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FOB starts the car and has button for locks. Key provides a 'backup' way in if the battery is dead ... you can unlock the driver door. Key fits into the FOB (lil silver button on FOB to release the key.) It is possible to lose the FOB and still have the key. (OOOPS)
That’s it right there. If you need to replace the fob, but still have your cut key, you can just get the fob and reuse the key with it, and save a few bucks.
Thats what I did when I recently had to buy a new one too
Sorry guys English is my second language. Do I really need the key insert ? I lost the original fob with the key insert. I have an extra fob(key insert is uncut) that my friend programmed but it only opens/closes my car but it doesn't start my car.
Does the R56 have the same immobilizer chip programming dealer rip off issue that the 1st gen minis have?
With my older mini I now carry 2 fobs . The rechargeable battery built into the older one is dead, so the remote door locks dont work with that, but it starts the car. Key two (a cheap ebay blank) works just fine for the doors, but the engine management computer isnt programmed to recognise the chip in the newer fob so it wont start the car unless I pay a hefty fee to get it recognised by the car. One of these days I may break down and pay it, but its like 10% of the value of the car to get it done
Which of the parts of the R56 key includes the immobiliser chip, and how much more will it cost to program the car to recognise the new key?
Adding 1 more info. The guy told me the more expensive one have the rechargeable battery the cheaper one doesn't. I'm not sure if his BSing me about the rechargeable. If it's true can't I just change the battery on the cheap one?
That’s true, the comfort access fobs have a replaceable battery, the regular fobs do not, they recharge while inserted in the slot while the car is on. That cut key is an emergency backup to unlock the car in the event that the fob battery dies. The immobilized chip is in the saucer part. And cannot be programmed as far as I have found. It can only be purchased from the dealership.
Last edited by MrGrumpy; Nov 28, 2018 at 12:45 PM.
Reason: Spelling
Do I really need the key insert ? I lost the original fob with the key insert. I have an extra fob(key insert is uncut) that my friend programmed but it only opens/closes my car but it doesn't start my car.
