Walt, car was sold in MA, not my state per CarFax. The second key I noticed on key chain, had a yellow tag on it like you would find when purchasing a car. Am very puzzled. Not complaining at all for having second key, but why would dealership detain that key? They have in the past pulled some very 'fast moves' on me, alerted now, after currently requesting tire alignment. (TWO new sets of tires, low pro's and all weathers failing inspection, lows only 2800 miles in 5 months, all weathers down to 3/32, 1800 miles...and blaming me 'burning rubber".. nope..'toe in' was drastic.)

 

We just bought a 2009 R55. Solo key. Still wondering what the MSRP of the cut key, and fob, programmed, out the door.

 

Since a lot of that would involve labor, and labor costs vary, I would suggest you call your local-most dealer and ask them.

 

Each dealer sets their own price, but expect $200 to $300.

 

I spoke to key central for BMW in New Jersey.
The woman there said $150.00 plus tax.
That includes the cut key as well.
A hundred under what my local dealer told me.
See how they are?
Dealers= Watch your wallet.
They do nothing to dispell this belief among consumers.
Do they wonder why they never see any of us after the sale except to do warranty repairs?

P.S. Dont let anybody tell you that you have to bring the car in for programming if it is 2008 or newer.
Also, the key fob for remote starting models is more $$$.

 

How do you get in touch with "key central for BMW in New Jersey"

 

I just paid $250 for the Comfort Access remote, $50 for the blade cut, and $55 for the programming.

 

Whats with the latin? Y'all a Texas lawman? Or lawyer?

 

I'm a Friend of Martin.

 

Ahha, it was the latin, I had to look it up.

The number for the key center is 888-575 5397

The dealer can (re) program fobs, but CAN NOT cut keys.

 

BTW: When I had my new key programmed, they reprogrammed the old key as well, so the original spare key (somewhere out there in the automobile auction world) will no longer operate my car, even though the blade will still open the door. But it won't start.

Some consolation

 

I bought a CPO MINI last summer that only had one key. The car had the comfort access so I told them at the signing table I needed two keys and they put in writing they were going to order a second key and program it for me for free - which they did when it came in a few days later. The time to deal with this is before you sign any papers – you’d be amazed how easy this is to get them to take care of it before you buy the car.

 

My second key only unlocks the doors, won't start the engine. Is this a programming issue or is it a dead (rechargable) battery. There is no access to replace the battery, it's supposed to be rechargable.
2008 Clubman

 

If your second key unlocks the doors (remotely, I assume, with button pushes) it's not a battery problem. It doesn't need or use battery power to start the car- the car just recognizes the key in the slot and allows the start button to start the car. The battery in the key is inductively charged (unless there's battery charging contacts in the newer models- I'm not sure) when in the ignition. It's rechargeable and soldered to the board and not replaceable (although I have done one before) as the key is sealed.

It sounds as if your car has stopped recognizing the immobilizer function of the key (although the remote/door locking-unlocking function is still recognized). This is probably a dealer thing- they might be able to program the computer to recognize that key again.

Val

 

So how is it done?

Thanks...

--

Bill

 

Yes, please enlighten us....

 

sft

 

Hi Guys/Gals:

I'm in Provo, UT 84604 and my keys/purse/and all that goes with it was stolen yesterday. This is my husband's impeccably taken care of baby. I need a replacement, fast. And, I cannot afford to pay $350. How do I get this done?

Of course, the dealer was closed yesterday. Towing seems like it will damage my car, plus, the thief's have my home address.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Julie

 

That's a real bummer. They have your address and probably the keys to your home? I would plan on having the locks to your house re-keyed.

Fast? I think your only option is the dealer to get a key for the mini. As long as they use a flat bed, your mini can be safely towed..

 

You must order a replacement key from the dealer, and they order it from MINI USA headquarters in New Jersey and receive it by FedEx. Not sure about minimum turnaround time, possibly overnight but I would plan for 2 days. A key for R53 with remote lock/unlock should be under $200, and a key without remote under $100 (exact prices are set by individual dealers). The dealer can disable the key that you lost, so that it can't start the car. However unless you change the door lock cylinder, the lost mechanical key will still open the door.

 

The dealer I bought my car from didn't have a 2nd key, even though they advertised it. So I had them order me another one on their dime. It just arrived but it doesn't work. The key wasn't cut, and now won't pull out from the circle it slides into. Is there anything I can do, or does Mini have to do it?