I have a 2012 cms, I drove it too school one morning and then I go to leave and once i stick the key in nothing happens. no lights turn on or anything except the middle light as if the door was open and the radio as well, and the light on the start button. I press the button and nothing works. the brake felt tight as well. One mechanic says its the ignition switch and another says its the key. Have yall had any problems like this? I live in Texas and the nearest MINI dealer is 2 and a half hours away. They are charging me 273 for a new key and it doesnt need programming, he said to just stick it in and it should work. any help?

 

Get the battery tested. If it is the original it is probably time for a replacement.

 

Its a new battery, just switched it out maybe a month ago.

 

Same type of battery and was it registered to the car?

 

Went to AutoZone and they switched it out saying it wasn't necessary to ''program" it. As long as is the same the car should recognize it.

 

My replacement key for my 2011 needed to be programmed.

 

i got the key but now when i put it in drive or reverse it dies on me

 

Read my answer again. Did you get the MINI dealer to program it?

 

As I stated, I received my key. Obviously I wouldnt purchase one if it wasnt programmed. I recieved it from a MINI DEALERSHIP. So yes its programmed. Otherwise my car wouldnt start at all if it wasnt programmed. Would say there is no key in the slot.