I have a 2005, 3-button MINI key FOB and the 3/8 in. diameter MINI with a circle fell off.
Has this happened to anyone else?

I think these are my options-
a. leave be, as it still works
b. buy new key (too expensive)
c. buy used key and transplant button
d. ?

Is the little button available for sale by itself?

THANKS

 

My little circular plug is there but the decal is gone. I'd buy a few as both keys are missing the sticker.

 

Write to 'Valvashon' on this board; he may be able to help.

 

I bought a used 3 button fob on ebay to take apart and this is what I found. BTW I will sell any of the components for a reasonable price to recoup my investment.
The 3 button FOB is glued together. I tried to pry apart with a knife in the seam and it wouldn't budge. I found by putting a small screw driver at the keyring loop I could pry it apart.
The set of MINI wings with the small MINI logo were glued to a flexible rubber gasket and pried off with care. The MINI emblem itself is adhered to a small plastic disc with alignment tabs that fit into the small metal wings.

 

This happened on one of my BMW keys.

I found a replacement on eBay and glued it on myself. Looks good as new!

 

Both the decal (MINI emblem), as well as the circular piece, are gone from my key fob (2 button version - 2003 MCS). I still have the decal, but the circular piece is gone. I'm afraid to glue it back on, since I don't see any pieces to hold it other than the little red button in the middle, which I'm using my fingernail to click to operate the doors at the moment. It looks ghetto, but it works

Are there any DIY guides for the key fobs?

EDIT: Found his thread (linky). It's for the 2 button key fobs, which mine is...

 

Nothing works

 

You didn't happen to take a picture of the other side of your circuit board when the key was apart did you? I'd be interested in seeing what the battery looks like and how it is attached to the board.

Thanks-

Val

 

Pictures posted.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tery-77830.jpg
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-alt-77831.jpg
If you need parts from my dissection let me know.

 

Hi woodstudio! It's been a while since your last post about this... just wondering if you have any key MINI emblems left? I would like to buy one. Thanks!

 

Bad key design

 

Thanks for getting back to me. The missing emblem doesn't bug me so much, but I thought I'd ask if you had anymore. I'll keep my eyes open on this forum to see if anyone else has them. Thanks again.

 

I'm looking for the small emblem also. Mine is missing.

 

I fought it for a while. Glued the little bugger back on which lasted a few days - kept my eyes open for another on the cheap solution and finally accepted fate: Micro chipped windshield, curb rash wheels, missing emblem on key. Only people who know it's missing are me and the inside of my pocket.

 

Kinda liberating!! Like getting that first DING and you say "f-it" its not a new car!!
besides...the keys often look like crap after forced open, or beat up after years of use...marred plastic...little parts sticking out...
My suggestion...(if you cannot LIVE with it...and it keeps you up worrying)...
BUY a CHEAP E_BAY blank..then move the electronics (including the glued in EWS chip) to the new blank..and move the shaft of the key too...
about a 5 minute, $5 job...and key looks 100% new...
Heck...back in the day...folks even found used VW keys (also made by valeo like ours) and used them so they could get a FLIP style key..might cause recharging issues on the newer 3 style keys pictured...

 

I have an '05 with a 3 button key. I just ordered a couple of emblems off eBay for $5.99 with free shipping. I figure I can gamble $6. I will try to remember to post an update when I get them.
http://vod.ebay.com/vod/FetchOrderDe...601d72f%2Bbb7c