the chrome ring on my key is pealing off. it is a 09 with 12k miles and since i just purchased it from a dealer i have no idea how long ago it started. anyone with similar problem?

 

I've seen fobs like that. I think people just deal, since they are so expensive to replace!

 

The chrome paint on my fob is more than 50% gone after about 1.5 years.
I carry in my pocket with other keys, coins etc. The other fob that my wife uses looks just as it did when it was new.
I suppose it could be repainted but I have Comfort Access so my fob never sees the light of day.

 

Lots of threads here about that. Here's one.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-key-fob.html

 

The chrome ring is replaceable. Tristan had a couple of them break, the first time they replaced the entire key. The second time they had a stock of chrome rings they could just slip on. You should ask the dealer about it should be a warranty issue.

 

Stealership will replace them under warranty for free and they are only a couple of dollars at the stealership.

 

yep - dealer just replaed one for me a couple of weeks ago when it snapped. It took longer to complete a work order for a warranty claim then it did to replace the ring BY FAR, plus it is an hour each way to the dealer. Next time I'm just gonna glue it.

 

the 2011 ones are made from stainless steel instead of plastic.

 

Yup, it's covered under warranty if it's "broken", which if you have a cool SA it can happen. Mine is now stainless steel after mine "broke".

 

Same issue with mine - I'm going to see if I can get mine replaced under warranty

 

Yeah, I was about to say that. Mine is definitely metal.

 

I have had the ring swapped on both of my '09 fobs with no questions in minutes. My service department and parts guy are great.

 

Well, mine was just worn so I was monkeying with it while reading these post and it snapped so I definitely need it replaced now

 

At least you guys don't have the chrome on your belt line peeling off like every Countryman owner has. The dealer doesn't know when it will be replace because there is such a huge backlog of these problems and BMW/MINI is still trying to find a solution. It makes me feel so good about my 35K car that is falling apart like a 1988 Hyundai Excel

 

MINI dealer in Ottawa just replaced my "chrome" (plastic) ring today - no questions asked, no charge (warranty). I took the peeled and crappy looking plastic ring off myself before taking the car in and handing over the key. When the key was returned to me - new shiny metal one (stainless steel, I think) was on the key, they never even mentioned it.


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I valet for MINI and i can tell you its pretty common.

 

anyone sand off the remaining chrome and paint the plastic car body color

 

I did that with my first key. It came out really nice. I just used some fine sandpaper to remove all the chrome plating, then a light coat of primer and then some automotive paint from a spray can. You have to be really careful when sanding as the plastic is really thin in one spot and could be easily broken.

The finish seems to hold up really well, too - no chips or scratches yet after about 8 months.

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I have an 09 as well and the whole plastic chrome ring came off my fob, it is pretty cheap.. peeling also. I am going to wrap it in vinyl and glue it back on, will post up pics when done.