I ordered a spare battery for my r52 from my "local" Mini dealer. They cut the key from my VIN. I also had to prove I owned the car. I picked up the new key but I had to program it myself. Your instructions worked great. Now I have two working keys! Just to clear it up it if you have a new spare to pair. With the new key, follow this guy's steps. Once the doors lock/unlock, press the buttons on your old key (do not stick in the barrel). The doors should lock/unlock again. If they don't start over from the beginning - new key ignition and buttons, old key buttons. It took me three iterations to do it. The guy in the video did it quick - you don't need to be as quick. Still hats off to this guy for making the video to help us Mini owners out 👍
Just a short note from London Ontario Canada. I have a 2006 Mini Cooper. Registered a new key using your instructions. It worked the first time ! After I ordered the key from the dealer here in London surprised to hear I had to book a service appointment and would have had to pay flat rate of $100 plus to have this done. It took me 3 minutes. Thanks so much. SDC
Brilliant.Just spent £204 on a spare key. It opened the car and started the engine but the remote did not.Did the actions as described in the video a couple of times and on the third attempt it all worked perfectly, and continues to do so
Well done lad. After soldering new battery, it still didn't work. Thought I needed a new amplifier. Did what you said and it's working again. Depression lifted. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this - worked first time for me, saved £££'s :) Can I just say that I though you were actually James Corden until half way through the video (no offence!)
Just one extra detail I found the hard way on a 2007 Cooper S, you have to do the button pressing thing on ALL the keys before putting any one of them in the ignition & turning it on to save the settings. Otherwise every time you do one key it un-does the other(s).
I'm happy to find this. Perhaps you can help me. I have a 2003 mini and only have one key with chip. My question is that if I buy another (uncut) that comes with the board and unprogrammed chip, can i at least use that fob to open/close the mini? I understand that the only key that will start my car is one with the small chip. THank you for your help. It's hard to find affordable solutions for this in the U.S.
@@GrindingGearsOfficial unfortunately it I finally received the one I ordered, programmable "with code" - came with the battery too. The only thing I'm wondering is if it could be the wrong Mhz at 433? I saw conflicting info on that. some were saying 315. could that make a difference? :(
@@GrindingGearsOfficial sorry for my typos- It basically didn't work. I tried many times, so I'm wondering if it could be because of the frequency. There seem to be two versions and in the U.S. both are allowed. I guess I'd have to be willing to order the other version too.
Hey im a newbie locksmith, i have a mini cooper one 2001, i made the key with autel, immo is working fine, i cant program remote, its needed learn with immo? or i can program with hand?
So this video covers programming the remote for central locking and not coding the actual immobiliser. That would need to be done with specialist software and tools
Hi, IHave tried with a Key bought from eBay which was complete and had it cut at a shoe repair shop. If I code for the key it looks and unlock doors but won’t start the car but the original key won’t lock and unlock the doors but still starts the engine then if I reek of the original key the new key does not work and at both attemptsThe newly bought key will not start the engine once only did it attempt to turn the engine on but that was all have you any ideas please
Yes so the original key has an immobiliser chip in it that needs to be swapped into your new key, to do this, split both keys and you will find it at the top of the case near the blade. Swap it into your new key and then pair that key to the car. It will then start the car and lock/unlock it!
Hi Mini Mods, u video is useful, so how about ur old key? Is it still pair with the car? I wanna copy one more key for my family while I am keeping one for myself.
Hey man, thanks for the kind words! The old key is no longer paired to the car, it is possible to pair both. The other key will still work to open the door locks by turning the key but it will not get past the immobiliser. Hope this helps!
Yes! Start with the main (working) key. Ignition click, 3 button magic, then immediately do the new key exactly the same. If you can manage the 3 button thing perfectly, both (up to 4 keys actually) will work. Start the engine ASAP and that then seems to lock the keys into the cars memory.
Will this method work for a new key bought from the Mini dealership? They want $183.50 for the key and an additional $167.20 for programming, plus a 4 hour round trip to the dealership.
