Hi all,

Has anyone had to replace their Mini key? My remote has died and BMW are quoting $790 for a replacement. I see lots of listings on US and UK website for replacements for around the US$150 mark but then they say you have to get it cut and programmed by the dealer. BMW then say they will only do it if they supply the key!

2008 Convertible.

Can you just replace the battery?

I was only thinking about this post the other day , as my daughter has an 04 Cooper s .

Is it just the remote , or remote + key + cutting + programming for $790 , either way , as far as i'm concerned that is nothing but a rip off .

I would think that a replacement key should be no more than $ 60-80 ,
Cutting of new key , ( surely most locksmiths can do this ) $ 40 ,
Programming of said key , ( consists of some button pushing at a BMW Agent ) $40 .

I am interested in the real deal with this scenario , i'll pose the question to our closest BMW agent .

That's ridiculous.

I have no experience replacing keys on a MINI but recently had to do it for our '02 Lancer. $65 genuine key from the dealer, $5 for key cutting at the locksmith and about another $60 to program it (through the dealer as well).

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

This is an increasing practice across a number of service industries.
An attempt to control the supply chain, and add an exhorbitant overhead to the job as well.
Shonks.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

The Mini keys have a chip in them for the immobilizer that can only be programmed by a Mini/BMW dealer. You can buy a key on eBay for $120 here Key for R53
But good luck getting a dealer to program the chip as you have not bought it through them. The programming of the buttons for lock/unlock are easy. Having it cut can be done at most key cutters/locksmiths. Have a search on http://www.mini2.com/ , plenty of info and helpful people on there.

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Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE

Mine went dead I have an R53. I researched and found where somebody had put their key on a charger for a toothbush charger? I tried it and believe it or not it worked.

I thought the same as you are thinking what a load of crap but in the end I tried it. so believe it or not I worked for me...

Have just been told the same thing , I bought the car minus the remote key now I know why , unless you buy the key from BMW they won't touch it , surely there must be somewhere in Melbourne where we can get them at a reasonable price

Sounds like it would be cheaper to claim it as lost on your insurance..................