There is no 'cheaper' source. The keys are programmed to the vehicle's VIN.
You could fill a couple of cruise ships with the people who have bought ebay keys then met the brick wall.
If folks would ask before acting they would save money and time. Contact your nearest dealer, provide a copy of vehicle registration and proof of ownership and they will get you a key that does what it's supposed to without having to jump thru hoops with a locksmith that doesn't have a clue.
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Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
Cheap will not work, remember MINI is just a small BMW. -
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You need to buy the key from a dealer because to start the car, the key must have a smartchip that is pre-coded for your car's VIN. They order it from MINI corporate and it takes a couple of days. For 2002-2004 I believe the dealer needs to program the remote into your car as well. For 2005-2006 there is customer procedure to initialize the remote (but it still needs the pre-coded smartchip for starting the car). -
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Goldsmithy MINI Alliance AmbassadorArticles Moderator Supporting Member
A friend of mine lost the keys to his Rolls and Bentley. Cost of the key for each---$3,800.00 total. Plus programing. And the cars have to be flat bedded to the dealership.
See, it could be worse... -
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Plus there are only 10 keys/codes per car, so if you'll have to change the module in the car if can't hold onto your keys.
Make sure you have your registration and license with you when you go to the dealer to order new keys. I know dealers can be hours away for some people and it would suck have made the trip and not be able to order the keys. -
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 Well-Known Member
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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.
Attached Files:
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Any BMW / MINI shop with a GT1, in theory, can program a key.
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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: -
Grizld700 Well-Known Member
Test it out and let us know!
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THEY DON"T HAVE THE INFO THAT THE DEALER NEEDS TO PROGRAM!
it is 100% a waste of $$.....I have been on these forums since 2004 when I ordered my MINI...and NEVER has an aftermarket key worked with the EWS, or even an OEM NON-DEALER sourced key....
lots of false leads...a few folks found the SHELLS could be used to replace beatup old keys, once the EWS chip was moved...
There were even a few threads on companies that would CLONE the EWS chip onto a key.....those seemed to work about a month.....
Understand, I am not trying to insult you....
Not everything is as it appears online....
just deal with the dealer...show them proof of ownership...can be done by fax from a cheaper distant dealer...and ORDER the keys from the dealer....
FACT the REMOTE entry transmitter MIGHT be a bootleg, oem or "gray market" scourced unit that will work, the key blank might fit, and can be cut...BUT THE EWS CHIP IS 100% the issue....
READ UP. Then PLAESE return with your hat in your hand....we will forgive you...maybe! :ihih: -
and just too note....the FREQUENCIES you are quoting are for the KEY-LESS ENTRY!!
NOT THE EWS CHIP........
different countries have different rules on the frequencies used...i remember that at one point it looked like Australian keys looked like a good match...but they didn't work....looked the same...were on e-bay.
And what stops a seller from selling a product to themselves a few times.....the loose 5% or so to make a 100% 5 star rating...then sell a bunch of junk....just saying...buyer beware!! -
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Thats a new twist..
Not many of us have access to test micro watt transmitters or the knowhow to do so. -
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