1st Gen R53 Cooper S Recomendation for cheapest recut key

When I bought my Cooper S last year it only came with one key. I recently ordered 2 new remote blank keys with chip off Ebay and would like to have them lazer cut and programmed. I started calling around to locksmiths in the Atlanta area for estimates and discovered that it won't be cheap to have the new blanks cut and programmed. Cheapest I found so far is $125 per key! I already have the keys. These are all mobile auto locksmiths as this is all that comes up when searching for automotive keys. Does anyone have a cheaper solution?

 

Oh jeeze! Fill a couple cruise ships?? Lol I didn't even research it because they were so cheap. The build quality appears to be decent with a working remote transmitter. Think I maybe spent $20 for 2 remote keys with chip. Thought this was a no brainer. I have a 2002 MCS so have the old style remote key and thought how nice it would be to upgrade to the newer 05-06 style since it covers both frequencies and has the right chip. Since I bought my Mini, the remote hasn't worked because the micro switches are broken. I went on Ebay in the first place to order the switches (which I ordered, along with a new cover) and noticed the newer style remote for sale also. Thought maybe would spend somewhere around $100 for both keys to be laser cut and programmed. What a hoax! Why even bother selling them then if can't get programmed? Think I know what answer will be but I'll ask anyways... Can I order the newer style remote key from dealer?

 

I'm still not understanding why an aftermarket product that contains the correct chip can't be programmed by someone other than the dealer. People get locked out of their cars with security chips all the time and have to call a locksmith. Why is Mini or BMW any different?

 

How do I know? I don't, I trust that what they are selling is legit based off the item description and feedback they receive from other like-minded buyers.

Then if it's so proprietary that only Mini or BMW can code it, why does a locksmith even give me a price quote of $125 per key to cut and program it?? Or why does someone even make and sell a key with a 3 button remote (interchangeable frequency between both 315Mhz/433MHz) PCF7935 ID44chip, EWS system??

Sure seems like a lot of trouble to go thru to make and sell something that's bogus for a measly $20. This Ebay seller doesn't have any negative reviews in the last 12 months either. In fact, here's a few quotes from Mini owners who have bought his keys:

Keys are great! Very fast delivery! For Old BMW Mini Cooper EWS Remote Key Fob Keyless 315/433MHZ ID44 CHIP,3 BUTTON


good quality very happy with purchase For Old BMW Mini Cooper EWS Remote Key Fob Keyless 315/433MHZ ID44 CHIP,3 BUTTON

Sure seems like a working product to me! I was merely asking if anyone knows if $125 is the lowest I could pay per key. Obviously I'm not going to get a knowledgeable answer here.

 

Grizld700 You got it! I already have the key blanks with remote transmitters AND chip. See pic that's my old key and next to it, the new Ebay one also. There IS a chip in there.

 

That's what I'm thinking too Nathan. I think it's hogwash that only Mini can program a key or ID44 chip. Here's some supporting info - One can actually buy a BMW key programmer for $59:

AK90 key programmer for all BMW EWS AK90 key maker v3.19

And a little further down the page a guy asks the very question:
by Alexsander
Date Added: 11/30/2013
Q: Can you help me how to use the AK90 key programmer make bmw car keys? A: Firstly, remove the chip of ECU, ESL of your BMW car, insert it to AK90 diagnostic tool, then it will read the date information of your car. Secondly, plug the key into ak90 programming keys, which reads the data information of your car key. Then, the information of your car and your key is matched, then the AK90 key maker will tell what’s next step, so you just following it is ok, step by step, you will get what you want. When making the new keys, you can insert the ECU and ESL to your car, and insert the key; it can start your car then.

I just might buy this programmer and then find someone who only has to laser cut my key. I'll still come out ahead of what Mini charges. Then I can order a bunch of cheap key remotes from Japan and attend MOTD and sell for half of what the dealer charges and make a profit :ihih:

 

I get your point. I just don't want to pay what the dealer charges. I've bought a crap load of parts for my Mini and not once have I gone thru the dealer. I get that the frequencies are for the wireless keyless entry and NOT for the ID44 chip. I work in Engineering for a communications company and transmit to 20 different satellites. Think I can figure my way around a micro watt transmitter. I'll put the key transmitter to a HP spectrum analyzer and see what frequency it outputs and adjust it if need be.