Hello Everyone

1st post.....Love my 08 MCS automatic and have ~700 miles at 30.7mpg. Appreciate all the good information shared. As I removed the ashtray, I noticed a plastic key. Can anyone fill me in on the use....Thanks in advance......

 

Saw no plastic key when I moved my ashtray.

Only keyslot is in the driver's door and you probably saw that if you press the button at the base of your key/fob,
a metal key slides out that will unlock the door.

You may have been given a 'wallet' key to use if you locked yourself out..

 

It's been found before: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=plastic+key

Looks like no one could figure it out back then either...

 

Does it work in your door lock?

 

Looks like i just posted in the "back from the dead" thread linked to here. My guess is that the plastic key is utilized in the programming process for new keys. It shouldn't have any purpose in the vehicle itself, unless a transponder is embedded that allows it to act as the ignition key.

 

very cool, i'd hang on to it. It's kind of a unique and cool find.

 

Yeah....the plastic key doesn't work for the door or anywhere else. mystery key it will be.... thanks all for responding.....

 

Maybe it's a key to the plant in Oxford? Like when Charlie found a Golden ticket in a Wonka bar- you found a key to the plant in a car!

 

besides the 2 remote fobs, is there any other key that comes with the 08 Mini Cooper S? Does it come with a valet key (wallet key)? I just picked mine up and only got the 2 remotes

 

Could this be a key used to release the "shift lock" mechanism? Given it's an automatic, that would be my guess.

 

*wipes up coffee that came out nose*

 

i also only got 2 remote keys. i asked about a valet key and was told no valet key (took delivery in april 08)

 

One mysteriously showed up on my floor one day. Must have fallen out of somewhere. No idea what it's for.

 

The key looks like the Valet Key that I received with my MINI but then again I don't have an R56 I have an R52..

 

It doesn't fit anywhere, door, or ignition. Just a white plastic strip with some numbers on it.