[silverforumsurf]

Is there a valet key available for the X3?

[mole7374]

Originally Posted by silverforumsurf

Is there a valet key available for the X3?

Funny you ask b/c I was just wondering that myself last night... I was going i my X and saw the key opening on the driver's door and thought, "well that's kinda useless considering our fobs don't have actual keys on them"

[mhrir]

Originally Posted by mole7374

Funny you ask b/c I was just wondering that myself last night... I was going i my X and saw the key opening on the driver's door and thought, "well that's kinda useless considering our fobs don't have actual keys on them"

There is an actual key inside the fob. Just squeeze and pull it apart. All BMWs are this way.

[silverforumsurf]

right but I'm thinking more like a key that keeps center console/glovebox/trunk locked.
Bonus if it limits rev and distance

I valet everyday so I'd be willing to buy such a key if it doesn't come with the car...

[mole7374]

Originally Posted by mhrir

There is an actual key inside the fob. Just squeeze and pull it apart. All BMWs are this way.

OH!!! Duh....I didn't realize that... thx!!!

Still wonder though if an "actual" valet key exist for what other user wrote. Now I'm wondering why my CA didn't bother showing the fob pulling apart..thx for that!

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by silverforumsurf

right but I'm thinking more like a key that keeps center console/glovebox/trunk locked.
Bonus if it limits rev and distance

I valet everyday so I'd be willing to buy such a key if it doesn't come with the car...

The metal key that you use to open the driver's door is the same key for the glove box and trunk. No lock on center console so no need for a key, the trunk isn't enclosed so even if one does lock the trunk it can always be opened with the switch or reached from the back seats. The only real safe place to keep valuables especially when valeting is the glove box, it's the one place that can't be opened except with the metal key.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by Beyu

The metal key that you use to open the driver's door is the same key for the glove box and trunk. No lock on center console so no need for a key, the trunk isn't enclosed so even if one does lock the trunk it can always be opened with the switch or reached from the back seats. The only real safe place to keep valuables especially when valeting is the glove box, it's the one place that can't be opened except with the metal key.

The metal key allows access to the inside of the car if the battery fails in the "remote key". However the metal key won't start the car. You still need the "remote key". It will start the car even with a dead key battery if you carefully place it in contact with the marked position on the side of the steering column.

There is no "Valet key" as such. You can purchase up to (2) additional "remote keys" from your BMW dealer. Cost is approximately $350 (each) plus an additional $100 to $150 for programming the key and the car's anti theft system to accept it.

[Lotus7]

Please see this thread for more about the X3 keys:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527259

P.S. Valets and parking attendants LOVE to "test drive" the X3, especially if it has VDC, paddle shifters, and summer tires.

[mole7374]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

The metal key allows access to the inside of the car if the battery fails in the "remote key". However the metal key won't start the car. You still need the "remote key". It will start the car even with a dead key battery if you carefully place it in contact with the marked position on the side of the steering column.

There is no "Valet key" as such. You can purchase up to (2) additional "remote keys" from your BMW dealer. Cost is approximately $350 (each) plus an additional $100 to $150 for programming the key and the car's anti theft system to accept it.

Awesome info...thx so much

[colton_matthias]

Keys rip you off, especially for the programming fee o.O

[barbglaser]

got on this fourm and found answers to my keyfob question. However, does anyone know if the X3 has the plain little plastic key (does nothing but open the door)? I had one for my 2000 323i (which was wonderful car) and I used it all the time when running, etc.

[liverman]

The little metal key, called the integrated key opens the door and the glovebox. You can pull that out and take that with you.

I believe you can get a replacement (or additional) integrated key without having to replace the entire keyless remote.