Just picked up 2009 S - first MINI Cooper , sold a 2006 M3 convert and have to say the Cooper S is more fun to drive !!
Anyway as seems to be typical , I only got one smart key fob ..what are my options ? Can I buy a fob on eBay and reprogram it myself ? I get it that the actual key inside the fob won't be keyed for my car but if it can unlock the car and start the engine im ok with that. The place where i bought the car told me they can get me a new FOB + programming for $200....rather not pay that ..

Any advice ? Thanks

 

No, unfortunately you cannot.

You don't really any other choice...
The dealer MUST recode / reprogram any new fob, and up to three total fobs per one vehicle at one time.
New ones, and ONLY NEW UNITS should be purchased from the dealer as they are partially programmed to your car due to VIN matching.

- Erik