Hello all,

I just purchased a 2003 Mini Cooper, (not the S model) last week which only came with one key. I ordered a flashed uncut key off of eBay which is another Master key such as the existing one that I have. Does anyone know how I can program this key which has a chip inside? Is it a dealer only issue because they are asking for a ridiculous amount to program the key? The only local Mini dealership close to me is in Manhattan. I have called many local auto key locksmiths but they are afraid to give it a go. I am wondering if I try to program it myself, if possible, will it disengage my only existing key?
Thanks for your expertise.

 

I think the dealer is your option. I had to order a replacement key from them and have them program it. Bought a key off Ebay just to give my existing key an update (replaced housing).

 

What do you mean by a "flashed, uncut key"? The only place to get a MINI key that works without the hassle is at the dealer. I will link to a site (not written by me, however) that will explain these keys, but there are three parts to the remote key for a 2003 MINI. 1) the blade- it must be cut to fit your ignition and doors, which is relatively easy to do. 2) the remote control circuit board- your car's computer must be coded to accept commands from the new remote (remember, you don't "program" keys, you "program" cars). Can be done at the dealer (they will do it for an hour of shop time $$$ if you order a remote key through them. They might do it for your eBay key; some independent MINI/BMW coders can use the program (easyDIS) to do it as well. 3) the EWS/immobilizer chip- a key you order at the dealer comes with this chip inside and it's good for your car. To do it with an aftermarket key you will have to find someone who has and knows how to use an "ID44" EWS chip programmer. They will connect to your car's BC1 module (I think) and read the existing EWS code and then write it to your new ID44 chip for the key. Maybe that's whats meant by "flashed", although I don't know how they got your EWS information. The dealer likely can't or won't do it.

Conclusion: eBay keys can be a hassle to get working correctly. Here's the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/minian...verremotekeys/

Good luck with it. If you just need a second key to have handy I would recommend the "general, non-remote" key. Cheaper and no programming charge.

Val

 

Hassle is the operative word for what you are trying to do. I needed a new key a couple years ago. The process went like this.
email images of DL and registration to dealership.
when notified, go to dealer, pay for and acquire new key.
put key in ignition, turn it to aux, turn it off, remove the key, hold down the unlock button and click the lock button 3 times then go home.
This forum is full of folks trying to cheap out buying off brand keys then finding themselves having to jump thru hoops higher than they can jump.
Advice: bite the bullet and talk to the dealership. They need the car's VIN to get the right key for you.
Valvashon has a lot of experience with MINI key systems, rebuild, refurbish and casting magic spells and I'm sure, if you want a full functioning key, he'll agree with my basic premise.

 

The process described by Flynbrick is not sufficient for a 2003. Someone (dealer or skilled hobbyist) has to get the serial number of the new key and manually enter that into the cars memory. The lowest priced way to get a fully functioning key is to order one from an online dealer that discounts Mini parts - should set you back $130 or so. That key will be cut to fit your car and will have the correctly coded chip. THEN you buy DIS and a cable in eBay for $25 or so, learn to use it, and enter the serial numbers provided with that new key into your cars memory.

 

I was in the exact same boat as the original poster. I just purchased a new key (non button remote) from the dealer. Too many people warned me of ebay imitation. It worked just fine, but there are two types you can buy, with or without the button remote. Both will operate the car fine.

It was ~ $120 for the non remote key. (I'm now working on adding an aftermarket remote system).

 

This ^

I was in the same situation. With the car purchase, I received a completely functional key - but only one. Wanting a spare, I ordered another from Mini (about $150) but they also wanted an hour's worth of labor to code it to the physical car for remote access. To get the new key to function 100%, I just swapped out the guts from both keys, et voila'! Brand new, coded remote key. The older key (now with the new guts) still opens the doors and starts the car, it just doesn't open the doors remotely.

 

SO I have read most of the posts in this thread and still trying to figure out an option for a low cost backup key. Situation with my 2004 Mini Cooper is that I have one key that is fully functional. Looking to get a second one as backup. CAN I purchase a key off Ebay and get it paired with the cooper correctly so that I can open close door locks with the remote?

 

Yes.

But you won't be able to start the car with it.

See your other thread.

 

If you want a low cost option there is a non-remote key available for the pre-facelift MINIs. It will run between $50 and $75 or so at MINI of Peabody (a dealer that discounts all their parts) for example. A remote key will run you about $140 or so, but for the remote functions to work you will have to have the car coded at a dealer, an independent shop that does BMW/MINI coding/programming or you can get easyDIS and a cable and do it yourself. There is no series of button pushes that will get a new two button key working with your MINI.

Getting the EWS/Immobilizer chip working is much more difficult. This is the reason to avoid aftermarket MINI keys (like from eBay) and just get one from a dealer. A key that doesn't work to start the car isn't very useful in the long run.

Val

 

My R50 came with only one key (why do people think they are ONLY screwing the dealer, when they keep one key/fob?). I got one of these non-remote keys from my local MINI dealer to keep as an emergency backup. It will manually unlock the R50, and will also start/run the MINI. That's enough function for a backup.