1st Gen R53 Cooper S Re-program MINI remote key

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by oldvet53, Nov 1, 2012.

  1. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

    Oct 21, 2012
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    Does anyone have or know a link on how to re-program the key on a 2003 MCS? I had seen a couple of links before but can't find them now, one said to turn the key to the 2nd. or start position and remove the key and mine won't let you remove the key. Also mine has a MINI Wings emblem and one other button that I'm not sure if it is the lock or unlock button. So if anyone knows how to do this without having to go to a MINI Dealer or know's of a link, I would appreciate it. Thanks.:confused:
     
  2. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    Not sure if your car is not recognizing your key or not.
    1. Do you swap keys occasionally? They have batteries and need recharging.

    2. If you do, try this:

    MODEL
    R50 (Cooper), R52 (Convertible), R53 (Cooper S) from 07/04 production

    SITUATION
    Remote control bar codes are no longer supplied with new vehicles

    CAUSE
    On vehicles produced 07/2004 and later, a new remote initialization procedure is required.

    PROCEDURE
    Initialize remote key as follows:

    1.) Close all doors

    2.) Switch the ignition switch to KL-R (first turn), switch back off within 5 seconds and remove the key

    3.) Within 30 seconds, press and hold the unlock button and at the same time, press and release the lock button (3) times. (Must be completed within 10 seconds)

    4.) Release both buttons. The doors will lock/unlock to signal a successful initialization.

    5.) If additional keys need to be initialized, repeat steps 3-4 within 30 seconds

    6.) Switching the ignition to KL-R completes the initialization

    I don't know if this will work on yours since it's an '03, but it's worth a shot.
    Hope this helps :Thumbsup:
     
  3. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    #3 oldvet53, Nov 1, 2012
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2012
    Mine is a '03 that was built in July '03. and it only came with the one key and the battery had been dead for who knows how long. I just picked up a couple of battery's this morning. One question, is the MINI wings emblem button the lock or unlock button? No luck, not sure which button is the lock or unlock button.
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #4 Crashton, Nov 1, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 1, 2012
  5. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    #5 oldvet53, Nov 1, 2012
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2012
    Mine looks like number 1 in the picture on the PDF you linked. I tried what it said on page 22 of the PDF, still no luck. The battery may have been dead so long that it lost all programing so I may have to take it to a MINI Dealer. Hate to have to drive 115 miles one way to Cordova,Tenn. to Road Show MINI and have the key programed at BMW prices. But in the event that I do I'll take a additional $190.00 for a spare key.
     
  6. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    The MINI emblem (either black or chrome) is the unlock button. The smaller button towards the top is the lock button.
    What exactly are you trying to "program" into the key?
     
  7. minsanity

    minsanity Well-Known Member

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    The wing is the unlock button. I have 1 unused but unprogrammed key. The dealership has to program it. I've searched everywhere for a DIY, no luck. Worse, when I visited a dealer in Belgium & asked them about it, the guy attending to me said i've to bring both keys & the CAR!:confused5: i think they just need the keys w/ the bar code to program.
     
  8. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    The lock unlock feature. The chrome MINI emblem is nearest the part that goes in the ign. and the other button is on the left closest to the key ring.
     
  9. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Does this key work in the ingnition?

    If it does it should work the locks, as far as I know, unless it is damaged or a bad battery.
     
  10. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    It's sounding to me like the batter y was bad for so long it screwed it up.
    You may have to bite the bullet and go to the dealership.
     
  11. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    The key unlocks and lock's the car by using the door lock and starts the car fine, I may just have to go to the MINI dealer and have them check it out. If it is the key's fried I'll just bite the bullet and buy a new key for $190.00 and use this one as a spare.
     
  12. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    You should always have a spare key. I you have a spare you will never need it, if you don't well....
     
  13. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Have you tried replacing the battery?
     
  14. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    Yes. Battery replaced.
     
  15. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    #15 rum4, Aug 14, 2013
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2013
    Oldvet53 did you ever get this resolved. I have a friend that has an 04 that has a key that he is having issues with programming to work. Anyone have any input on how to do this.
     

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