R53 only one key which isn't remote

R53 only one key which isn't remote

Author
Discussion

BlimeyCharlie

Original Poster:

930 posts

149 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
quotequote all
Hi all,

Considering buying a Mini R53, few bits and bobs I need to consider but main concern (if right word) is the only key the car has only physically unlocks the car, it isn't a remote as it has no buttons.

Can I obtain a remote key via main dealer route or is that not possible? I'd like a second key and certainly a remote one would be much better.
Car also has a timer that means key has to be inserted into ignition within 'x' amount of seconds and then car can be actually started via rubber push-button hidden under dash.

I personally can't be doing with a lot of faffing about if I just want to open boot but wondered if a second key would help or actually mean this faffing isn't necessary, but have a feeling that as it has an immobiliser fitted I might be stuck with it.

Any advice welcome.

Bungleaio

6,395 posts

209 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
quotequote all
It would have come with keys that have remote buttons on it so this one sounds like a 3rd party replacement.

BlimeyCharlie

Original Poster:

930 posts

149 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
quotequote all
Bungleaio said:
It would have come with keys that have remote buttons on it so this one sounds like a 3rd party replacement.
Thanks, but I guess my question is can I get a replacement remote key from BMW? I can ring them tomorrow and see, just not keen on faffing about with ignition so alarm doesn't go off.

Bungleaio

6,395 posts

209 months

Thursday 16th December 2021
quotequote all
Yes you should be able to. They will want to see the V5 I would think

Challo

10,838 posts

162 months

Thursday 16th December 2021
quotequote all
BlimeyCharlie said:
Bungleaio said:
It would have come with keys that have remote buttons on it so this one sounds like a 3rd party replacement.
Thanks, but I guess my question is can I get a replacement remote key from BMW? I can ring them tomorrow and see, just not keen on faffing about with ignition so alarm doesn't go off.
You will be able to get replacement keys from BMW but i think they will be about £200 as it needs to be coded to the car.

BlimeyCharlie

Original Poster:

930 posts

149 months

Friday 17th December 2021
quotequote all
Thanks for info everyone.

Decided not to buy the car with the one key, various reasons why, but bought another Min which has x2 keys, one of which there is an invoice for and was supplied new in 2019 via BMW main dealer, costing just under £180 including coding and VAT, so £200 seems to be the going rate in 2021/2022.

Edited to add it is a round remote for a 2007 Cooper, with boot release, lock and unlock buttons. I would imagine an R53 remote key is going to be similar money though.



Edited by BlimeyCharlie on Friday 17th December 10:56