If it’s a gen 1 mini, this will work, yes however the dealership coding enables the key to start the car AND do the central locking whereas my video shows you how to re-code the central locking. A fresh key would want MINI to code it for you. Hope this helps
so i bought a my05 r50 and only got the key without the remote locking buttons , is there anyway i can buy the remote key from ebay and get it cut at mrminit and be able to use it to lock/unlock and start the car without ripping my only key apart to take out the chip or qill i still need to use my original chip in the new cut key
No matter what you’ll need to take apart the original key to get the immobiliser chip. What I did before was buy a used key off of eBay, move the blade and immobiliser chip to it and then programmed the buttons to work with central locking. Worked a charm
You’ll need the other key inside the vehicle whilst you perform the procedure, there’s something additional you need to do to the “other” key to register it. I cannot remember off the top of my head though
I don't have original spare key. I Ordered a 3 button EWS car remote control key off amazon. Reprogramming it with this method, will it start the car? Or just be a door key/fob? I have a 2004 R50
Have you swapped in the little chip from your original key? If not then the immobiliser will not disable and the car will not start. If you do not have this chip or the original key to remove it from then you need to speak to BMW / MINI
I've just bought a 52 plate,key doesn't work hopefully this might solve it,but I've noticed today the central locking switch inside the car clicks but doesn't lock can you help
Has the key been coded to the car by a specialist? The above procedure just codes the key to central lock the car and not start the car. The transponder chip will need to be swapped from your old key also
@@GrindingGearsOfficial yeah its been coded to the car already well his machine said it was successful but i found out that if i use my original key then turn the car off and use the new it starts up but once i let the car sit for more then 10 min it wont start back up i have to reuse my original key
This will program the central locking. Without the transponder from your original key, it will not start the car. The transponder is usually a little chip at the bottom of the blade of the key inside the casing.
So I've got the old fob, but as mentioned the unlock button is broken so obviously can't open the doors with the remote and I have no spare. Is what I described possible as I have the original? Thanks in advance.
@@courtneyg06 yes it is but to make the new key work properly I.e. start the car, you’ll need to move the transponder chip from your old key to the new one. There’s a chance it’ll need coding by BMW too as this sequence is only for central locking but give it a go. I’ve done what you’re trying to do successfully before with no BMW coding
Does the car start? If so your immobiliser is fine. If the car doesn't unlock via the key then you need to change the key battery then follow the steps in the video. 👍🏼
That could be because it’s not coded to the car, that’s something Mini will need to do. If you bought a new key take it back to the dealer and tell them to pair it!
Is this whilst you're pairing the key? You need to remove the key from the ignition, to do this, turn it all the way back as if you were exiting the car. It does have to be done quicky
You should be able to code it to the central locking of the car but you won’t be able to start the car without getting the keys transponder coded to the car
@Grinding Gears I'm scared to try... I opened the key and pushed on the buttons (on the chip) and the light of chip turns on. So I think I need to reprogram the key. But am scared to do it.. can something bad happen? Like.. will my key stop working on the car ?
Hi Mark. No need to clone the chip if you’re using the same key and it’s just lost it’s connection to the car. If it’s a new key I’d presume it needs to be coded in by a specialist/main stealer
@@GrindingGearsOfficial Nope, battery is good, have switched with known working fob batteries. I’ve tried removing to circuit board from the fob and pushing the switches directly, I can see they’re working because the LED flashes when I do.
Yes that’s right. You’ll need all of the above bits from the car you got your engine from or you could look into a stand alone ECU which may be able to get around the immobiliser etc
Does anyone know If i buy a used key from another mini r53 can I unlock it with my original only copy and pair the second one id buy and use that to unlock and lock the car?
If you buy a spare key you can pair it to the car however obviously the blade will be different. In theory you could use your new key to unlock the car via the buttons then use your old key to start the car!
@@GrindingGearsOfficial lol what can I say, not so interested in the dude or his work. Thank you for your video tho, it was a great tuto on how to activate the key. very useful. cheers!
I ordered a spare battery for my r52 from my "local" Mini dealer. They cut the key from my VIN. I also had to prove I owned the car. I picked up the new key but I had to program it myself. Your instructions worked great. Now I have two working keys!
Just to clear it up it if you have a new spare to pair. With the new key, follow this guy's steps. Once the doors lock/unlock, press the buttons on your old key (do not stick in the barrel). The doors should lock/unlock again. If they don't start over from the beginning - new key ignition and buttons, old key buttons. It took me three iterations to do it. The guy in the video did it quick - you don't need to be as quick. Still hats off to this guy for making the video to help us Mini owners out 👍
Thanks for the kind words! Glad it helped :)
Just a short note from London Ontario Canada.
I have a 2006 Mini Cooper. Registered a new key using your instructions.
It worked the first time !
After I ordered the key from the dealer here in London surprised to hear I had to book a service appointment and would have had to pay flat rate of $100 plus to have this done.
It took me 3 minutes.
Thanks so much.
SDC
You’re very welcome dude so glad to hear it worked and saved you some cash too!!
