Both of my R56 keys are pretty worn out and in need of a refresh. Rather than getting a pricey full set of new keys, has anybody had luck with just replacing the shell (and reusing the inner circuit boards and metal key) with a new shell from ebay?

Specifically, I have something like this shell in mind:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Cooper-S-R56-JCW-3-Buttons-Round-Remote-Case-Shell-and-Uncut-Key-Blank/131896561600?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D40757%26meid%3Da652acc8fe49444089aeadc317858b99%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D112252603116
Anybody that can speak to the quality of this new key shell? Also, if the new shell doesn't come with a logo, where do you get that from?

That looks pretty interesting......hoping someone has some experience with it...

1) These key shells are pretty decent. I do MINI Key repair on the side and get mine wholesale from China; the eBay shells are probably the same ones. I can't imagine that there is more than one factory stamping this particular shell out.

2) In a weak attempt to avoid copyright restrictions or something, they don't show the MINI wings. My wholesaler even does this with the confidential price list they send me. Ask the seller but your shell most likely will come with a set of wings; you'll have to pull the backing off of the sticky and put them on. Real easy.

3) If you do decide to do this, you'll need to pry apart the shell VERY carefully, as carefully as you can and then you'll need to be even more careful. One slip of the razor blade (not recommended) or tiny, "greenie" screwdriver and you'll probably knock some surface mount components off of the circuit board and then you are done for. These keys are not meant to come apart and the shells are held together with a sonic weld and don't come apart too easily.

Here's a link to some internal pictures:
<bad link!>

The thing on the right that looks like a racetrack is the antenna. That is a good place to start prying as there are no components in that area. Again, be super careful. Good luck with it.

Bruce Hart
MINI Key Hospital

Thanks for the detailed info Bruce. I've ordered one just now, so I'll report back on the experience.

The link to your pictures didn't work for me though, do you mind reattaching the link? Also, what is the "greenie" screwdriver? Is it different than any other small screwdriver?

Here's a link to the "greenie":

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...R3323V-/96-285

Many places sell this item; I'm a frequent MCM shopper so that's the page I used.

Sorry for the bad link- it's a PDF file; send me an e-mail to: "minikeyhospital@outlook.com" and I'll send you the PDF.

Bruce

Ok, so I've got the new ebay key shell in my hands now, and yes it did come with wings. It came with a blank metal key insert, but I don't think I'll use it, since it's a bit bulky. Hopefully my original metal key insert just fits into the new shell. Generally the new shell looks ok. The lines on the buttons are not a solid bright white, but the black casing looks ok.

Anyway, now seems like the hard part. How the heck do you open the old shell? I have a "greenie" screwdriver, but I'm not finding a good point on the key to use as leverage. Seems like one slip, and the screwdriver will be thrust into your hand that's holding the shell.

Here's the pdf in question from above (it's available publicly):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B22...UbHN6STNn/view

(Thanks Bruce for sending me the PDF)

where can i go to buy a new key (shell) instead of going to mini and paying about $500

A new key fob without the slide in key for R56 and R56LCI without comfort access should only be around $160 from the dealer, any dealer charging $500 is taking you to the bank unless the car has comfort access and that includes programming the fob to the car so the comfort access works but that's still really high.

i only have one key i want to have a set so if i miss place one and they said after taxes im looking at 460+

Edmrich, contact thebmwminipartstore@gmail.com with the last seven digits of your vin and ask them for a price on the key fob. If you also want to get the slide in key also ask for that price. Their parts come from a true BMW/MINI dealership so you are getting the OEM part. Keys take 1-3 business days to get from BMW, these are shipped to the dealer then onto you. To order a key requires a copy of your title and drivers license for the registered owner as proof of ownership.

Though I don't have better experience this. But it looks good as usual.

You certainly might stab your other hand. Hands are important- protect them! Wear a work glove of some sort on the hand holding the key. You should be able to find a place to start opening the key on the straight part where the blade goes in or right at the corner where the two parts meet. Be sure to do at it corner where the antenna is so there will be less chance of knocking off a board component.

Good luck-

Bruce