Hi Guys,
Notice that chrome plastic ring on the key fob, well, mine broke off last night.

I checked with my dealer today, apprently they cannot order in that part, and if i wanna 'fix' my key fob, the only option is to buy a new one.

They key still works, just looks real used right now.

Are you guys in the states able to obtain this chrome plastic ring?

 

Maybe some one here might sell you one. It's known as d-chroming the key fob, just like many do to their Minis.

 

Ok... Let's hope so!
Thanks for the tip.

 

Mine broke this weekend too! Very wierd.

 

My spare, which was never used, is broken the same way. Dealer blamed me and said "tough luck"

 

Well i was making a joke and through my keychain about 10 feet on the side walk.....so it was my fault.

 

Had the same issue a few months ago. My dealer actually had a few of the rings in stock. They broke two trying to get it on my key but finally got one to work. Fine now. They charged me twenty bucks for something that I thought should have been a warranty issue. My dealer is Universal City Mini in southern CA. It might be worth calling and seeing if they have any. Ask for Dre (the parts guy).

John

 

I accept that it's plastic and they will break, but not to make the effort to order it in for me is just unsatisfactory.

They weren't holding back the recommendation of ordering in a brand new key.

 

I've had two do this. Both times the dealer put a new ring on as a warranty repair, NO CHARGE. Mini of Nashville rules!!

Accept no less.

 

Maybe i will juat play dumb and see if i can get a new piece of fifteen cent plastic.

 

Both of mine have broken. One on the left, one on the right side.

 

Previously posts have indicated that it is a dealer item for ~$12.

 

Mine on my spare (THE KEY I DON'T USE!) broke not long after I got the car. I was told by the dealer that I can only get a new key. The "chrome" on my key that I use regularly is wearing where it touches the sides of the dock, too

 

That is incorrect. The chrome piece is definitely available from the dealer.

 

Yes, the plastic chrome ring for your key can be purchased as a separate part from your dealer's parts counter. I already can tell that this chrome ring is made of substandard quality brittle plastic. I miss the older MINI keys that used to be sturdier and had no chromed bits. It baffles the mind how MINI could have used such crappy quality plastic that gets dinged if you look at it wrong or if you drop it accidentally. I am picking up today 2 new key chrome rings ($20.10 each) at my dealer. I'll keep those around as spares until the chrome of both of our keys falls off. The key is a high wear item. MINI should stick to impact resistant plastic or rubber for their keys. If you are going to use chrome, use metal not Kmart grade chromed plastic.

 

For anyone interested.... The keyfob chrome ring is part # 61-31-3-449-599 It retails for $20.06 a piece. It is a flimsy chromed plastic part. I recommend keeping some on hand as these don't seem that durable. Without the chrome ring, the key has a harder time going in and out of the ignition slot, so you have to have it for functionality more than looks.

 

One of my Fobs stopped working for door opening etc. It still starts the car but won't unlock the doors - note I'm talking the standard fob - not comfort access. My other fob works fine so nothing appears wrong on the car side.

After a couple of rounds with the parts & service dept it was finally decided that this was certainly a warranty issue. A service ticket was written up and I expect a new fob in a couple of days as the part must be ordered. They can replace just the fob, and you keep the metal key. The bad fob is returned to validate the warranty repair.

Case pends.....

 

$10.50 at Pelican Parts. Although shipping probably makes it close to $20.

Thanks for the number!

 

Dryer Reinbold MINI in Indianapolis replaced both of my broken fob trim pieces on warranty!

 

USPS Shipping from Pelican is only 5.50 to Arizona...order two, it's still the same price. That's not too bad!

 

By the sounds of everyone, you need this chrome to start the car....how about a silver sharpe?

 

CRAP! I got one ordered from my dealer, if you need the part # I will get it for you!

 

The same thing happened to my spare key. SMG (my local MINI dealer) replaced the entire key fob for free.

 

I spoke to the branch manager....... wohoo! i'm getting it replaced under warranty!

 

WOW! That was nice, since the replacement ring costs about $15 and the entire FOB is about $400! Lucky You!