The dealer is feeding you some Grade A BS. These round fobs go dead in this manner all the time. I do MINI key repair as "MINI Key Hospital" and have heard of this happening to dozens of these second generation fobs, and exactly zero times to the first generation blade keys. I'm surprised that a class action hasn't been filed about this problem.

When this happens the only solution is to get a new fob from a dealer- the "key won't start" problem can't be fixed.

Val

 

New fob was ordered, programmed, and all Is (was at the time)
good. Bad fob is no good and nothing can be done to it to make it work.

 

I had this problem yesterday with my wife’s car. It was a loose ground on the battery connector.

 

Did the new fob work? I have the same problem, Key fob not recognized when inserted. Started fine last week, then it suddenly didn't but after multiple insert and removals the car came to life. I replaced the keyfob battery today and it made no difference. No response from car when keyfob inserted in start slot. All interior and exterior lights work windows do not since we cannot get any power to the engine. Recently had FRM reprogrammed after zapping it when trying to charge the car. Not sure what to do now....

 

If you don't have a second key to try I would recommend getting one. A second round fob will be about $145 from MINI of Peabody in Massachusetts and the pull out key will be about $30 more. Look up the part number you need at realoem.com with the last 7 digits of your VIN; keys are in "Bodywork" for some reason. No "programming" is necessary with these, they will automatically "pair" with your car once you use it to start the car.

 

Hi everybody!
I'm having the same issue. I insert the key fob and nothing happens.
I have two fobs. Both lock and unlock the car but I can only start the car with one. What I noticed is that I can pull out the bad one from the slot but not the one that works. Weird. Could it be a shell problem? I ordered a new shell and a rechargeable battery. I'll try that before spending a few hundreds at the stealership.
But if someone got to fix or reprogram the fob I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks!

 

did u try to change the fob battery before ordering a new one? is your problem solved now?

 

I had this same issue on my 2012 R56 With the fob that charges and does not have a easily replaceable battery. The car unlocks/locks with the fob, the radio is able to be turned on, the windows do not work. When inserting the key it does not register at all, and the start/stop button does not do anything. I went and found my extra key and it works perfect. Knowing that the non working key is able to lock/unlock the car Im curious if even replacing the battery will fix anything, and there may be something else wrong with the fob. Ill investigate and post back up. There seemed to be a lot of people posting about this issue without posting what fixed it for them, so here we are

 

I believe that earlier in this thread I had posted that this is a common problem with the second generation keys. Replacing the internal key battery will not cause this key to work to start the car again. The anti-theft system that allows the car to start does not draw power from the internal key battery but rather is activated by a signal sent out when the key is inserted. If the car does not respond to this key but will otherwise start it means that the anti-theft chip in the key has gone bad. This part is unique to the car and the key and isn't available separately. The only solution in this case is to get a new key from a dealer.

They must be ordered in person and the name on your license and title/registration must match to allow them to verify ownership. Call the nearest dealership if getting there is a hardship and see what they can do for you. MINI keys are created according to the car's VIN and will arrive ready to start the car. After a short drive the remote functions will pair and you will have a fully working key. DO NOT pay a "programming" fee to the dealer- you are only paying them to take your car for a short drive and you can do that yourself. You can also re-use the metal key from your current key and save yourself nearly $50.

Keys from the dealer are often less expensive than having one made in the aftermarket and are definitely of better quality, this problem not withstanding.

Val

 

+1 ^^ its considered a theft item and yep you have to be at the dealer.