I've only had my mini about a week and a half so far and the fact that I only have 1 fob worries me a bit. I'm not in the habit of loosing keys, but you never know. Can anyone tell me if this works for programming a fob for a 2007? Also has anyone had any experience purchasing a fob from somewhere other than the dealer? I see several sites that sell "used/uncut" fobs.

Thanks!

http://www.ehow.com/how_7507645_prog...ni-cooper.html

 

Did you buy it at a MINI dealership? My paperwork when I purchased my 07 specifically said "Number of keys on delivery: 2". I told them I'd like that second key, they couldn't find it, they ordered and programmed a brand new one free of charge.

 

I did not buy from a mini dealership and I did ask about only having 1 fob...that's all they received with the car. I contacted a Mini dealer and they've stated that since I do not have comfort access in my car, that I would just need to order the part from them with no programming. I've replied back to them since I don't understand how a fob out of the box would be recognized by car and allow it to remote lock/unlock the doors/hatch and work in the ignition.

 

Mine was but it may have been that they entered the VIN on ordering it. But there was a process of putting it in the car and checking it it worked or something. Look into that. Again, my car did no need to be programmed in the service department at all when my new key got delivered.

 

I just got this reply so I think you're right, InjectedGT.

"Good evening. The new fob will come programmed to the car, once you have received the new fob. Insert the new fob into slot and hold it in for 10 seconds (this process will initialize the key to the car). Hope this information is what you were looking for. Let me know if there is anything else I can assist with. Thank you."

I guess there goes my hopes of saving a few bucks and getting one from those resale sites. Oh well.

 

They have to be coded by Mini per the vin, the fobs you see online will not work. I order around 15 keys a week. If the car has comfort access it will need to be programed by a dealership.

Hope this helps
-Sean

 

so then couldnt anyone just up and buy a couple of fobs, and run around boosting MINIS....?

 

No. You order your key at the dealership and.provide them the vin. The key comes ready to pair to that vin. Even so, you'd need the car you're "boosting" to be unlocked as the process of pairing is.done through the ignition.

 

well, I'm not looking to boost any Mini's. I did contact another mini dealer and I got 2 different prices for the fob's with key. Since they use the VIN does the key come cut? Should there be a difference in price between dealers?

 

They come cut and coded for your vehicle. The only cutting is for the spare insert.

-Sean