Brilliant.Just spent £204 on a spare key. It opened the car and started the engine but the remote did not.Did the actions as described in the video a couple of times and on the third attempt it all worked perfectly, and continues to do so
Perfect ❤️
Well done lad. After soldering new battery, it still didn't work. Thought I needed a new amplifier. Did what you said and it's working again. Depression lifted. Thank you.
Glad it helped Joe!
Thank you. After my 3rd try it worked. Woman in her 70’s
Hey Jenny, glad to hear it worked! Take care ❤️
Took 4 attempts on my stubborn 04 mini one but worked eventually. Thank you
No problem. Glad you’re sorted!
Straightforward and easy guide even if 3 yrs later 👍
Glad it helped 👏🏼
This helped out so much!! I’ve had the original key and it’s a 2006.. and needed to get a new one, just watching this video made it easy to do!
Glad it helped!
Thanks! Had to change car battery, 2 remote fob batteries and finally got everything to work properly again. This helped out for the final step!
Excellent Dave!
Spot on bud.. This saved me a bundle taking it to the main dealer.. well done and thank you.
Not a problem dude. Glad I could help!
just worked for my 08 plate convertable key wouldnt open the car after fob battery change ,, this did the job for me and fob is back in action
Glad to hear it!
OMG you are a legend! thank you! took me a while but I got it in the end thank you
Glad it helped :)
Thank you from Florida!
Glad it worked for you dude!
Thanks for the demo - trying to get this to work with a new key, not luck yet but tomorrow is another day!
Keep at it, it takes a minute to get it in the right time frame
Thanks I bought my mini with both keys not. Working but they do now👍👍👍
Just what I like to hear ❤️
Thank you, for helping me here and in instagram, wish you the best 😊
You're most welcome, nice chatting to you and glad you got it all sorted 👍🏻
Thank you from france Normandie 😊
Welcome!
My key stopped working. I did exactly as you instructed and now it works perfect. Thanks.
Awesome stuff!!
Thanks for posting this - worked first time for me, saved £££'s :)
Can I just say that I though you were actually James Corden until half way through the video (no offence!)
Haha, thanks! That's a new one. Glad I managed to help save you some £!
Just one extra detail I found the hard way on a 2007 Cooper S, you have to do the button pressing thing on ALL the keys before putting any one of them in the ignition & turning it on to save the settings. Otherwise every time you do one key it un-does the other(s).
That sounds about right yeah 👍🏼
Thank you, it worked on the second time.
Excellent. It can take a few try’s!
I'm happy to find this. Perhaps you can help me. I have a 2003 mini and only have one key with chip. My question is that if I buy another (uncut) that comes with the board and unprogrammed chip, can i at least use that fob to open/close the mini? I understand that the only key that will start my car is one with the small chip. THank you for your help. It's hard to find affordable solutions for this in the U.S.
In theory, yes. I have managed to do it before however it is somewhat luck of the draw whether it will work or not.
Worth a shot thoughh
@@GrindingGearsOfficial unfortunately it I finally received the one I ordered, programmable "with code" - came with the battery too. The only thing I'm wondering is if it could be the wrong Mhz at 433? I saw conflicting info on that. some were saying 315. could that make a difference? :(
@@omaryabby9444 could do however k would’ve assumed all keys run at same frequency as eachother
@@GrindingGearsOfficial sorry for my typos- It basically didn't work. I tried many times, so I'm wondering if it could be because of the frequency. There seem to be two versions and in the U.S. both are allowed. I guess I'd have to be willing to order the other version too.
So do you turn the key to accessories or ignition position? They are different!
As I said at 1:28, accessory.
Worked for me, dropped a sub :)
Thankyou. Glad it’s working!
I must try this! My key doesn't like to unlock the car via the fob, so worth a go...
100% worth a go, could also be a bad fob battery!
Grinding Gears changed the battery not long after buying the car, so it’s either the key itself or a deeper problem...🤦🏻♂️😂
@@SULKNATIONtv hopefully not the ECU
Grinding Gears fingers crossed it’s not! Everything else works superbly!
@@SULKNATIONtv fingers crossed for you
IT works, thx for help!
You're welcome!
Hey im a newbie locksmith, i have a mini cooper one 2001, i made the key with autel, immo is working fine, i cant program remote, its needed learn with immo? or i can program with hand?
So this video covers programming the remote for central locking and not coding the actual immobiliser. That would need to be done with specialist software and tools
I bought a used key from ebay and wanted to know how can i program it to my car?
For the central locking? This video. To make it start? You’ll need to get it programmed to the car by a specialist/main dealer
God bless you bro
Glad it helped!
It worked thank you 🙏
Awesome!
