What is the purpose of the valet key inside the '09 fobs???

It does nothing other than open the door? The last time I used a valet, I'm pretty sure he also needed to run my engine . . . And it's not like there are any secured areas within the Mini.

Any ideas?

 

I'd be interested to know this, too...Especially since the only place the key would work is in locking/unlocking the two main doors (not hatch). But for those of us with alarms, ....doesn't exactly work. Nor does there seem to be any insert area in the ignition. ..........?

 

In case the battery dies, you still need a key to unlock the door.

 

That IS true - I had a dead battery in my '04 MCS (but that was pre-round fob days).

 

Sounds like a reasonable answer.

Thanks. I can go to sleep now.

 

I assumed it was there for a battery failure, but I also use it to close the windows if I'm already out of the car. (Turn to lock and hold the key there.)

 

Its also there for the fob battery in case it loses its charge even though the car battery is fine. It will recharge in the ignition, but you'll need to use the key to get in and put the fob in the ignition. Once in the ignition the car will read the fob and start.

 

My valet key (MCS 06) actually starts the car, and you can drive with it.. but I was wondering.. will it only let you drive so far? I had locked my keys in the house (longstory lol) but my car was unlocked, and I remembered the valet key.. so.. I used it to meet my husband, to get my own set of keys.

 

My 04 valet key lets me drive just like the normal key.
I actually like it better than the regular key because of the bulk of the remote key and would use it as my only key but have read it is not very durable. I will probably order another sometime and try the valet as my every day key.

 

From the driver door handle you can use the valet key to unlock/lock the car plus roll up the windows if down and close the sunroof if open if so equipped.Basically it reverses when holding down the unlock button on the fob which allows you to unlock the doors and open the windows and tilt open the sunroof before reaching the car.

 

The old valet key was a totally different beast, and it wasn't really a valet key, just a compact real key. I'd carry the one for the MINI I wasn't driving, 2 full size keys on one keyring is too much.

The R56 "valet" key is just the mechanical key part to open the driver's door physical lock. It docks into the "saucer section" of the weird shaped electronic key. The R56 doesn't have a steering column key lock, just a place to dock the saucer section. If you have the wireless keys (comfort access?), you don't need to dock the key at all for the key to work.

 

A cool type of valet key allows a parking valet to start and drive a car in "low performance" mode. Not sure if a MINI ever came with this feature. Usually found on Corvettes and high-end performance cars.

 

I had a valet key with my 2006 Honda Accord. it only opened the door and started the engine. Could not open the glovebox, the trunk or the gas cap with it.

 

It makes for a convienent quick release when you drop the car off for service or in an actual valet situation. You can leave the fob with the mechanic or valet and not leave the rest of the keys.

 

My valet key has earned it's keep big time on a couple of occasions. I use a hidden magnetic key holder, and more than once while getting stuff in or out of the car I set my keys down in the boot and for whatever reason, the lock button got pushed, and the valet key saved the day.

 

the closing windows thing is def cool...ill have to try it out.. sucks getting back in and hittin the switches

 

Wow.. None of you ever go to the beach, eh?


It is NOT a "valet" key. Yes, it's only purpose is to lock/unlock the drivers door (and roll up windows).

Try to take your whole key swimming with you. Or hide your key in your shoes on the beach.

After you buy a new key or have your car stolen you'll realize it is the "beach key". Hide the round part inside the MINI, use the "not a valet key" to lock the door. Tie the little key to your swim trunks. Now enjoy your swim knowing your MINI is safe on shore. Come back to car, use little key to unlock door, get your round key, start up and continue your day.

edit:

note that the little round piece can start the engine without the metal piece inserted so do HIDE the round part in your MINI.