It may not have gps, but it does keep track of all dealer service records in addition to the build sheet of the car.  It really does do more than just start the car...

well.. can could expect from bmw.. ??

Thank you for everyone's comments and information. It looks like it is true that we can no longer buy a non-dealer FOB.

I wouldn't mind paying MINI $324 for a FOB if it was providing me a meaningful service in exchange.  Like if they had a GPS that helped locate my key/ FOB when lost - like iphones do. 

Charging me to keep track of my maintenance records is a little lame, I think I can do that without their help.

Well, I love my little car. So, I guess I'll have to live with this....

Thanks again everyone! 

$324.00! that's like BMW prices!....Oh. 

It's true...  most of the replacement keys for the late model fob's with the RFID will cost $200+ easily, some models cost $400+.

These keys are programmed to the vin number of the vehicle.  In addition to the RFID security, it stores other information such as a build sheet from the factory and all service records performed at MINI dealerships....

fyi,
ken

The price sounds right. Just bought a spare key/fob for my MB Sprinter van. Total cost for key and programming was a few dollars short of your 324. The key was pre-cut from the factory, the dealer then had to program the van to accept it.

Ha, it seems you've not bought keys lately. I work in a dealership and am often spending $400 to $600 for keys when a trade only has one. KJ in Oz

Mini members

I recently lost the Key FOB to my 2017 Mini Cooper Convertible. (I still have my spare which I am now using).

A new FOB if ordered from the dealer is $324 plus tax. I thought this was a lot for a key.  The dealer gave me the part # which is 66128781935.  I went online to see if this could be bought more inexpensively. But, after- market parts stores had no information about the FOB for this Mini. Mini of Kennesaw had this part- it was a whole unit called Radio Remote Control- so a rectangle box with some circuitry, plus the FOB, the emergency key, and the battery. 

I called the dealer back to see if I bought a FOB on ebay (some sellers say they have a part that will work), the dealer said no part I buy from a non dealer will work - they say they say no one else's old spare FOB can be reprogrammed, and that they only way to replace my key is to buy the new FOB from the dealer who programs it at the Mini factory. They say they, themselves, do not program them, that this is only done at the factory. They also said they do not cut the emergency key and that locksmiths can't do this either, only the mini factory.  I told them I had watched Utubes for Minis up to 2014 where after market parts were bought online and a simple pairing procedure made them work with the car.  They said "we wouldn't know anything about that."

Does anyone have a new Mini (like maybe 2016 and forward) who has lost a FOB? Has there been a change so that it is no longer possible to buy after market parts and pair as the UTUBE videos show for Minis at least through 2014?

I'm very bothered that Mini might require owners to pay such a high price for a key FOB.

Any information anyone has would be appreciate!