Is the valet key meant for securing valuables in the glove compartment or the center armrest? I've been looking and cannot find the keyhole to insert the valet key. Thanks in advance......

I don't think my car has a valet key, maybe new ones do? If you are talking about the metal key that lives in the fob, that's used to open the drivers door (there is a slot by the handle) in the event that the battery is dead.

Valet? Perish the thought. I would never, ever willingly let an uncaring stranger have the controls of my MINI.

Remember what happened in Ferris Bueller's Day Off?

Lol... I park my own car even at valet! Definitely not letting strangers get behind my steering wheels

Thanks for that info... I am new to Mini and thought the metal key is meant to lock the glove compartment or something.

In the event if the key battery is really completely dead, won't you be able to start the engine at all?!?! I have comfort access (keyless entry), I know battery is drained much quicker with this upgrade.

Unfortunately not, needs the signal which the battery emits for starting. Same as if you are out of range with the fob, it will state that when trying to start up. 2nd supplied fob will do the trick, your programmed features may differ though!

If you are going swimming or fishing you can leave the fob in the car and the metal key doesn't care if it gets wet. You will be a trusting sole though if you have the convenience package.

I don't have a Mini yet, so I don't even know if they have valet keys. They usually don't unlock the glove compartment or trunk on cars so equipped, so they can't steal valuables. But yea, I would NEVER valet ;D

One time I went running and decided to leave my gym bag in the boot, and just go running with metal key. When I got back I opened the car door with the key but i wasn't able to use the unlock/lock switch in the console to unlock the boot. I couldn't figure it out finally i just have to climb between the seats to get to the back of the car sweating on everything. So now I try to make sure to leave the fob in the front of the car somewhere.

I think bmw/mini has over engineered the keys. On my 2002 mini when the battery starts to go down the first thing that stops working is the boot. Of course that is where the battery is, no problem you think: the owners manual states there is an emergency release under the rear seat. In 2002 it was designed for that but not installed.

First time it happened to me I had a roll bar and trunk full of race tires in there.

Plan old keys work really wheel, com on Hans, save us 300 dollars and go back to that! I know will never happen.

Is their no manual open/release for the boot?