I have a mini Cooper r50 engine and the key fob that I got with it has no buttons and I have bought a brand new key fob but it will not work
One with no buttons is a new one to me, definitely an R50? Not an R56?
Great, thanks a lot. Can I push it and ask about the button for the boot? 😊
It should work when you follow the instructions in the video!
Would this work without a working key?
I don’t think so, no. Worth a Try.
Hey, what about r53 2002 Cooper S. The key got only two buttons..
I’m not entirely sure. Give it a try 👍🏼
Thank you worked
Glad to hear it!
Is this just for the keyless entry or does this program the little chip that allows the key to start the vehicle.
@@Deathsdezire this is just for using the buttons on the key to open the door
Tried this. No go for me. But appreciate the video just the same.
Cheers. It’s a bit hit and miss and very short space of time to do it
Hi, IHave tried with a Key bought from eBay which was complete and had it cut at a shoe repair shop. If I code for the key it looks and unlock doors but won’t start the car but the original key won’t lock and unlock the doors but still starts the engine then if I reek of the original key the new key does not work and at both attemptsThe newly bought key will not start the engine once only did it attempt to turn the engine on but that was all have you any ideas please
Yes so the original key has an immobiliser chip in it that needs to be swapped into your new key, to do this, split both keys and you will find it at the top of the case near the blade. Swap it into your new key and then pair that key to the car. It will then start the car and lock/unlock it!
I did what you told me to do while I'm aftermarket key still won't work
New key fob will need coding to car with specialist tools
Hi Mini Mods, u video is useful, so how about ur old key? Is it still pair with the car? I wanna copy one more key for my family while I am keeping one for myself.
Hey man, thanks for the kind words! The old key is no longer paired to the car, it is possible to pair both. The other key will still work to open the door locks by turning the key but it will not get past the immobiliser. Hope this helps!
Is there a way to pair both keys and still have them both doing everything?
Yes! Start with the main (working) key. Ignition click, 3 button magic, then immediately do the new key exactly the same. If you can manage the 3 button thing perfectly, both (up to 4 keys actually) will work. Start the engine ASAP and that then seems to lock the keys into the cars memory.
Will this method work for a new key bought from the Mini dealership? They want $183.50 for the key and an additional $167.20 for programming, plus a 4 hour round trip to the dealership.
If it’s a gen 1 mini, this will work, yes however the dealership coding enables the key to start the car AND do the central locking whereas my video shows you how to re-code the central locking.
A fresh key would want MINI to code it for you. Hope this helps
so i bought a my05 r50 and only got the key without the remote locking buttons , is there anyway i can buy the remote key from ebay and get it cut at mrminit and be able to use it to lock/unlock and start the car without ripping my only key apart to take out the chip or qill i still need to use my original chip in the new cut key
No matter what you’ll need to take apart the original key to get the immobiliser chip. What I did before was buy a used key off of eBay, move the blade and immobiliser chip to it and then programmed the buttons to work with central locking. Worked a charm
Hi I’ve got 2 keys for my r52 but I can’t register both keys only one key any ideas please
You’ll need the other key inside the vehicle whilst you perform the procedure, there’s something additional you need to do to the “other” key to register it. I cannot remember off the top of my head though
@@GrindingGearsOfficial yer I’ve done it with other key in the car with me but still don’t work. Thanks for your help
ive got a key without the battery really old fashioned RA31
If it has no battery it cannot be paired. That sounds like you have the “spare” blade.
I don't have original spare key. I Ordered a 3 button EWS car remote control key off amazon.
Reprogramming it with this method, will it start the car? Or just be a door key/fob?
I have a 2004 R50
Have you swapped in the little chip from your original key? If not then the immobiliser will not disable and the car will not start. If you do not have this chip or the original key to remove it from then you need to speak to BMW / MINI
I've just bought a 52 plate,key doesn't work hopefully this might solve it,but I've noticed today the central locking switch inside the car clicks but doesn't lock can you help
Sounds like your central locking is knackered if the button doesn’t lock the car. Have a look into that system.
My new key unlocks and locks the car now due to what you showed me but doesnt start the car
Has the key been coded to the car by a specialist? The above procedure just codes the key to central lock the car and not start the car. The transponder chip will need to be swapped from your old key also
@@GrindingGearsOfficial yeah its been coded to the car already well his machine said it was successful but i found out that if i use my original key then turn the car off and use the new it starts up but once i let the car sit for more then 10 min it wont start back up i have to reuse my original key
@@backyardmec2348 that’s odd. Sounds like the key is dodgy or the coding isn’t roght
@@GrindingGearsOfficial possibly the key or coding
Thank you good video
Glad it helped!
