Here's my valet key, with the cut-off diamond key fob.
It has the functionality of a valet key in that it does only the minimum needed to valet the car - unlock the door and start the car. It does not unlock the glove box. So I can believe it really should be called a valet key.
To determine if other keys could / should be called valet keys, I think the simple test is whether it opens the glove box. As I recall, it has an extra part on the key that prevents it from even fitting in the glove box key slot.
I think the right-side key in @wpoll's post is:
- not the valet key
- would make sense to be called a wallet key
- I expect it can at the least do the functions of a valet key
- Appears to fit the legend I referred to earlier of an all plastic (except the enclosed circuit) key that is not designed for extended usage.
- It may be what I've seen called a "service key", with PN 51218213932
The "illuminated universal" key fits the functional description (fully functional + light) of what I had found called a "master" key (if we are allowed to say that on here) with a PN of 51218213909.
All info and part numbers here should be suspect, but here are more PNs to look up and confirm if you like. And then still doubt them. This info is all at least 5 years old.
51218213931 - Spare key. Valet key. superseded to 51217124770
51218236594 - EWS III key (per the bmw mini parts store.com - shows …931 superseded to this) [no idea what that means]
66126955750 - Diamond key (not the official name, but what everyone calls it). Master Key with remote control. Universal Key with remote control.
