Hey guys, I'm buying a 2008 Cooper S, and to my shock just one banged up key is what they have. I've heard about a wallet or valet key just for opening and was wondering how many keys a new one includes and how much will they cost me. On another topic, What else should i look out for when buying a used Mini Cooper S ? I realy apreciate any help, thank you

 

My MINI, which I bought new, came with two key fobs. When the key fob is turned upside down, there is a chrome button that, when pushed, the valet key will slide out. This key will unlock the driver's door. I have no idea how much a replacement will cost. My MINI does have the convenience package, so the MINI you're looking at might be different.

What else to look for, review the various posts and you'll see they can be quite extensive.

 

Came with 2 key fobs. I would bet at least $200 for a new one :(

 

Damn, I don't trust myself with just one key.

and its not $1.87 at Walmart like my Miata.

 

I have seen these small plastic keys similar in size as the one inside the key fob, have you seen it? Or maybe it was available on the previous generation?

 

If you need to REPLACE the key for a new one, call the BMW key hotline at 888-575-5397. I paid $163 for a replacement and it was shipped overnight to my house.
I had called several Mini dealers and they all wanted between $350-400 and I would have to make 2 trips, one to order it and then to pick it up.

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Did you buy it at a dealership or from a private party?

I bought mine used from a MINI/BMW dealership and they even had paper work that said "Number of keys included: 2". So since I only got one, I went back and asked about it. My sales guy looked all day and finally called me to come in to the parts/service department to pick up the brand new key they ordered for me since they couldn't find the second one.

I'd call up and talk to your sales associate and ask if there was supposed to be a second key they misplaced.

 

Great info Thanks

 

that's not a bad price. Is that pre-programmed based off of VIN or did you have to take it to the dealer afterward?

 

I gave them the VIN and they asked for proof that I was the owner, so I faxed them the registration and a copy of my license. Called them back 5 minutes later and paid them.

Next day, FedEx knocked on my door.

No trip to the dealer was necessary. And it's a good thing because my closest one is 140 miles away.

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that is sweet and about 175 less than the dealer quoted me. Thanks for posting this.

 

What gen car is this that we are talking about? I don't see a sig for you but I know there is different sequences for programming keys for each of the gens.

 

2008 Mini Cooper base.



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it may be that the dealer ordered a key pre programmed to my car/vin, but one of my keys stopped working and once the new one came in for me, the parts guy told me the "steps" (he was a bmw guy) to do it. i got to my car put in the key like normal and it worked without me doing anything.