The unlock bottom on my fob circuit is broken, can buy a replacement circuit from a mini and use this method to program it to my car?
This will program the central locking. Without the transponder from your original key, it will not start the car.
The transponder is usually a little chip at the bottom of the blade of the key inside the casing.
So I've got the old fob, but as mentioned the unlock button is broken so obviously can't open the doors with the remote and I have no spare. Is what I described possible as I have the original?
Thanks in advance.
@@courtneyg06 yes it is but to make the new key work properly I.e. start the car, you’ll need to move the transponder chip from your old key to the new one.
There’s a chance it’ll need coding by BMW too as this sequence is only for central locking but give it a go.
I’ve done what you’re trying to do successfully before with no BMW coding
@GrindingGearsOfficial oh really, I don't think my soldering skills are that good so I think I might need a visit to BMW. Thanks for responding.
@@courtneyg06 no problem. ❤️
Hi does this work for a Mini F56 key? Do both keys need to be in the car when doing this? Thanks
There will be a similar one for the f56 although it will be different
My mobiliser stopped working, both my keys do work but I have to open the car manually. How do I fix this problem?
Does the car start? If so your immobiliser is fine. If the car doesn't unlock via the key then you need to change the key battery then follow the steps in the video. 👍🏼
It didn't work 😕 I bought a new key from dealership it doesn't unlock doors
That could be because it’s not coded to the car, that’s something Mini will need to do. If you bought a new key take it back to the dealer and tell them to pair it!
My key doesn’t come out of the ignition unless I turn all off
Is this whilst you're pairing the key? You need to remove the key from the ignition, to do this, turn it all the way back as if you were exiting the car. It does have to be done quicky
Dose this work with a key that brought of enay
EBay
You should be able to code it to the central locking of the car but you won’t be able to start the car without getting the keys transponder coded to the car
Does it work for a mini cooper s RE31, 2004 ?
Yes!
@Grinding Gears I'm scared to try... I opened the key and pushed on the buttons (on the chip) and the light of chip turns on. So I think I need to reprogram the key. But am scared to do it.. can something bad happen? Like.. will my key stop working on the car ?
It will not stop the key starting the car, no. That will continue on.
@@GrindingGearsOfficial thank you for your quick response !
@@anapais8398 best of luck!
Has anyone tried this with a two button key? I'm not having much luck
Don't think this will work for two buttons I'm afraid
ça c est juste bon pour ^le verrouillage des porte a distance mais avec les clés génériques ça ne fonctionne pas
le tutoriel est uniquement pour le verrouillage à distance c'est pourquoi
Hi how did u clone the chip. I've only got mine a 52 plate r50 cooper
Hi Mark. No need to clone the chip if you’re using the same key and it’s just lost it’s connection to the car. If it’s a new key I’d presume it needs to be coded in by a specialist/main stealer
lol, Main Stealers! Yes. Daylight robbery those folks, £200/£300 for a new key. They can sod off.
@@JulieRoo agreed 🤣
Doesn’t work on the very early R50’s with the original key fob (well, not on mine anyway)
Hey Nigel. I’ve done it before on my early R50. Is there a chance the key fob battery is dead
@@GrindingGearsOfficial Nope, battery is good, have switched with known working fob batteries. I’ve tried removing to circuit board from the fob and pushing the switches directly, I can see they’re working because the LED flashes when I do.
@@GrindingGearsOfficial How early is early? Mine’s an October 01 build.
Ah, not that early. An 03!
@@GrindingGearsOfficial Not early at all then.
This method did not work, knowing that my key has 2 buttons, not 3
Needs to be the 3 button key
Mini key reset
👍
We change the engine and now the immobilizer want start the car
Hey Hank. You’ll need the ECU, BCM, Key and key barrel from your donor car for this to work.
@@GrindingGearsOfficial the original key not working
Yes that’s right. You’ll need all of the above bits from the car you got your engine from or you could look into a stand alone ECU which may be able to get around the immobiliser etc
@@GrindingGearsOfficial wow
Does anyone know If i buy a used key from another mini r53 can I unlock it with my original only copy and pair the second one id buy and use that to unlock and lock the car?
If you buy a spare key you can pair it to the car however obviously the blade will be different. In theory you could use your new key to unlock the car via the buttons then use your old key to start the car!
Um...nope
1K people say otherwise… 🤷🏼♂️
No me funcionó R53 S 2004
Try it again, the same model as mine
James gordon? Lol
Presumably you mean James Corden, the British comedian?
@@GrindingGearsOfficial lol what can I say, not so interested in the dude or his work. Thank you for your video tho, it was a great tuto on how to activate the key. very useful. cheers!