Maybe someone can fill me in on the BIG PICTURE for the key fob. Why can't they just have a regular key and be done with it?

 

Pretty sure its security, but who knows?

You can buy a "vallet key" without the fob and be done with it.

 

For the 2nd gens it's because that's what BMW is doing with all their cars now..

 

That was one of the things I didn't like about the R56!

The traditional key is ideal for this purpose and has been fully optimized, imo.

 

The Fob not only makes it hard for someone to hot wire your car to steal it. It also keeps a record of dealer service, Recalls done, and it probably tells the dealer things you don't want them to know like missed shifts, over revving Etc.

 

The R50 & R53 use a more traditional key with a security chip & other functions built in.

The R56 has the new fob to relieve people from the drudgery of having to turn the key. Now that is progress!

 

Standard on BMW cars from 2007. Several other manufactures have gone to similar concepts. It also accommodates the remote function option called Comfort Access by MINI that allows you to start the car without removing the fob from your pocket.

 

I love my Comfort Access!! : )

 

Yup, comfort access is great. But probably my favorite part about the fob (and it's already been mentioned) is the dealers access to information about the car, just from putting the key in. No more running out to the car to check mileage or anything like that... they put the key in their computer, and nearly all your information is there instantly.

I wasn't totally sold on the whole keyless fob thing at first, and I didn't quite understand it or comfort access until I had it. Now I love it, and can't imagine having it another way.

 

I like my fob just because it is different like my MINI. Other manufacturers are implementing them as well, but none that I know have gone the flying saucer route.

 

Why would anyone want to fiddle with a silly thing like a key? Walk up to the car, press the black button on the door handle to unlock it, get in, press the Start button, and go.

That's how cars should work. We don't need no stinking keys. The fob fits nicely in the coin pocket of Levis.

 

I sure do like my comfort access and I actually do consider it drudgery to fish out a key and use it in my wife's car. As you say, progress!

 

My other car is a 08 Toyota Highlander. Its also keyless. In fact there is no place to insert the Key Fob at all. You just leave it in your pocket/purse whatever.

 

+1

 

Let me give you a brief scenario of how I use my comfort access. My wife is the great key loser. If it has a key, she will lose it. These things cost an arm and a leg. After the last time she lost the key to the Mini (and I found it) I took the thing and hid it somewhere in her purse. She always has her purse with her. All she has to do now is get in the car and it starts. SHE NEVER LOSES THE KEY. I can't say the same for the mini van tho :-/

 

Well try warding off a mugger or group of highly trained ninja's with your fob. I'll stick to old cap'n Stabby! Oh wait. I think I heard something........

 

Almost except the last two parts about missed shifts and overreving. Someone told me the key keeps track of how fast you go as well and I uhhh went fast that one night. A few weeks later, I asked an SA if she could tell how fast I went and she told me that the key is smart but not that smart.

So if what she told me is true, your max. speed, your missed shifts and your uhhm 6k rpm in 2nd are still secrets between you and your MINI

 

^ +1

I myself like the fob...

Fits the MINIs character perfectly... The fob is akin to the large speedometer centered in the dash... Quirky, different... definitely in keeping with the MINI persona!

A key? So mainstream... Ho-hum...

A fob, now that's cool!

 

many car makers switched to keyless, i believe also because of injuries sustained in crashes where the knee of the driver was damaged by the protruding key from the steering column. much like rising belt lines on car exteriors dictated by crash and safety standards for pedestrians, and why the R56 was designed as it was outside.

 

Now, THAT'S a relief!!! I've only been a little bad up 'till now, (break-in period and all), but soon I plan on being absolutely HORRID!

I have to insert the little disc of a key into the dash, but I love that it's different and feels cool in my hand. Yep, I know that makes me sound a bit simple... but I'm still smiling as I zip away!

 

Why the key fob?..........Because it's awesome! I love it everyone is just astonished when they see it. It's different and it makes the MINI standout that much more.

 

While the FOB doesn't have this information the onboard computer of most modern cars does keep track of it. Actually, a lot of them keep track of braking, acceleration, g-forces, transmission shifting, RPM,s, and all sorts of other information that you may or may not want to be known. Think black boxes in planes but already in your car.

The insurance industry and law enforcement have been fighting for the right to this information for several years now. This way if you are in an accident and it somehow looked like another driver was at fault but the system told them different you would get charged.

This also goes into the law enforcement wanting all new cars designed with engine immobilizers built in that they can have access too if needed.

I would guess that as the future progresses the key FOB will become a data point for this information with the appropriate access to get it. Who gets that access and how it is used will be another story altogether.

 

It is honestly a fad of the early 21st century. By 2020, they would have already stopped using them. During the 2010's, numerous incidents with push button start/stop malfunctioning - some cases deadly - will cause consumers to loose all faith in the technology and it will be phased out.

 

What Start button malfunctions?

 

Not to stray too far off of the original topic, but here's a very interesting piece at TTAC about the Toyota gas pedal debacle and black boxes.. very interesting read.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wha...s-black-boxes/