Hello,
I've just purchased a new replacement remote key from the dealer. I programmed it without any operating issues or so I thought.
When I got out of the car and tried to use the remote "lock" function, I had to get right up next to the car for it to "lock". Tried the "unlock" and could only operate if moving to the front of the windshield. I could not get the remote to operate standing at the back of the car or any distance more than a foot or two from the front windshield.
I don't have any window tint on the car. The battery is not owner replaceable.

As this is a brand new key from Mini, I would expect the internal battery to be fully changed. I also took the car on a short test drive in case it's induction charged (I don't believe it is).
I called the dealer parts department and asked if there was a way to measure the charge status in the key or signal strength. The parts guy said to make an appointment with the service department to get reprogrammed or fixed, that he didn't know anything about the replacement keys or their operation.

Thoughts or suggestions ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers !

Mike K.

 

It's certainly possible that the key was sitting in a warehouse for many many years slowly draining the battery.
Can can pop open the key and measure the voltage if you have a meter- should be 3.2V. If not, try replacing it.

 

The three button facelift keys are sealed and have rechargeable batteries that charge by induction while driving. MINI recommends using the keys at least twice a year to maintain the charge but they don’t give any info on the charging amount or drive time.

To get the “non-replaceable” battery, the key needs to be cut apart to get to the battery which is soldered to the circuit board. There’s a member here on NAM who started a key repair business and offers this service.

I’ve randomly had the short range issue a few times but couldn’t figure out what was causing it. I just thought something near the car was interfering with the signal.

 

Hello RB-Mini and mrbean,

Thank you both for your replies. mrbean is correct in that the battery is not end-user replaceable (without difficulty).

I did call the dealer service department and asked what they thought. They said if the key didn't activate the locks when more than a foot or so distance, then the fault would be in the rearview mirror assembly. I sort of called BS on that as the sensor in the mirror is passive, it's a receiver, not a transmitter. In fact, in my BMW E85 technical catalogue, it shows a similar system. The rear view mirror assembly is also called the "Remote Control Receiver".
I asked the parts guy that if I purchased a new RV mirror assembly, R&R in his parking lot and it didn't solve my problem, could I return it, even though it had been energized. His reply was "no returns on energized components". I may have to talk with the service manager.

So for right now, I may just leave it overnight on my wife's iPhone induction charger and see if there's any change.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers !

Mike K.