there is no battery in the valet key, it is equipped with a coil, and the ring antenna powers this coil to send the password to the EWS, the battery in the master keys have no function on starting the car.

:iagree:..exaclty..

Besides the good info, I was simply glad/slightly surprised it worked, as I didn't
know it was a "regular" key, and had never tried it over all that time.

Since it is strictly mechanical, I can't imagine why it wouldn't work after 8, 10, or 20 years.

Edit: Didn't know it was resister loaded.

My vallet is much flatter. I guess it is just a difference in the production year.

That's the key I have that is stored neatly in my wallet.
I did need it one day so I'm glad it's there.

That isn't the valet key, it is a spare master key, intended for a wallet. MD's photo is of the valet key, so called because it works everything except the glove compartment (where, presumably, you keep valuables when you leave your car with the valet)

I just confirmed that the picture posted by blktoptrvl (the flat plastic key) is indeed the valet key as that plastic key does NOT work on the glove compartment.

[QUOTE]That isn't the valet key, it is a spare master key, intended for a wallet. MD's photo is of the valet key, so called because it works everything except the glove compartment (where, presumably, you keep valuables when you leave your car with the valet)/QUOTE] :thumbup my thoughts exactly ......

If the criteria for a "Valet" key is the fact that it does not
open the glove compartment then "YES" the plastic is indeed
the Valet key. I tried it 5 minutes ago and my plastic key
(See post # 14) not only does not open or lock the glove
compartment it doesn't even fit the glove compartment lock.

Part numbers as follows:
5-21-8-213-931 $38.56 Plastic wallet key. Emergency use. (it will break, no regular use or carry intendeed) (however, it will not open the glove box either)
51-21-8-213-932 $43.23 Valet key, metal but no remote. Intended for carry/valet use. (left key in MD's pic)
66-12-6-955-750 $163.71 Master Key. Remote and daily use.

Had to replace them a while ago.