Interior 1st Gen Screwed up my fob and "unprogrammed it"

I've been following this thread and have never tried to do any of those things, nor can I see why I would want to. :lol:

 

My 03 will open the windows and sun roof, nice feature. On a really blue hot day when it has been sitting in a parking lot all day.

 

I was just reading Nathan's key reset procedure and though of this...

 

Found this for those interested...

https://sites.google.com/site/miniandlandroverremotekeys/how-the-keys-and-remotes-work

 

My key is acting like it has a dead battery. My 06 has about 85K on it now for what that's worth. At first, the key wouldn't unlock the car when the unlock button was pressed. Then it started missing locking the car, and now it doesn't do anything when any button is pressed. This key ALWAYS had to be touched to my face (which had to be about 5 feet from the car when touched with the key) for it to do anything. Dealer said nothing was wrong, though my wife"s car can be unlocked or locked from in the house! I used to occasionally have fun with her by opening the sunroof and windows as she was going to the garage, but she caught on to me pretty quick.

Anyway - am I in for a trip to the dealer or does anybody have a trick for me to try? I did the reprogramming tricks, but screwed up the throwing of the salt over the shoulder. The thing is so far gone that the car didn't even blow up (tho after replacing another fan and the PS pump, I may find a way to blow the thing up anyway).

Pat

 

The battery in the key is dead. It isn't easily replaced. The solution is to get a new key. So I called my dealer and was surprised with their response. I have to go to the dealership (not a huge trip, but its half a day back and forth), present my drivers license and registration BEFORE they will take the order for the key. What's up with THAT?

I truly support the notion that they should make sure someone ordering a key is the owner of the car. No problem there. But make a trip before ordering? They are going to check ID and ownership again before releasing the key to me as well when it comes in.

I got a little pushy (ask for a supervisor calmly bro) and got them to let me send a copy of my title and drivers license instead of driving down there, but you'd think they were granting me freedom from slavery!

Anybody know if this is a local policy or are these direct orders from der faterland? Both our local dealers are owned by the same outfit. I'm tempted to see if I can work something out with e-miniparts. THOSE folk are really cool.

 

Yup that sound like MINI's Standard practice to me. Plus those keys are not cheap.

 

You are right about that! I tried my favorite online parts supplier and got a $190 quote, and ended up paying $168 with club discount at the local dealer. One of our club members has located a guy that will replace the battery for $50 or $60 (or more if you try to fix it yourself first - he has pictures of the self help results on a "Key wall of shame" on his site). Check out BMW Key Fob Repair Service (copy and paste - can't make the hyperlink button work...). Since I'm down to the non-functioning key, I will send that in for repair when I get the new key.

 

If you are handy with a Dremel and soldering iron, the battery can be replaced quite cheaply. I have seen someone describe doing it in another forum. The key head cover is sealed and must be cut open (and glued back together). The rechargeable battery is soldered on the circuit board.

If a BMW dealer is more convenient, a key can also be ordered from there. Ordering in person is not a required policy. I purchased a replacement key from a member on the motoring|underground forum who works in the parts department of a BMW dealer. I faxed registration card and drivers license, and called in a credit card number. The key must be sent FedEx with signature required to the registration address. It was a good price but the FedEx cost ate some of the savings.

 

I had become quite bitter about the costs of parts and the overall BMW attitude about "proper" drivers replacing their cars more often than most of us do when we have a car we like. The Mini was being prepped for sale. After a bunch of grief and interventions from my local club, I decided to keep the car (I do love it). Not sure whether it is because of my change of heart, or the fact that I just paid for my new key, but the old one is working again today. Go figure.