3 Buttons Mini Cooper Key Fob with VL2020 Battery Mini Car Key Mini R56 R57 R60 Countryman Key Shell with Uncut Blade

This is a good solution for a dead fob. Our R56 Mini Cooper had lost its button covers and no longer operating the central locking. Having priced up a OEM Mini replacement (COSTLY!) looked online at videos of how to change the battery of the worst design in key fobs. If its the rechargeable type like ours its scrap as the case almost impossible to split without serious tools. I have watched a video of using a box cutter but dangerous so opted for a dremel and cutting disc VERY carefully cutting roound the edge slowly until I could open the cover to remove the board within. You then need to de solder the two battery connections and remove the dead battery. I used a little suction tool and some copper wick. Once clean and dry I carefully fitted the battery ensuring the terminals right way round once seated neatly applied solder to other ide of board on the pins (dont over heat and hold edge of battery) but it is fiddly. Once cool and clean placed board in new case and clipped it together take care to ensure the key lock pin in place before doing this. I then struggled a bit getting the chrome ring on clue start opposite the key itself. Tested in car and opened first time as obviously the coding remains the same done this way. I did two in about 90 minutes and not an experienced solderer so had to be very careful. Cost me £35 instead of a quoted £240 per fob. Worth the effort. The inner white cover protects the three micro switches and very well made. Only points to note the new key is obviously a blank and would need cutting and the key top smaller. but we have just put the old key on the key ring and left the new one blank and secure in the fob. Also obviously no Mini Logo. Dont be put off by the soldering just take your time and buying a third for the extra key. Good luck but the design of original a disgrace Ours a Jan 2007 Mini Cooper R56 1.6 N14 engine we have had from new.

The product is good but would be better if some instructions or guidance would be supplied, fortunately there are a range of tutorials on the internet.

Easy replacement for original,the only problem was that the previous owner had kindly superglued the two halves together,once I had scraped the glue away it was easy to transfer the internals ,I used the original key blade,together with the original catch,to ensure that the key locked in,whole job took 15 mins,wife now happy with her key fob,I may have to bite the bullet and buy a second key from Mini,but I have to sell a kidney first

All in all happy, was able to pry open the original mini key, swap out the battery using a soldering iron and install it into the new shell, only disappointing bit is, the original mini key won't fit into this. Well it'll fit, but won't lock and therefore you will need to keep the blank key in order to put this on a key ring, and therefore get it cut. Would have preferred if I could have just used my existing key rather than a new one.Other than that though no issues apart from sometimes stiff getting into the key "hole" in the car

Case is not bad quality, however the little metal button broke first time I used it and it won’t stay locked in on a key ring. The original key should be able to fit and lock into the slot but it doesn’t. The battery does work and fit into the original electronics

I read the reviews regarding the original keys not fittingMine is a snug fit .. granted it doesn't lock into place but it's not looseI would highly recommend

Buttons came off after a very short whileDisappointing

It is of the same size and bulk as the original key. It fits the key receiver in the car. The metal key is thick and feels sturdy. It would be better if there will be a logo embedded in the center front part of it.