How to Program a Mini Cooper Ignition Key

The Mini Cooper was introduced in 1959. Since then the Mini Cooper has had many upgrades, one being keyless entry. If you need to reprogram a key--whether the key deprogrammed itself after a battery replacement, or if you lost your keys and need to program a new one--programming a Mini Cooper key is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Pre-cut key with built-in keypad

Program the Key to Unlock the Door

  • Insert the newly cut key into the driver-side door's lock, but do not turn the key. There is a chip inside of the key that will sync it to the vehicle.

  • Press button "1" and release it immediately.

  • Repeat Step 2 three more times, for a total of four.

  • Remove the key and press the "Unlock" button to check that it has synced with the vehicle.

Program the Key Pad's Additional Features

  • Insert the key into the car's ignition and start the engine. Leave the car's engine on for no longer then 10 seconds.

  • Turn the engine off but do not remove the key from the ignition.

  • Press button "1" within 10 seconds of turning the car's engine off. Button "1" is the largest button on the keypad.

  • Press button "2" immediately after pressing the first button. This must be completed within 10 seconds of pressing the first button.

  • Remove the key from the ignition.