BMW Engineers Read This

[Berndog]

Is there any way you can program the cars Rev Limiter to 2500 rpm for valet mode and incorporate it in to the " code " system in the security feature. I think this would be a great feature for owner who want to valet park without letting the attendant light up the rear tires. You would select valet mode on the code screen and then enter code, this would limit to RPM's to 2500 enough to let the valet park the car.

What do the rest of you guy think

[RichS]

I like your idea, plus have sport mode as an option to program so it comes up as "ON" as the default mode.

[kgk]

Originally posted by Berndog
Is there any way you can program the cars Rev Limiter to 2500 rpm for valet mode and incorporate it in to the " code " system in the security feature. I think this would be a great feature for owner who want to valet park without letting the attendant light up the rear tires. You would select valet mode on the code screen and then enter code, this would limit to RPM's to 2500 enough to let the valet park the car.

What do the rest of you guy think

Why not make a special valet key? It could ask the govenor to limit the revs, not open the trunk, etc. This will also save giving your only car key to the valet (& taking it off the keychain), etc.

I presume that each key sends out a unique ID (so the car can know how to set the seats, decide if it should start, etc.), so the valet key would just be an inexpensive programming trick.

It would be fine to even leave this key in the glovebox (without concern for theft) if the software's rule for starting the car is:

1. the valet key can start the car if the last key used to start the car was the valet key;

2. the valet key can start the car within 30 seconds of the car being turned off.

I think that this would be much easier from the customer's perspective.

[kgk]

Originally posted by RichS
...plus have sport mode as an option to program so it comes up as "ON" as the default mode.

Why do you care? This feature would save you a second at best---it's not as if pressing a button is expensive.

[Berndog]

The problem with a valet key is that you have to turn off the car and remove the regular key then put in the valet key and start it again. Also when you get the car back you have to remove the valet key and replace it with regular key. Too much of a hassle

[aces full]

Wait a second---you actually think that removing a key, re-inserting it, and restarting the engine is too big a hassle to protect as expensive a car as an M5?? I completely dissagree!!!! But then again, some people think it's too big a hassle to use their turn signal!!!!

[Need4Spd]

I like the idea. Sometimes you just have to valet it. Not very often, and only as a last resort, but sometimes it just has to be done.

[kgk]

Originally posted by Berndog
The problem with a valet key is that you have to turn off the car and remove the regular key then put in the valet key and start it again. Also when you get the car back you have to remove the valet key and replace it with regular key. Too much of a hassle

No, it will save you time:

1. Without the valet key, you have to remove the car key from the house keys, give him the car key, and then re-attach the car-key to the house keys. (Unless you give him your house keys---a BAD idea. What if he copies or loses them?)

2. If he adjusts the seats/mirrors, you would have to restore them (unless leaving valet mode throws away any seating changes made since it was last entered).

The semantics of the valet key are also very easy to understand, vs. having the car enter a specific "mode."

So, I'll stick by my claim that a valet key is the cleanest way to manage valets, car washes, oil changes, and the like.

[PaulMarin]

I think the idea has merit. The computer is overcomplicated anyway, so it might as well do that also.

[doug]

Originally posted by Berndog
The problem with a valet key is that you have to turn off the car and remove the regular key then put in the valet key and start it again. Also when you get the car back you have to remove the valet key and replace it with regular key. Too much of a hassle

Acura has been doing this for years, and it's really no hassle. In fact, the security it offers is great as the valet key keeps the valet out of the trunk and glovebox. I've taken advantage of this plenty of times to unload bags when shopping in the city w/ the girlfriend (who tends to collect lots of merchandise ;-)

I'm surprised this isn't already a feature-- seems like a no-brainer to me.

-Doug

[Russ]

Originally posted by kgk
Why not make a special valet key

Hmmm... What is that tiny little plastic key we get with the car good for anyway?

I guess I kinda thought that was a "valet" key, but I suppose it's just a wallet key.

Anyone know if that small plastic key has the same functions as a the larger metal ones (i.e. security chip, memory settings, etc)?

(and then there's that medium-sized key??? What's that good for?)

Russ

[Dux]

Folks,
All your cars already come with a valet key. No access to Glovebox and trunk.
As for the rev limiter, a 4 digit code would do it.
I'm off to sell my new idea to BMW et al...

[Berndog]

Hey Dux
you can sell it to BMW if I can get half of the Commision for each car they put it in.

thanks

[Dany]

Originally posted by Russ

Hmmm... What is that tiny little plastic key we get with the car good for anyway?

I guess I kinda thought that was a "valet" key, but I suppose it's just a wallet key.

Anyone know if that small plastic key has the same functions as a the larger metal ones (i.e. security chip, memory settings, etc)?

Hi Russ
this is a 'purse' key. It is a emergency key when you have lost the normal one...