Does anyone know if a 04 MINI key can be reprogammed for any other 04 MINI S? Yep, I got an extra one. (third key)

 

the remote can be reprogrammed but i'd guess that the key wouldn't work.

 

Short answer. Up a creek with no paddle - no.

I believe the keys are laser cut, and in fact each car has 10 keys for the life of the car, because the keys are that hard (read, impossible) to duplicate.

Other aspects are affected by the immobilzer system design. If you need an eleventh key, the imoblizer system needs to be replaced to match...

Too bad it isn't easier to just have people be nice and not steal things.

 

but I'd bet that no one but the factory has the tools to do it, if they exist at all. I was told that I needed to keep the tag with a couple of number on it if they were to reprogram the remote. Interestingly, the key would work to drive the car before programming, just not for the remote! That would mean that handshaking with the immobilizer was set at the factory, not in the field.....

Matt

 

Interesting. This is not the keys that came with the car. When I bought the car, I wanted a third key. I went to pick up the car, no key. They ran around and found a "blank" and said they had to program it. I assumed that meant programmed to the car and maybe could be reprogrammed to another.

Thats OK, I will keep it, a souvenier

These key prices are RIDICULOUS

I wanted an extra for my toyota, they want $150 for the remote thingie, I say no. Oh, but there is another option ... without remote, they cut a new key for $7 (which I probably could have got done at home depot for $2).

I go try to get an extra key for the Croc and they want your passport, two written references, your bank account number, and first born child The days of $2 keys are LONG gone.

 

Yup, $2/key days are over. With the new "proximity-fused" keys (such as the E90 3 series, MBZ, etc.), where you just have to be physically close to the sensor, it gets even more expensive to replace (or add) "keys".