key slot repair tool (2008-2013) for Mini Cooper vehicles

thingiverse

So I unintentionally created a tool to repair the key slot on my 2012 MINI Countryman. Several years ago a friend borrowing my car didn't know you need to push in first to remove the key from the slot, so instead he just pulled hard (thanks). After that, the key would get jammed anytime it was inserted, and would take considerable shaking and pulling to get it out. Since the car has the comfort access where the key slot is unnecessary (and because I'm cheap), I never bothered to have it fixed. But it has been annoying telling people / mechanics not to use it, so I decided to print a plug to fill the hole. When test fitting my first prototype I was pushing the plug in and out of the slot and the frame popped forward. The plug could no longer be pushed in like a key. Thinking this was strange, I replaced the plug with a real key, and the slot was magically repaired! I am guessing that I happened upon a shape that holds the various clips in such an orientation that everything can pop back into place, but who knows. Hopefully someone out there can replicate my success. If not, enjoy a little flying saucer thing.