Hi All,
I have a 2013 R56 JCW. Now, I've been reading various articles, about the ways in which owners attempt to charge their key-fob, out of the car.
Suggestions such a using a toothbrush charger or a mobile phone charging pad, are mentioned.
Have any of you tried a method, that works?
I want to charge my spare fob, and I have read that charging it in the car, can take around 30 hours.....that's some road trip!
I've considered buying a second hand start/stop button assembly (see picture) and connecting it to a 12v power source.
Any helpful suggestions will be most appreciated.

 

A lot of people just swap fobs every few months, since you can unhook the valet key it's super easy. Mini says you should use the fobs at least once every 6 months so you should be okay. The battery in the fob is only used to lock and unlock- a dead battery fob should still start the car.

 

I'm also looking for a charging option I don't drive my car enough and the key keeps dying I've tried buying a charging pad but for some reason it's not working I guess it's not triggering the electromagnet inside maybe cause it's such a small battery, But yeah any recommendations on a charger that actually works will be helpful I've tried a toothbrush charger but honestly I can't tell if it's working or not The last time I used a toothbrush charger and then opened up the key file and checked the voltage I didn't see any voltage change I'm really looking for real experiences that work with the charging pads.

 

That sounds like an interesting proposition… If the fob pops in and holds, you could mount it to the wall and use it as your key station. Then your fobs would always be charged and ready.

 

I use the Sonic portable charger for charging my second FOB, and I also swap FOB' when charging in the car.

I always have the car on a battery tender made for AGM batteries and leave one key in the car ign, (doors locked in garage).

Cheers.

 

Ahh, so does this charge the key fob battery whilst also charging the AGM battery?

 

yes

 

Sorry to bother you, again. Should the ignition be on or off?

 

Key fob inserted and ign turned off.

When you open the car door you should get the usual door open/fob in the ignition, at least my 2013 does that.

No worries.

 

I have an 2013 R56 JCW.
Sorry, I feel like I'm being a little thick!
Insert my key fob in the dash, but don't start the engine. Just connect the battery charger and that's it?
I don't get the picture of the key, as shown in your photo.
I've taken two pictures, just to help explain!

This is what I get in my display, with the key inserted.

Key inserted like this.

 

Yes, insert the key fob into the ignition without turning on the vehicle, and plugin/attach your battery charger/tender.

 

Induction charger helped get my key back to life on the recharable side of the key, the CA side of the key has it own normal battery.

 

I'd happily use an induction charger, if I knew of a model that had been used by members here, and worked!
I have heard comments regarding problems arising from incorrect induction chargers being used.
Any recommendations about specific induction chargers, welcome!

 

I just set it on one someone got from Target at the end cap. Set my r52 key on it and brought back to life.