2008 R56 Mini JCW decided not to open this morning.

[BorisnBertie]

The title says it all, unfortunately. My mini didn't open when I pressed the button on the key fob. I opened the door with the key, the immobiliser and alarm activated. Put key into holder, dash showed a key with a line through it.
I've checked some vids, they all suggest I hold the remains next to the 'key' symbol, RHS of the column.. there isn't one in my car.
I only have 1 key, again unfortunately.
The car was out and about yesterday, all was fine..
I'll try my jumpleads to battery from my other car tomorrow, bit wet today to be trying to rip into the engine bay wiring.
I've bought a 2nd key, previously owned.. what do I need to do to make it usable, other than have a new key cut?
Any advice would be appreciated, many thanks in advance 🤞

[vikingaero]

R56 MINI keys either take some CR2032 or if they are the rechargeable ones, need a new battery in it. If are a little technical you can DIY or there are plenty of send away services on eBay.

[E-bmw]

BorisnBertie said:

The title says it all, unfortunately. My mini didn't open when I pressed the button on the key fob. I opened the door with the key, the immobiliser and alarm activated. Put key into holder, dash showed a key with a line through it.

As above, new battery in the fob is the first port of call, especially as the car is not "seeing the key" as you say.

BorisnBertie said:

I'll try my jumpleads to battery from my other car tomorrow, bit wet today to be trying to rip into the engine bay wiring.

Why are you putting jump leads on the car? You make no mention of it not starting. If it is showing signs of a flat battery then that needs to be sorted first.

BorisnBertie said:

I've bought a 2nd key, previously owned.. what do I need to do to make it usable, other than have a new key cut?
Any advice would be appreciated, many thanks in advance ?

You need to get in touch with an auto key specialist, but many cars it is a simple NO, they cannot be easily re-programmed/recut.

[BorisnBertie]

I was going to connect a large battery to rule out battery discharge in the mini tbh. Suggested in several self help guides tbh (or renewing battery, that's a bit more expensive..)

All resolved now, key fob just required a new battery.

[BorisnBertie]

I'd mentioned immobiliser was active re it wouldn't start.. I was asking for advice, whats with the belligerent answer?
I'll seek out a beard re key also, good to know you don't know either 🙄

[E-bmw]

BorisnBertie said:

I'd mentioned immobiliser was active re it wouldn't start.. I was asking for advice, whats with the belligerent answer?
I'll seek out a beard re key also, good to know you don't know either ?

You asked 3 questions.

I answered them to the best of my knowledge.

Yes, you mentioned the "immobiliser icon" but made no mention of the car not starting but implied that it needed a booster battery, all of which added confusion which I asked a question about to clear up the confusion.

What on earth makes you think there was any belligerence there?