home from work last night, had the key in my hand, grabbed some things out of the car that I wanted to take into the house, got the mail out of the mailbox.. went inside.

I keep my Mini's key on a separate key ring.. normally I set it down on the kitchen counter until I get out of my work clothes.

Got up this morning a bit later than normal - had the day off. It's trash day, so I gathered the trash, took it to the street, then did some chores around the house.

About 10:30 I decided to go run an errand, and.. no key..

After searching everywhere that I thought it could possibly be, I decided that when I tossed the junk mail into the trash when I got home last night, I must have tossed the key in there as well (long week). No big deal, I'll just go get the trash container and go through the last bag I put into it this morning..

.. only the trash collectors came early.. then NEVER come early..

So.. no key.. I have my spare, but I don't like only having one key.. so I suppose I'll have to order another.

I know this little escapade is going to cost me.. :impatient Anybody know how much?
Let us know what it finally costs you.?
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 07:30 AM
  #9  
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$300 ! Wonder if insurance would cover it?

I had to buy a key when I got my 03. Cost $134 for key, $50 for program, and a 150 mile trip. Yes you do need proof of ownership. I think registration was ok to use.

Far as losing a key (I Think) I did the exact same thing by dropping a motorcycle key in to the trash can once. Stupid junk mail! Never did find the key. It was the only one I had so had to have a Locksmith "feel" it in. Cost me about $250 and messed up the lock.

I hate keys.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 07:41 AM
  #10  
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I better go get my second key from Herb Chambers then! When I got the car I got two keys but the second one didnt work so they orderd me a new one but I have yet to go pick it up.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 08:48 AM
  #11  
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From: On the Oregon 5
Originally Posted by mac020
$300 ! Wonder if insurance would cover it
Yes, as long as you signed up for the Stupid Acts coverage. That reminds me, I had better check and make sure mine is still in force.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 09:29 AM
  #12  
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My MA said $300. Seems to be the most consistent quote thus far. It also seems the real price given the price to replace far less complicated keys nowadays. My 92 BMW cost $75 for one (& that is just one of those etched ones).

Hey, since you have none & need 2, see if they will cut you a break on the price if you order 2.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 11:36 AM
  #13  
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This post has really got me to thinking - I am going to have a little tab engraved and put on my keys - I will only put a cell contact or as the wife suggests - a friends number (so the person who calls does NOT know where your car/house is) on the tab will be "Reward - xxx-xxx-xxxx" Most people would like to return keys if found but know where to send them... Hey, its worth a chance...
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 11:58 AM
  #14  
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Hidden key trick

My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 12:55 PM
  #15  
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From: Sacramento, Ca
Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.

my sarcasme meter must be way out of whack today... that is the funniest thing ive ever heard!! it reminds me of gone in 60 seconds.

well... when it comes out it definitely wont be considered "comfort access"... more like uncomfortable exit
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 01:27 PM
  #16  
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From: Prescott, AZ
Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
Great "Story" Nice first post...
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 07:00 AM
  #17  
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From: Central NJ
Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
Ah, man's best friend!
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 08:13 AM
  #18  
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From: Southern NH
Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
Just listen for the yelp when he/she goes "Walkies", as the way in, is wider than the way out.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 02:57 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
So this indicates the key must be weather resistant. Hope it washes off ok.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 01:38 PM
  #20  
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From: Hammond, Louisiana
Dang that sucks. I was sitting on a ledge on the lakefront in New Orleans back in May and heard a ca plunk just to look and see my keys sinking to the bottom of the lake. So I had to wait an hour for a friend to go back to my house and get my spare so I'm down to one set. My dealer said they cost between $200 & $300 and you need both your title and drivers license to get it programmed.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 02:39 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by rwk317
My key went missing Saturday morning & after searching high and low, I found that if my dog stands near the car I can open it.My spare is at the office so he currently rides in the Mini everywhere until he slides it back to me....hopefully today or tomorrow.
Three days, a quart of Cod Liver Oil & still no key, so off to the vet for a stomach pump. The dog is fine, I have the fob, a $286 bill, and the wife finally sees some humor in it all. Zack sat at my feet last night still smelling like fish & the wife can't figure out why. I forgot to tell her about that part.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 03:05 PM
  #22  
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From: Roseville, CA
Originally Posted by harley0711
This post has really got me to thinking - I am going to have a little tab engraved and put on my keys - I will only put a cell contact or as the wife suggests - a friends number (so the person who calls does NOT know where your car/house is) on the tab will be "Reward - xxx-xxx-xxxx" Most people would like to return keys if found but know where to send them... Hey, its worth a chance...
I have Stuffbak labels and tags on most of my gadgets, keys and laptop. Provides a reward and a generic code that links back to you. Haven't had to "use" it yet <knocks wood>, but I like that its there.

Wouldn't help if the keys are in the trash though, unless a dumpster-diver stumbled upon it.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2007 | 05:46 AM
  #23  
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From: Central NJ
Originally Posted by rwk317
Three days, a quart of Cod Liver Oil & still no key, so off to the vet for a stomach pump. The dog is fine, I have the fob, a $286 bill, and the wife finally sees some humor in it all. Zack sat at my feet last night still smelling like fish & the wife can't figure out why. I forgot to tell her about that part.
Good luck at the vets - be sure to post pics of the fob!
 
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Old Oct 10, 2007 | 08:02 AM
  #24  
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You all remember those old key rings that if you whistle, the key chain would respond by chirping...
 
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Old Oct 10, 2007 | 08:05 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by andyde
You all remember those old key rings that if you whistle, the key chain would respond by chirping...
I always think when I lose something that it has a clapper on it. I find myself walking around clapping expecting it to shout out "HEY, HEY YOU! OVER HERE!". Then after a minute I realize that I do not own such a thing
 
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