Hi everybody!
We just bought a 2008 MC! (Mellow yellow with black top.)
We would really like to have a third key. I tried several searches but could not find any much info about extra keys for the 07-08 models. We don't have the comfort access.
My Mini sales rep mentioned the key is about a $250 part, which is unfortunately about reasonable these days.
Does anyone know if there is special programming required for the new key to start the car and if so, if does it have to be done at the dealer?
Also, are there any parts suppliers that sell discounted genuine OEM parts?
Thanks,
pokie

 

When i picked up my MCS nearly 4 weeks ago, my dealer was telling me to NOT lose the key fob b/c they were expensive to replace.
He told me that they were (as you mentioned), $250 for just the fob itself. On top of that, i think he said it was about $150 to have it programmed since everything is computerized.

I have no idea who does this though, or even if the dealer does it. I had to sign a paper when i picked up my MCS stating that i knew this info ahead of time :-P

Hope this helps.

 

Morristown (NJ) Mini sells OEM parts cheaper than most nearby dealers. I'm sure a 3rd key will only be available from the dealer and yes they will charge you to program it. It takes awhile to do. I'll be hundreds of $$.

 

Hi , just picked up my Mini at Morristown.
During the checkout process with the Finance guy . He gave me a list of additional warranty packages I could purchase.
One of them was for the key. It was for $204.00 to cover the cost of replacement key . Damaged or Lost . Said only 1 per year.
Seeing how much it costs to replace keys. This is something I may consider because I too would like a third key.
I failed to ask if it would include the programing .
Next time I go back I will inquire more about this.

Maybe your dealer offers a similar insurance .

 

I highly doubt that the 204 includes programming. I got my 2 keys at delivery two months ago and was quoted about 450 for another key including programming.

 

Wow. Looks like stuffing my spare key in my sock isn't gonna cut it with the MINI.

 

yea i lost one of my key fob and just got another one last week.. set me back $391.. non comfort access.

 

If we're talking non-comfort access there's no 'programming' required.

One of my fobs stopped opening the doors recently. It would start the car but not open the doors while the other one worked fine.

Short version of the story (it took a few rounds with the dealer) was write up a service ticket, turn in the old fob and get a new one. A fresh fob, out of the bag was put in the ignition and it immediately associated with the car...everything works normal. Total 'programming time' - zero.....

They did say that if this didn't work it meant the fob had been associated with another car already and THEN there was a programming step. But if you get a virgin no problem-o.

I kept my metal key.....

 

Many cars now come with an integrated key and remote. Most of my experience has been with Toyota and Lexus. Part and programming can be a $400-$550 venture, expecially if the actual "key" has to be laser cut (the outside edges are smooth - the "teeth" are cut into the flat sides of the key). I needed an extra key for my BMW a couple of years ago. I was dreading the price quote since it, also, was an integrated key and remote, with laser cut key. Get this....the part; laser cutting the key; programming; AND overnight shipping from Germany.......$125 plus taxes!!!! I ordered the key, by phone, from the dealership one day and was using the key the next day.

 

I am waiting for my fourth key. The chrome ring broke on the first one and my dealer replaced the entire key for free. This included deprogramming the old key and reprogramming the new one. They hooked my car up to some machine which took about ten minutes. Unfortunately this key got stolen in a hijacking recently and I have to get another one which I will have to pay for.
It will cost me about R1100 which is about $150 I think. The problem is I have waited several weeks for this key whereas the first replacement took 48 hours and was free.

 

Sheesh, $400+ for a key? How do I get it to play my DVDs?!

 

It won't play DVDs (or remember that every time you drive it, you press the "sport" button on the trans), but it will remember your last audio source/volume, ac setting and temp, whether you prefer military or civilian time, and how many times you want your blinker to flash before the point of no return.

Also, you can only have 3 "keys" at one time (IRTFM!).