I have an R56 2008 S. The key fob won't inductively charge anymore. I have replaced the rechargeable battery twice and the buttons works for about a day or two. The car starts fine, but can't use any of the buttons. My brother has an expensive OBD2 scanner/programmer and there is an option to rekey the key fob. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck buying an E-Bay key fob and getting it to work.

I've searched in realoem and I think my key is with PCA (Not sure if that's correct ) 61303456372. My Dealer wants to charge me over $400 for the key and program.

 

Many threads on this. Plan on a trip to the dealer..

 

I went through a very similar scenario when adding an additional fob for my MCS. A fob replacement appears to carry multiple discrete processes to obtain a new replacement fob. The fob had to be ordered and programmed with the key ranges that are stored in the car at production time. Just to order a fob there's requirements of vehicle ownership identification, validation of the VIN, and then coding which can only be performed by authorized service center with BMW AG performing the authorization. Least that's my understanding that's supported by the links below and aligns with what I went through to get a replacement fob. All in in 2015 it cost me around $310 to get a replacement fob.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ement-key.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...9-key-fob.html

I bought my fob through the aforementioned online store in the links to get a replacement coded for my car. Then had the local Mini dealer at around $100 complete the final programming.

Hope this helps save you some time and money.

 

+1 on all that. BTDT. Provide VIN and proof of ownership (copy of registration and DL) to dealer and bite the bullet.

 

Would I purchase the key 66123456368 (non Comfort Access) through The BMW Mini Parts Store, but then need to have my local dealer program it?

 

Yep..

 

first of all, did you make sure the keyfob is actually sending the signal? For example, go to one of those places that has a car remote signal tester. If it doesn't work then you move to the next step of ordering a key. If it works, then the issue is with the car receiver/ antenna.

Next, I tried ebay keys. They don't have the circuitry for the comfort access. You can buy the key fob and program it to your car for testing if you want.

To programpa key, you need you fish out the ECU ISN code from it. Ktag is the device for that. Next, to extract the keys file from the CAS. For that you need R270. Once you get these two tasks, you need to use Tango to program the virgin key.

OR, you order the key from the dealer or a mini parts supplier. I just got mine with comfort access for less than 175. I used ISTAD to make the key recognized for the option.

check my R55 flood recovery thread.

 

I asked today and the only BMW authorized dealer her is asking $450. I've changed the batteries twice and works fine untill whatever residual charge is left in the battery runs out. I assume that the problem is the inductive charging system in the key itself. My other key works fine and charges without a problem after it was stored away for a whole year.
I've even thought about soldering a regular non rechargable battery and see if that works.

Are there any guides for programming?

 

A couple of things could be going on here. I do MINI Key repair on the side and I have seen this problem before, except that the key discharges within a week or so, not within a day or so. Either way, I have not found what causes it and haven't been able to repair a key with this problem. Just to be clear, we are talking about the standard second generation key with the sealed case and the soldered in battery. It's certainly possible that the key originally had this problem, or maybe the battery was just old and worn out. These sealed keys are tricky to open, and it's certainly possible that the circuit board was damaged when it was opened, either creating this problem or making it worse. If you could post a couple of pictures (clear and in focus) of your circuit board, both the front and back, I could take a look and see if there is any obvious damage or missing components.

That said, MINI of Peabody in Massachusetts (https://www.minipeabody.com/mini-parts.htm) discounts all their parts, including keys, and a second generation fob retails for about $135 through them. Supply your VIN and proof of ownership; MINI keys are created according to your VIN. After it arrives it will be ready to start your car; after that happens the remote functions will "pair" automatically and then you should have a fully working key. There is no real "programming" that I know of for this type of key. For the very similar Comfort Access keys for the second generation, the car will need to be programmed to allow for full Comfort Access functionality.

Your best bet is to stay away from aftermarket (eBay) and used keys as they are difficult to impossible to get working with your car.

If you don't want to post pictures of your key feel free to PM me and do it there.

Val

 

My daughters dog ate her key fob. I'm wondering if I can buy another one on eBay and just transfer the internals from her old one into the new one? Anybody have any suggestions?

 

They sell new replacement shells on eBay- I'd go for one of those. The shells are sonically welded together and difficult to take apart. If you try to do this with a used key you'll just end up with a messy looking key as the shell will never look the same again.

And be very careful when pulling apart the existing key. There's lots of little components on the circuit board and if you knock any of those off you are done for.

I do MINI key repair on the side if you are interested.

Val